Three private meditations which being, for the most part, of publick concernment, are therefore published, by their author / George Wither.

Author: Wither, George, 1588-1667.1665

Three Private MEDITATIONS Which being, for the most Part, of Publick Concernment, are therefore Published, by their Author GEO. WITHER.

The First, is a Private Thanksgiving, consisting of three Hymns, whereby, GOD is magnified for his Mercy vouchsafed in the late Ingagement between the English and the Dutch, in June 1665. Composed after Celebrating the Publick Thanksgiving commanded by the King.

The Second, is a Sacrifice of Praise and Prayer, by him offered to Almighty GOD, for his providential respect, to Him, his Wife and Children, during his Imprisonment in the disgraceful Goal of Newgate, when left destitute of all ordinary means of subsistance, by being deprived both of his Estate and Liberty.

The Third, Intituled NIL ULTRA, is a Soliloquium, wherein, this Author, expresses the improbability, of an effectual proceeding further, to prevent the Sins & Plagues increasing, by ought, which he can offer to consideration.

Imprinted in the Year, 1665.

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A Private THANK-OBLATION Consisting of Three Hymns, whereby Almighty GOD is magnified for his Mercy vouchsafed in the late Ingagement between the English and the Dutch, in June 1665. after Celebration of the Publick Thanksgiving commanded by the King.

The first Hymn, is a Preparation of the heart, to the duty intended.

NOw, what to GOD's praise belongs,
I will sing in holy Songs;
Who, shall from his heav'nly Quire,
With such straines my heart inspire,
That, (though distant) I, and they
Therein, joyn together may:
For, his influenced Grace
Is not bard, by Time or Place.

2.Let his Raies of Light Divine,
In me, and upon me shine;
Let his holy spirit shake
Drousie flesh, till it shall wake;
[Page 4] Touch my Lips, unlose my Tongue,
That his Praises may be sung;
For, till rouz'd up, from on high,
Dark, and dull and dumb am I.

3.Humane words, cannot impart
What GOD speaketh to my heart,
Nor my faultring tongue declare
All his Operations there,
Yet, I am compell'd sometimes,
In plain Verse, and broken Rimes,
Thus, to stammer out such things,
As to me the spirit brings.

4.To extol what GOD hath done,
Here, I mus [...]ng am alone;
And, do praise him in my heart
For what none can claim a part:
But, what to his praise belongs
Ile now sing in Vocal songs
And, will so his praise declare
That, no man shall therein share.

The Second Hymn being an imperfect Narrative and confession to Gods glory, of what he hath done for us, in the late Ingagement; how little, we have merited the mercies vouchsafed; and how merciful GOD hath been to both Nations.

LORD, in a publick meeting, I, this day
Have joyn'd, a Sacrifice of Thanks to pay;
And, being warmed at the common fire,
(By what external notions could inspire)
[Page 5] To perfect that which is begun,
(And ought in duty to be done)
I, now withdraw into my heart,
To speak to thee, who therein art;
And learn, how, I may to thy praise,
So sanctifie my words and wayes,
That, henceforth, they may more conduce unto
Thy glory, then they heretofore could do.
Oh! let my Meditations be
Made acceptable unto thee.

2.For Victory confer'd, we prais'd thy Name;
We hear, our foes have likewise done the same.
And doubtless, whosoever lost or won,
To thee, are praises due for what is done,
Yea, no less praise for what is lost,
Then that, for which we triumph most;
The one our pride may elevate,
The other, humble us, for that
Which was mis-acted, or mis-spoke:
For, Thou, who heed of both hast took,
So graciously, oh Lord, hast shar'd betwixt
Both Nations, sweet with bitter, intermixt,
That, no man, this day duly keeps,
Save he, who therein sings and weeps.

3.For, all Transactions, which concern in gross
Our publick, or our private gain, or loss
(And, which unto our knowledge, fame doth bring)
Well-weighd) gives cause, no less to weep, then sing.
The good successes we have had
Abate some fears to make us glad;
The hopes, which those events do give
(Of what we willingly believe)
[Page 6] So high our expectations rear
As if, he we were above all fear.
But, when we hear the many Lamentations
For loss of Limbs, Lives, and belov'd Relations,
To sadness, all our Ioy it turns,
And, he, who much rejoyced mourns.

4.A final Conquest is not yet obtain'd;
That, rarely with one Victory is gain'd:
For, they who loose at first, at last, may win,
By mending faults, with which, they did begin.
And, they who did at first prevail,
Find, oftentimes, their hopes to fail
Because to trustless things they trust,
Or else, employ to feed their Lust,
That, which thy Majesty intends
Should strengthen them to better ends.
When, therefore most Victorious we appear,
Let us rejoyce, but, with a trembling fear,
Lest, when the rowling wheel shall turn,
We, who rejoice, find cause to mourn.

5.Thou art but little pleas'd (if ought at all)
To see us triumph, when our foes do fall;
Especially, when they (though ours they be)
Are thy known enemies, no more then we.
To be our GOD, we thee profess;
They (to our knowledge) do no less.
We say, our trust is in thy Name,
They may as truly, say the same.
Their sins are many; we are sure
(Or may be) that, ours are not fewer.
We have not yet, our hopes at full enjoy'd;
Nor are their expectations quite destroy'd;
[Page 7] To praise thee therefore, we and they,
Are equally oblig'd this day.

6.We say, the Dutch to us ingrateful be,
Our Conscience tells us, we are so to thee.
They with our Nation cruelly have dealt;
Our inhumanity, thy Saints have felt.
Their Avarice, makes them oppress;
Ill husbandry and idleness,
Have made our wayes, as grievous prove,
To those, who seek for peace in love.
And, we, and they pursue the course
Most likely, to make bad things worse.
Then, Lord, which off us, justly can expect
That, our Contests, should have a good effect?
Or, that the one should have a place
Above the other in thy Grace?

7.Had it so pleased thee, thou at first Shock,
Both Earthen Pitchers, mightst have justly broke;
But they, (as if they had been made of leather)
Are onely bruiz'd by being knockt together:
Which, in meer love, to us and them,
Thou didst vouchsafe, to give us time,
With more advisement to take heed,
What, by Contention will succeed;
Lest both before their quarrels end,
Be broke like pots, which none can mend.
Lord, were there but that mercy, and no more,
In that, which we pretend to praise thee for,
It merits from this, and that Nation,
An everlasting Thank-oblation.

[Page 8]
8.For, in this mercy, unto both extended,
Are very many mercies comprehended,
So complicated, one within another,
And, to thy Judgments, linked so together,
That, if we could be brought to learn
How, they both Nations do concern;
To what, each Judgment doth direct,
What every mercy might effect;
What, we should seek, what we should shun,
And, what, ought timely to be done;
The wisest men among us, could not tell
Whether, those things which us have pleased well,
Or, that, which grieves us most, shall best
Thy loving kindness manifest.

9.The Trophies, which most men delight to raise,
As testimonies of a thankful praise,
For what thou daign'st, are but a medly mirth,
Of wholsome simples, mixt with coursest earth,
Or, with such noisome weeds, as grow
Upon dunghils here below,
That, to thy nostrils and thine eyes,
Offensive fumings vaporize,
Which do provoke thine anger more,
Then many errors heretofore:
And, that which for thine honor, some pretend,
Is for their own praise, or a baser end;
Either, to satisfie their Lust,
Or, praise false gods in which they trust.

10.My GOD, look not severely upon this,
Or, on ought else, that hath been done amiss;
[Page 9] For, no oblation can from us proceed,
Which will deserve a favourable heed.
Some of our offerings, now and then,
May beneficial be to men,
Or, to thy Saints on earth extend,
If we confer them to that end
For which, they seem to be bestown
(And, in their welfare, seek our own:)
But, to advantage thee, the precioust thing,
Which, we to please, or to appease, can bring,
Adds nothing; though thou pleased art,
With what comes from a faithful heart.

11.Be mindful still, that we are flesh and blood,
Whence, nothing can expected be that's good,
Till by his Cross it shall be mortify'd,
Who, to redeem it from corruption dy'd.
Remember whereof we are made;
That ev'n the best of us are bad;
Our seeming sanctified joyes,
Uncomely actions and rude noise,
Which make thy best beloved sory,
Instead of adding to thy glory.
Oh! let hereof, a free unfain'd confession,
(A burnt oblation made by true contrition,
And, hallow'd by Christs blood) purge hence,
All, that▪ which gives to thee offence.

12.The more thou shalt inlarge our wealth and power,
Our selves, let us lay down so much the lower;
And, rather use them to unite together
In love, then in destroying one another.
He, in the best mode gives thee praise,
Who, ordereth aright his wayes;
[Page 10] Who, justifies thee in thy will,
By thereunto, conforming still;
And brings to thee a contrite heart,
Ascribing thereto no desert:
This is, most gracious GOD, a sacrifice,
Which thou didst never (never wilt) despise;
And, such a sacrifice, I pray
Make that, which I present this day.

13.Unfaigned thanks my heart returns to thee,
For that, which thou hast done, what e're it be,
Against, or for us: hearty thanks we owe
Both for what thou withholdst, and dost bestow.
Prosperity is no true sign
Who is a Favourite of thine;
Nor any one dost thou reject,
Whom frequently thou dost correct,
Unless he be more wilful far
Then fraile, as very many are;
And whether thou dost give us wounds, or heal,
It will at last conduce unto our weal,
If we, (but as we may) persever
In contributing our endeaver.

14.Two of thy greatest Plagues, on us, now lie;
The third is threatned, and seems very nigh:
Thy other Judgments also scatred are
So thick, though these three Kindoms evry where,
That, by them, very few or none,
Have scaped being seiz'd upon;
Or, being pincht, in what relates
Unto their Person or Estates:
Yet, sin doth most men so besot,
As if thy frowns they feared not;
[Page 11] And, are more zealous others to destroy,
Then, of the meanes their own peace to enjoy;
A madness, which worse plagues procures,
Then pestilential Calentures.

15.Arise oh GOD, advance thy Throne on high;
Thy self, let thine own actings glorifie.
Thy Justice and thy Mercy so unite
That, they may honor thee in all mens sight.
Rebuke those who delight in war,
And, to thy Saints injurious are:
Give peace to those, who peace affect,
And, them from all their foes protect,
That, Righteousness and Peace may hither
Return, and here, still raign together.
Thy foes, are now become exceeding strong,
Thy coming, therefore, Lord, defer not long.
But, I have done: for, thou, with powre
Art coming, and wilt keep thine hour.

16.Dear GOD, this petty sacrifice of mine,
Was took out of a Treasury of thine,
And, of mine own, I, naught can thereto add,
Except my heart, which, from thee, too, I had.
Kept to thy self, now, let that be,
And, never left again to me,
Or wander thither, where it may
Unto the world be made a prey;
Or, by the temptings of the Devil,
Be drawn unto the love of evil;
Then, this (and that, which I have heretofore,
To praise thee offer'd) thee, shal praise much more,
Then many things, done, heard, and told,
In Temples, deckt with silk, and gold.

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The third Hymn, proceeds to a thankful Illustration of GOD's deserved Praise, by acknowledging his Almightiness; his observing what hath been openly and secretly done in ev'ry part of the world, by both the said Nations, and that no praise is justly due to either of us, but shame rather, for ought performed in the said Ingagement.

MOst Almighty LORD of Hoasts,
High Protector of our Coasts,
Who, commandst, as thou dost please,
Fire and Water, Earth and Seas;
Who, lookst down from heav'n, upon
All that here on earth is done,
And, survey'st her darkest parts,
Ev'n the Crannies of mens hearts.

2.Thou beheldst the Prepartions
Of these wilful Neighbring Nations;
Thou, hast heard what they have spoken,
Heedest what such words betoken:
Thou hast search'd out their Designs,
With what thereto them inclines,
And, knowst whether of the two,
Is the worst, if one be so.

3.Thou, observest what was done;
Not in Africa alone
Or, both Indies; but, what was
Done, likewise, in ev'ry place:
Why the English and the Dutch
Are divided now so much:
[Page 13] What is false, with what is true;
And, to which most blame is due.

4.Thou remembrest, what Relations
Have been long between these Nations,
What professions to each other,
They did make when knit together;
Yea, what they profest to thee,
Which now seems forgot to be,
As if they were not such men,
Or such Christions, now, as then.

5.To prevent what is begun,
Much, by thee, was timely done;
But, their Avarice and Pride,
Them, did more and more divide.
To self-will they did adhere
Like men without wit, or fear;
So, thou leftst them both, to do
What they were inclin'd unto.

6.Then, with Streamers and with Flags,
Foolish vaunts, and shameless braggs,
They weigh'd Anchors from the shore,
Which, by some, was seen no more;
And, with an unchristian rage
'Gainst each other did ingage;
Fire and Water, in that hour,
Striving which should most devour.

7.Dread of Death, that man amazes;
Noise, and smoke, and sudden blazes
This man blinds, and deafneth so
That, he knows not Friend from Foe.
[Page 14] Some, are slain by their own Tools,
Wise-men speed as ill as Fools;
Here, a Valiant Souldier dies,
There, a Coward sprawling lies.

8.Loud the thundring Guns did roar,
Sails, and Masts, and Keels were tore;
Ships, were either split, or fir'd;
Men, by thousands, there expir'd,
This man sinks, and that man swims,
Some escapd, with loss of limbs,
But, to whether best befell,
Thou alone, oh Lord, canst tell.

9.Horrid sights, and sounds without,
Them assaulted round about,
Which, in some, did thoughts begin
That, rais'd greater Frights within;
And, though wounds did grieve them sore
That, tormented them much more;
For, their pains, none can declare,
Who, in spirit wounded are.

10.This, we know, that thou art just,
As is ev'ry thing thou dost:
Thou, art kind, and lov'st so well,
That by woundings, thou dost heal.
Thou art wise, and actest so,
That, we thereby, we wise might grow;
And, by what was lately done,
Might new mercies be begun.

11.Not to us, LORD, for the same,
Be the praise, but, to thy Name:
[Page 15] Unto us, for what was done,
Nought belongs, but shame alone.
We, were so much terrify'd,
That, we knew not what we did,
Nor yet seem to understand,
What work, thou hast now in hand.

12.This Correction was in Love,
Which, if both should so improve
As (if they had grace) they may
By true penitence, this day
Our, endeavour to be Friends,
To thine honor, so much tends,
That, it would for both these Nations,
Prove the best, of their Oblations.

13.Victories, do not belong
To an Arm of Flesh, though strong.
'Tis nor Policy nor Force,
Ships, nor Troops of Men and Horse;
No, nor formal thanks and prayrs,
That prevents Death or Despairs;
But, it is thy powerful Arm,
That secures from fear and harm.

14.Therefore, praise, for all well done,
I ascribe to thee alone:
All, that men have brought to pass,
Merits nothing but Disgrace;
And the best that we can do,
Will but Ruine add thereto,
If we keep our crooked wayes,
Or, shall grudge at thy due praise.

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ARESOLVE, Occasioned by somewhat spoken concerning this Thank-Oblation, and this Authors other Writings.

IT may be, many will these Hymns contemn,
Because, they do not relish well to them.
They likewise, may Inferiour Gods offend,
Because in this Oblation, I intend
No praise to them, but that, praise should be given
To magnifie alone, my GOD in heaven.
The first of these, I leave to their own mode,
In offring up Oblations unto GOD:
For, if well-pleasing unto him they be,
They cannot be distasteful unto me;
And, whatsoever they of me shall say,
I may be thereby profited some way.
As for the latter, there is little need
That, I, to their deserving should take heed:
For, Prophets, Priests, and Poets of their own
Enough they have, to make their merits known.
These, to extoll their Patrons, can, and may
Write more, and speak much more, then I dare say,
Who, (whatsoe'er advantage thence may flow,)
Can praise no man, for what I do not know.
These, do as their Inspirers, them incline,
And, I do, as I am inspir'd by mine.

Moreover, it becomes not him, who sings
A Song of praise unto the King of Kings,
The Attributes of men to intermingle
With his (as to those works he worketh single)
[Page 17] That, were to follow their absurd example
Who worship GOD and Baal within one Temple,
Or Chroni [...]cle the Deeds by HERO's done,
With Tales of Robin Hood, and Little John:
For these respects, I know men Sober-witted
Will me excuse for what may seem omitted;
And, as for those men, who so prudent are not,
Whether, they me excuse, or no, I care not.

To my Dearly Beloved Children.

ABout twenty years now past though I had then temporal possessions, which I might probly have given and bequeathed, I composed and intended for your Legacy, A Soliloquie and Prayer which I had spread in Writing before GOD on your behalves; and I believe it shall continue for ever in his view: But, there being but one Coppy thereof, both you and I were deprived of that Composure, when the Book for which I here suffer was taken out of my Closet. Therefore, being now likely to be so separted from you, how much soever it may concern our temporal or spiritual well-beings, that I may thenceforth perhaps never see you more. I send you this Sacrifice of Praise and Prayer, next following, to be instead of that which is lost; for it contains in effect somewhat, (as to the Petitionary part) of that which was spread before GOD (as aforesaid) in a larger Scrol. Take it into your serious considerations, and lay it up among your Evidences; For it will speak to your advantage, when I can speak no more for you; when other men who can speak for you, will not; when many perhaps will speak [Page 18] against you, and when you shall not be able to speak for your selves.

GOD, sanctifie unto you this brief Memorandum, and you to his glory, that we may all meet together in him to our everlasting joy. Be obedient to your Mother, the enjoyment of whose Company, will more then recompence the loss of mine; For GOD hath endowed her with so much maternal prudence and love, that by her counsel, (if you despise it not) your Posterity may be continued on the Earth untill Christ comes to gather together his Elect. Remember the counsel of your earthly Father, that the promise made by your heavenly Father to the Rechabites may be inlarged to you and your Posterities; For, your and their personal obedience to GODs Covenant made with all Mankind in Christ Jesu, will be required (according to that assisting Grace which he vouchsafeth) toward the accomplishing of what I have prayed for concerning you. The blessing of GOD be with you, and Farewell.

Your Affectionate Father, GEO: WITHER.

Newgate Feb. 15. 1662.

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A Sacrifice of Praise and Prayer Offered unto Almighty GOD, by George Wither for his gracious Providence, in providing for Him, his Wife and Children, during his Imprisonment in the disgraceful Gaol of NEWGATE, and when left destitute of all ordinary means of subsistance, by being deprived both of his Estate and Liberty.

LORD, though my Prayers and my Praises, be
Unworthy to be offred up to thee,
Thus (as I am obliged) I assay
To adde unto thine honor what I may,
By publishing both with my Tongue and Pen,
Thy Loving kindness to the Sons of men;
Especially, in those particulars
Whereby thy kindness unto me appears.

Prais'd be thy blessed Name; For, thou art speedy
In shewing thy compassion to the needy;
And leav'st not any suffrer in despair
Who, timely seeks thy help by faithful prayer,
In patient waiting during his probation,
For thy appointed hour of Salvation.
Of this, thy never failing Clemency,
Few men have had more evidence then I,
Or in all straights, vouchsaf'd more seasnably
A needfull, and a competent supply
[Page 20] Yea though my suffrings have been great & many
And, I, in flesh as sensible as any
Of ev'ry grievance, thou hast by their length
Improved so my patience and my strength,
That, oft such grievances, were not alone
As tollerable as if they were none:
But, such as also, have my joy increast
When I to other men seem'd most opprest.
For, though I have compleated now, well-near,
In weal and woe, the three and fiftieth year,
And six Confinements, since I first begun
That work, which I thought needful to be done;
Thou hast preserv'd me so, and me so armed,
Against all changes, that, none me hath harmed:
Which, unto me, a knowledge doth derive
Of what thou art, that's more then speculative;
That, what experimentally I speak,
In other men, may more impression make,
Then when I Notions only shall declare,
That were infus'd into me, through the ear.
And 'tis not thy least Mercy, that of late,
Thou dost their seeming Charity abate,
Who, thought, they might thereby have tempted
To wrong my conscience, and be false to thee, me
By smothring, or Adulterating that
Which, to Truths vindication may relate:
For, when with needful food men bait their hook,
The heedless hungry Fishes are soon took;
And, whether, we confide in thee or no,
Whilst we have Oil and Meal, tis hard to know.

Nor, I, nor mine, (though rob'd of all) ought lack,
That's needful for the belly, or the back.
Thou hast my Wife and Children cloth'd and fed,
When I could give them neither Cloth nor Bread;
[Page 21] And, from the earth, when (in seed branch & root)
I seemed likely to be rooted out,
My Withred sprouts, were then by the re-planted,
Where they enjoy the nourishment they wanted:
So timely, and in such a manner too,
Was that vouchsafd, which thou were pleas'd to do,
That, for it, my well-wishers prais'd thy Name;
And vext thereat, my envious foes become.
Especially, in that place, where their worst
And last despights, were manifested first;
For, there, and in their sight, by whom undone
I seem'd to be, that mercy was begun.

The Families, from whom I was design'd
To take my Being, thou hast now twice joyn'd,
And, their two Surnames, being joyn'd together,
Denominate my Grandson, HUNT L' WITHER,
Who, is in possibility to have
Earth of his own, wherein to make his Grave;
And find a livelyhood whilst here he lives,
If he, thy Bounty thankfully receives;
(And, no whit farther shall be trusted in,
Then that should be, which hath supplyed been
Instead of what I lost) For, Lord, in thee,
(And, not in what thou giv'st) our trust should be.

My only Daughter, when left portionless,
And without any likely hopefulness
Of more then thou didst on her Birthday give her;
Yea, when I was disabled to relieve her
Thou didst, ev'n in that great necessity,
Espouse into a Loving Family,
Enobled, by a Pedigree, or Steem
Which hath no blemish to disparage them;
Or, such wants, as may make the reputation
Of Births, and Titles loose their estimation.
[Page 22] Oh! let thy so uniting them together,
Make them a mutual blessing to each other;
And, by considring with due thankfulness,
What thou hast done for me in my distress,
Make both my Children, and their whole descent
With thy good pleasure, at all times content;
That, they to others, good example giving,
By their woell-doing, joyn'd with right believing,
(And likewise heeding how thou dost proceed
With such as in thy Fatherhood confide)
They never may despair, though quite berest
Of what their earthly Fathers might have left:
And, from my personal experiments,
Let them, thereof to minde them, take some hints.

For, when I by the world, seem'd quite forsaken
And, she, with Lands and Goods, from me had taken
My Liberty; that, what then grieved me
Might more imbitter'd, and redoubled be
By what my Children suffred; when, they had
Mo means of comfort, and, thereby grew sad:
Thou, didst for that a Remedy provide,
By making them, a Bridegoome, and a Bride
(Whilst I imprison'd was within that place
Which added to my Poverty disgrace)
To my good liking, and their own content,
Without self-seeking, or dispargement.
This providential mercy, did appear
The more, in that, they likewise married were,
(As I awhile before, presag'd they should)
Without such portions, as I lately could
Have given them, when thou didst me disable
Not without cause. And, tis considerable
That, they kept both their Weddings in the sight
Of those, who them pursude with most despight;
[Page 23] Ev'n in my plundred house, and at that time,
In which my wife, had not to welcome them
A dish or spoon, but what a neighbour lent;
Or Meat, but what by thee was thither sent.
Yea, thou hast, when the world deni'd us bread
Me, and my Consort, competently fed.
(E're since, the world depriv'd us of our own)
By them, whose faces are to us unknown;
To evidence, that all thy Saints are friends,
To him, who on thy providence depends,
And to the utmost of his power persevers
In just and conscientious endeavers:
Yea, though corruption so in him prevaileth,
That of his duty many waies he faileth.
He, hoping those Experiments, to some
May comfortable in like streights become,
Thus, for their sakes, in words exprest they be;
For, without words, all things are known to thee.

All this consider'd, I obliged am
To take unto my self deserved shame,
When, therewith I well heed, how oft, by sin,
To thy Commands, I have rebellious been;
As also, that exceeding graciousness,
Which thou to me vouchsafest ne'rtheless:
And, it begets in me a greater fear,
Then when thy Chastisements upon me are;
For, in correcting me, thou art more mild
Then is a loving Father to his Child,
When he not only chideth, but intreats,
Kind language, mixing also, with his threats;
Whips him, then kisseth; and sometimes to see
Him weep doth shed as many tears as he.

LORD, for those mercies, graciously afforded,
(Well meriting, by me to be recorded)
[Page 24] Accept this petty Sacrifice of Praise,
And, make us truly thankful all our dayes,
(Not only in our verbal Thank-oblations
But also, in our lives and conversations)
For, though we cannot golden gifts prefer
Yet, we may offer Frankincense and Myrrh;
And from him, who hath not a Lamb to give,
A Dove, thou with acceptance wilt receive.
Vouchsafe us, in each temporary trial
A constant progress with true self-denial;
Let not the Benefits we have received
Be underpriz'd, because we were bereaved
Of those externals, which we have enjoyed,
For, their enjoyment might have us destroyed;
Yea, those whom thou mak'st poor thou lov'st as much
As those, whom thou art pleased to inrich;
And, by thy Grace▪ we may advantage make,
Of whatsoever thou dost Give or Take.

Keep me and mine from that Prevarication
Which turns thy proffer'd grace, to Reprobation
Incline us to desire, and to embrace
All means of perseverance in thy Grace,
And, never let the asking, or the granting,
Of any necessary gift be wanting.
Make us to shun and hate, all things, whereby
We may offend thy awful Majesty;
Nor limiting thy Mercy, neither slandring
Thy just Decrees, as causes of our wandring:
For, no man to be wicked is inforc'd,
Or left by thee, untill he leaves thee first;
Which▪ all men will confess when from their eyes
That scurffe is rub'd, which yet upon them lies.

So knit us in one True love knot together
By loving thee, and love to one another.
[Page 25] That, we in all Temptations fast may stand
And Sathan, nor the world dissolve that band;
For, where Love, in the heart keeps residence,
Diff rence in Judgment, gives no more offence
Then diff'ring faces, although more delight
We take in those, who love and judge aright.
When we offend, Correct us as our Father
With all thy Temporary scourges, rather
Then suffer sins, by sins to be corrected,
(Which is the greatest Plague can be inflicted)
And that, we faint not underneath thy Rod,
With stripes, mix mercy still, my gracious GOD.

I ask nor Honors, Liberty, nor Wealth,
Nor temporary pleasures no nor health,
Save, so far only, as hou knowst the use
Of such things to thine honor may conduce
With our eternal safety, and the Good
Of those with whom we have a Brotherhood.
And, hereto, I will add, but this Request
(Which comprehends all that can be exprest)
For me and mine. Oh! let it LORD, be plac [...]t,
Where it may stand, as long as Time shall last,
Within thy sight; and though, nor I, nor they
For whom I sue, can merit what I pray,
Vouchsafe it, for his sake, in whom I have
So much confided, as his Boone to crave.

Let us Dear GOD, from whom our Children sprung,
And, all their Off-spring, whether old or young,
Who, from our loins have being, or shall come
Into this world, untill the day of Doom,
By him be so preserved, at whose cost
Redeem'd we were, that no soul may be lost,
Or be deprived of thy promises
In passing thorow this lifes wilderness,
[Page 26] Either by Adams fault, or our own guilt;
And then, of other things give what thou wilt:
For, this I value more, then if I had
Thy Grant, we should all Kings and Queens be made,
Possessing in this life the largest measure
Of temporary honors, wealth, and pleasure.
For they are Baubles, in respect of that
My sanctify'd Ambition aimeth at.
They who obtain'd most of them, were but slaves
Who dropt with Infamy into their Graves;
And oft less misery, to them befalls
Who get their bread, by robling under stalls;
Or, in this world, advanced are no higher
Then raking dirty rags out of the mire.
Thus, I in brief, have summ'd up my Request;
Grant this, and let who pleaseth, take the rest.

LORD, I know none, who, ever heretofore
Did in this mode, thy Majesty implore;
And, from what he believes of thee it comes,
That, so to do, thy servant now presumes.
Forgive me if this absolute Petition
Extends beyond the bound of my Commission;
For, nothing I intend, what ere I crave,
Save, what thou art well-pleased I should have,
Whose will I so prefer before mine own
In all things (if to me my heart is known)
That whatsoever may succeed thereon
Now, or hereafter, Let thy will be done.
My soul thou hast inclined to belive
His Promises, who said, Ask, and receive;
Help then my unbelief: For, if the grant
Of this Petition shall that fulness want
Which is desir'd; no want of Love in thee
Occasions it, but, some defects in me;
[Page 27] And, that Obstruction, which thereon is cast,
Shall by thy Love removed be at last.
He that in Faith and Love can to this Prayer
Say, for himself, Amen, shall nev'r dispaire;
For, it implies, he is no stranger to
What, man may hope for, and what, GOD, will do.

Newgate Feb. 1661.

An Advertisement.

WHen that private Poem, was taken from me' for which I am now a Prisoner, many Printed Books, Writings, and Evidences, being my proper Goods, were therewith unlawfully taken away; among which, there was a Manuscript in Verse, Intituled A Legacy to my Children, consisting (as I remembember) of about three or four sheets, wherein, that which is prayed for in the preceeding Meditation, in relation to my Posterity, was much inlarged with Expostulations and Petitions thereto pertinent. The Restoration thereof, I would acknowledge to be a favour, though it ought not in justice to be detained, because it contains nothing offensive to the Civil or Spiritual Government now Established: And this Advertisement is inserted, in hope, one of those to whose hand it may come, will be a means of restoring unto me both that Manuscript, and an Elegy, which was also therewith taken from me. I would likewise be thankful to the Restorer.

Geo. Wither.

At my House in the Savoy, June 1665. was this Advertisement added.

[Page 28]

NIL ULTRA. Being a Soliloquie, wherein this Author, sxpresseth the improbability of an offectual proceeding further, in his endeavours (to prevent the Sins and Plegues increasing) by ought offered to consideration.

Psalm 1. 3.‘When Foundations are destroyed, what can the Righteous do?’

I, At a Non-plus, am this day,
And, know not what to think or say,
Or, what part I am next to play:
That, therefore, which I now expresse,
Whether the mask I misse or hitt,
To publick view I will commit,
And, leave to GOD, the giving it
In his own time, a good successe.

[Page 29]
2.We neither love his Lawes nor him;
Those men, whose Deeds we did condemn
We (by our imitating them)
Have justified in all their works.
They, who have seemed self-deniers,
In their professing Truths, are liers,
Like Lillies look, but scratch like Briars;
Talk, Christian-like, but, live like Turks.

3.Some, say I dote; and that 'tis so,
I almost am perswaded too,
When I consider what I do:
For little less then doteth he,
Who gives them bread, who look for Chaffe,
Casts pearls to swine, who long for Draff,
And strives to save them, who do laugh
When sinking down to hell they be.

4.Examples we have had of old,
And, daily, we fulfil'd behold,
What, hath been oft, of late foretold;
Yet, more and more besotted grow.
Nor Chastisements nor Mercy shew'd,
Though oft withdrawn, and oft renew'd,
Nor what hath for our sins ensude,
Can make us heed the things we know.

5.What can by me, be said or done,
To stop them, who still headlong run,
To meet the mischieves coming on,
And, which already are in view?
Since, men will neither see nor hear
What is apparant ev'ry where,
[Page 30] Nor have Grace, Courage, wit or fear,
Who can prevent what may ensue?

6.How can Good sequels be expected,
Where Truth and Reason are neglected,
And, gross crime, not alone suspected,
But, acted also, with shame?
Where, men all prophanations dare,
In all well-doing, cowards are,
And seem to have nor sense, nor care,
Either of good, or evil Fame?

7.When, what relates to earth and heav'n,
Seems of it proper use hereaven,
(And what for common use was given,
Made, only, for th' Abusers sake)
VVhat humane wit, can save them from
A sad inevitable doom,
VVho, false to other men become,
And, pitfalls, for themselves do make?

8.VVhen first I did converse with men,
They were exceeding wicked then;
But, now seem worse by five in ten:
For, till of late, I never heard,
That, such abominations were,
So impudently acted, here
VVithin this clime, as now they are
By probable Reports, aver'd.

9.If, Justice executed were,
If, we were what we would appear,
In thought, in deeds and word, sincere,
Oppressors, and self-seekers fewer;
[Page 31] It might be hoped, that, those few,
VVho, to good principles are true,
Might more successefully pursue
VVhat would at last, our weal procure.

10.But, whilst we see, one crying sin
Brings ev'ry day, another in,
VVence new CorruptioNs do begin,
VVhat, can the Righteous hope or do;
But, meekly wait on GOD. (untill
Her measure, wickedness doth fill)
Submitting all things to his will,
And, adding their Amen, therero?

11.VVhilst we each mangie humour claw
Turn Grand Oppressions into Law,
Stand nor of GOD, or men in awe,
And, Truths, by Violence confute;
VVe bring but fewel to that fire,
Or, breath to blow the flame still higher,
VVherein, our hopes will quite expire;
And, Prudence then, is justly mute.

12.For, when GOD threatens Desolations,
If men turn due humiliations,
To Triumphs, and vain Recreations;
VVhat, can be justly then expected?
But, changing hopes into despairs,
More Breaches, instead of Repairs,
And, that our formal thanks and prayers,
Should be offensive, and rejected?

[Page 32]
13.Oft, under Trust is hatched Treason,
VVise to be thought, is to want Reason,
Sincerity is out of season,
Foundations, likewise, are orethrown:
To speak the Truth is now a Crime
To look for Justice, 'tis no time,
(To be a Knave, the way to elime)
And, sin, almost full ripe is grown.

14.My witness, therefore, having born,
(Among men in the hope forlorn)
I'le, all alone, sit down and mourn
For that, which cannot be prevented.
My Lot, I le meekly take with those,
VVhom, GOD, shall unto that expose,
VVhich may befall both Friends and Foes,
And, therewith will remain contented.

15.This, now, is all that can be done;
That, therefore, I resolving on,
VVill let the world awhile alone,
And, GOD, therein, to work his wil?;
Ile only take that Ammunition,
VVhich gives no just cause of suspicion,
And (without seeking their perdition)
Let filthy men, be filthy still.

16.Thus far forth, I have trod the Maze,
VVithout offence to any cause,
Thats justifide, by Righteous Laws;
But, now, no further can proceed:
For, so, confusion here abounds,
That, Good and Evil, it confounds,
[Page 33] And whirles us in an endless Round,
Which fruitless makes both word and deed.

17.For, they who dance upon the brinck
Of Hell it self (and fondly think
They are secure because they wink;)
Their open danger cannot see,
But, are so vext to hear me tell
Their Heaven borders upon Hell;
That, for my wishing of them well,
They wish but little good to me.

18.Perhaps too, as the Round now goes,
They who my good intents oppose,
(And are both mine and their own foes)
May seek to take my life away:
If they so do; when that is done,
I shall beyond their reach be gone;
And he who all deeds looks upon,
Will suddenly, their spight repay.

19.Yet, I shall make no such Request,
As may not with their we [...]l consist:
I, neither by the Sword, or Pest,
Or Famine, wish aveng'd to be;
Or by ought else, which might destroy
The life which here they do enjoy,
(Though they that Mercy mis-employ;)
This, rather shall my Prayer be.

20.Let GOD confound their pride, their hate,
And all their Plots annihilate
Who shall design to practise that
Which may to his dishonor tend.
[Page 34] Let none of those endeavours thrive,
Whereby ungodly men contrive;
How, they another may deprive
Of his just freedom, Foe, or Friend.

21.This deprecation, doth not reach
Mens Persons, or that Love impeach
Which Christian Verity doth teach:
For, to avenge themselves of wrong,
That, giveth liberty to none;
But, to do good for evil done
Required is of every one,
To whom a Saintship doth belong.

22.The publick welfare I prefer
Before mine own particular;
And this for truth I may aver,
Who ever shall the same deny;
My Countrey, or my Sovereign Lord,
Neither by actions, or by word,
Or by my Pen, or by my Sword,
To self-ends, injured have I.

23.I have not broke my Faith to those
Who did a Trust in me repose,
Whether they prov'd my Friends, or Foes,
But, did with Loyalty submit
To do, or suffer under them
Who exercise; the Power Supream,
Which is at the dispose of him
Who gives and takes, as he sees fit.

24.I never did for Love or Hate
Act, or Design, to innovate
[Page 35] The Government of Church or State,
But did my duties in my place;
And when I fear'd, that for our sin
An Anarchy was creeping in,
Endeavor'd, when it did begin,
How, to preserve the Common-Peace.

25.When Civil Powers were so divided,
That then, both Fools and Wise men sided
As Interest or Conscience guided,
I sought not to inlarge the rent;
But, being called Aid to bring,
To, (and by) them, whose counselling
Had been Authoriz'd by the King,
I, to perform my duty, went.

26.Retir'd from Court and City then,
I liv'd among plain Countrymen,
Employing otherwhile, the Pen,
My private Musings to record;
Which, I had more desire to do,
Then that which I was call'd unto,
Till I was importuned so
That, I at last, put on my Sword.

27.To do my best, forth arm'd I came,
(My Conscienee warranting the same)
And purpos'd nothing worthy blame,
By unjust violence, or guile.
For, in sincerity I thought
A course we follow'd as we ought,
Whereby, means might to pass be brought,
Divided Friends to reconcile.

[Page 36]
But, so divisions them inrag'd,
Who were in that Contest ingag'd,
And, such ill consequents presag'd,
That, I my Troop did soon disband;
And, hopeless I should ought assay
Successful in a martial war,
My Sword, and Arms quite flung away,
And took my Pen again in hand.

29Such new Adventures this began,
That, I appeared to be than
Betwixt the Fire and Frying-pan:
For, such proceedings I espy'd;
That, they who wi [...]h the best intent
Pursu'd the way in which they went
(And ill to neither party meant)
Found least respect, on either side.

30To see what was done well; or ill,
I had just cause, against my will,
To be there, an ey-witness still,
Where grand Affairs transacted were.
As well the Person as the Name
I knew of most men, who by Fame
Were said to merit praise or blame,
And, who did best or worst appear.

31.Self-love, base Avarice, and Pride,
I saw among themselves divide
The publick Rights, on either side;
Their, Foes befriending out of season,
Well-meaning Innocents destroying,
Their power to favour guilt employing,
[Page 37] And, often, to a self-destroying,
Against their Friends committing Treason.

32.I saw both GOD and Man offended,
Much finding fault, but little mended,
Good Life and Piety pretended;
But, few whose words and works were one:
They who most quarrell'd with each other,
In evil so agreed together,
That to repose a trust in either,
I found but little cause, or none.

33.The worse men were, they seem'd the better,
To serve their ends, and much the fitter
To be inriched, and made greater.
Him who did most indulge their sin,
Or, to inflame their lust brought fuell,
Or, were unto their foes most cruel,
They kept about them as a Jewel;
And, such, their chief esteem did win.

34.Such as had neither Grace nor Wit,
Such as Job judged men unfit
Among his Shepherds dugs to sit,
Even such as were, the other day,
More worthy of contempt then those
Who liv'd by picking Hips and Sloes
(With such food as on Hedges grows)
Were honor'd; yea, few more then they.

35.These having scratcht up wealth and power
In Court, and City, Town, and Tower,
Did act as if our fatal hour
Were hither making an advance:
[Page 38] The mean while, men, here and abroad,
At Hazzard plaid, in such a mode,
(At hide, at Even, and at Odd)
As if all things were rul'd by chance.

36.Thereby, my hazzards greater were
Then those which I had cause to fear,
When War most dreadful did appear:
For, at what I before had done,
One party only, took offence;
But, I have anger, ever since,
All parties, who have lost the sence
Of what they seem to carry on.

37.This, made me dip my Pen in Gall,
Imparrially reproving all
Without regard what might befal
To me, whilst just things I intended:
For, alwayes I regarded so
Their honor, and their profit too;
With whom my Muses had to do,
That, none have cause to be offended.

38.It ne'retheless, on me so brought
Their hate, whose welfare I had sought,
That of mine own, they left me nought
Which might my likely want supply:
No place whereon to rest my head,
No certainty of daily bread,
But, in my old Age to be fed
And cloathed, by pure Charity.

39.In which strait, GOD provided so
That, I yet live his work to do,
[Page 39] Well pleased with my portion too;
Yea, more then when it larger seem'd;
For, what's bereaved was but Lumber,
Which did with many cares becumber,
And, is not put into the number
Of things which merit best esteem.

40.I therefore, whatsoe're befel,
To high and low did plainly tell,
(Whether they took it ill or well)
Such things as I thought needful were;
And oft expressed with my Pen,
What might minde me and other men,
More heed to take, both how, and when,
Unto our selves, we traytors are.

41.And, Time to come, when I am dead,
Shall finde, there will be still much need,
To tollerate one in my stead,
That may persue what I begun.
When God so pleaseth, let him come
To do him service in my room,
And, let the work he calls me from,
Thrive better, then it yet hath done.

42.My time is almost wholly past;
And, thinking this may be the last,
For a Nil Ultra here 'tis plac't
As having no more now to say:
But if my life God longer spare,
And shall my heart a new prepare,
His pleasure further to declare,
I'le take this Bounder-stone away.

[Page 40]
43.I sute it thus, unto these times,
In that with which most fancies chimes,
Expressing that in gingling Rimes,
Which I suppose to be in season:
Else little heed they give thereto;
Or, if plain Truths observe they do,
Good meanings are mistaken so,
That, safe it is not to speak Reason.

44.Things may result sometimes perchance,
Ev'n from a trifling circumstance,
Which will be helpful to advance
Th' effecting of a Grand Design.
Once e're Elisha would begin
To speak, a Fidler was call'd in;
Of use, that seem'd then to have been
For his Work; so, may this for mine.

Man proposeth, but GOD disposeth, and his will be done.

God save the King.

[Page 41]

Here followeth a brief Defence in answer to private Objections, lately made against some passages in this Authors Writings, heretofore published.

I Am informed by good friends, that among those Expressions which I thought pertinent to this Generation, I have here and there intermingled that which is distasteful to many who are not therein of my judgement, and that I have thereby lost their good esteem. This I finde experimentally so true, that not a few have neglected me, more to my grief in relation to them, and for their sakes then for mine own, who am not ignorant how I might both have prevented, and may yet repair that loss hereafter. Nevertheless, whatsoever I am, or may be thereby exposed unto, my resolution is, neither to desert those Principles whereto I conscientiously adhered, until I am convinced of errour; nor to deceive any man by seeming that which I am not: For, I so abhor to comply for meer outward respects with any Person or Society, in things which I cannot yet believe are agreeable to Gods revealed will, and Christian prudence; and so far also from recanting what I have conscientiously professed, though to my personal disadvantage, tho I lose all my seeming friends yet left, (who have not Love enough to be peaceably minded toward their Brethren, who are conformable, according to their understanding, to the whole will of God revealed in his word) that, as I will neither obstinately resist, or willfully neglect the means of better information; so I will not recede from the Christian Liberty due to me, and all other men.

[Page 42] Many suppose there is no salvation, save in that particular Church onely, whereof they are Members: But, I do believe, (as to me it seems implied in the 87. Psalm) that the City of GOD extends it self into every part of the world, even into Egypt, Phylistia, Tyre, Ethiopia, yea and into Babylon also; and, that under every outward Form and Dispensation whatsoever, GOD hath an elect people, who are Citizens of Syon, though their particular Churches, which are, as it were, distinct Wards of that spiritual Corporation, may have many blemishes, ignorances, errours, and defilements for the present. In many things, we erre all: They, who know most, know but in part; yea, the Apostles long time after they were chosen by our Savour, judged not aright of his Kingdom, nor were free from being ambitious of a Prelatical Preheminency, but subject to many misapprehensions; and some of them seduced for a while, by an Anti-christian persecuting spirit; as many persons in Congregational and National Churches have ever since been, and zealous without knowledge, in Practices and Principles tending to that Babylonish Confusion, which will universally come to an end e're long, though it hath lately begun to be reinforced. True Faith cannot be evidenced without good works; which being imperfect in the best men, we have no such certain mark, whereby unfeigned Disciples may be known, as by their being loving to each other, and charitably affected toward all men; yea, although they are our personal enemies: and this mark of distinguishment Christ himself hath left us.

Upon these and such like considerations, I have [Page 43] been as wary as possibly I could, so to use my Christian Liberty at all times, and in all places, that I might not offend a weak believer: And, we have so many among us, who dissent from each other, that it makes the performance of that duty very difficultly inoffensive; and hath put me to more trouble in the flesh, and occasioned more outward inconveniences, by infringing my just private liberty, then many of those sufferings put together, which are very grievous to other men. I dare, and do openly profess, (tho some think it needless) my belief and judgement, as oft as I see just occasion is given: yet I do not voluntarily separate my self from any Persons or Congregations, who are not apparently and maliciously wicked in their lives or doctrines; but separate from their damnable errors and sins only, as much as I may: yea, my Conscience makes me afraid, I may justly offend by not complying in some things Indifferent, Civil or Divine, which are not repugnant to Gods revealed Word, though not thereby commanded.

Where I know not any weak brother to be then present, whom I may thereby offend, (and when I am thereto inclined for no carnal respects) I can communicate with any professing belief in Christ Jesus, either in Humiliations, Thanksgivings, Breaking of Bread in commemoration of our Saviours Passion, or in Prayer, where nothing is so idolatrously or superstitiously injoyned or practised, that it derogates from the honour of God, or is contrary to the Canon of his Word, or may in my understanding seem destructive to true Piety or Morality: For, all other such deficiencies or superfluities, [Page 44] as we may suppose to be in the outward worship of God, do but exercise love, humility, or meekness, and I look upon them where such be, as I do upon mine own failings or performances. Whatsoever, where I come, which I find to be so done or spoken, that I may absolutely conform thereunto, without offence to God and mine own Conscience, I therein joyn; and when ought is acted or said, whereto I cannot fully assent, I lift up my heart in secret prayer to God, beseeching him to vouchsafe pardon to me, and them for what is ignorantly offended in; and to rectifie both mine and their erroneous understandings, who are then present: which practice of mine, if not worthy to be exemplar, I hope deserves, at least, a charitable censure.

Most of the quarrellings amongst Christian Professours, are about matters of less moment then tithing mint, and annise, and occasion the neglect of weightier matters, as it will appear, if well heeded; as also, that most of our Contests spring from self-love, though pretended for God; and tend more to satisfie the ambition and covetousness of men, then to advance his honour or true piety. For, it is evident, that a superintendency over divine Rites, and the Worship of God, is unduly assumed by many, surreptitiously obtained, and magisterially usurped by som who had no lawful call thereunto; yea, & viciously exercised (in my judgment) by all those who endeavour to compel men (otherwise then by loving compellations) either to the omission, or to the use of this or, that Discipline or Form of Prayer, against their Consciences. They who think no Oblation's accepted [Page 45] of God, but those set forms, or extemporary Devotions which they affect, are equally guilty of a superstitious errour: For, both the one and the other, may be compleat or defective, warrantably or unwarrantably exhibited, according as they are performed. Extempory Prayers are set forms to all who hear them, except to the speakers onely; and perhaps also, to some of their knowledges, who speak them, the greatest part of those Prayers are set forms, and otherwhiles, in that regard the more acceptable: For, that form which the Spirit of God hath at any time dictated, never leaves it to be less effectual then it was at first, if it shall at any other time be offered up on the like occasion by those, who with the same devotion, and a true sense of what is wanting, shall faithfully pray for it in the same words.

Some have affirmed in my hearing, that by declaring my private judgement touching matters controverted, I exposed my self to more sufferings, then were necessarily adventured: yet I do not so believe: For all that I have publickly affirmed in subjects of that nature, whereupon troubles ensued, was by me intended for Gods Glory and the common good, (though turned to my personal detriment in appearance) and they have hitherto, brought upon me no mischief, which God hath not converted to my spiritual advantage; whereas, many of those things, which my Censurers practice and profess, have occasioned uncharitable separations, without any benefit to themselves or others; yea disturbed their own and the publick tranquility, to the daily enlargeing of breaches, and to the hazzard of an universal [Page 46] irreconcileable Discord; if the probable evil consequents, be not timely prevented, by an amicable declaring what we are perswaded in our own heart, as we finde just occasion; and by leaving other men to the same Liberty, until they shall be as conscientiously inclined to believe otherwise: and then perhaps many will suspect their own discretion as much as now they do mine; and make it to themselves questionable, who required their former actings or sufferings, at their hands. Let this be considered by all those Censurers of my open heartedness, to whom this shall come; and let my friends be many or few, as God pleaseth; for my trust is in him onely; his honour is my chief aim; from him I cannot conceal what I believe; and from men (as touching things relating to his Service, and the peace of his Church) I will not; nor dissemble my belief: as it should more appear, if it were always, as free for me to publish my thoughts, as I am to write them, at this present.

It is for such respects, questioned by some, What I am as to Religion? and of what Society I profess my self to be; whereto I answer, that I profess my self a Catholick Christian: mistake me not; I do not mean a Roman Catholick, which are terms contradictory to themselves, being so united; because, the addition of Roman to Catholick, destroyes that Denomination. I am a member of that Church which is Universal, and of every particular Church in those places where I reside, so far forth onely (and no further) as it is a member of the Church Catholick, professing and practising in purity, the Faith, Doctrine, and [Page 47] Discipline thereof. I am not of Paul, or Apollo's, or Cephas, or any Society, but as they are of Christ Jesus; whom I desire to know (as Paul said he did) not onely as he was in the flesh, but as he is spiritually to be known also; and to avoid that dividing into parties, which from the Apostles time until this day, hath tended more to the nourishing of Discord, and confirming of Errors, then to edification in Piety and good life.

I separate from no Church, adhering to the foundations of Christianity, not wilfully professing and practising what may be destructive thereto, though there be some defects or corruptions therein. I joyn not in doing or approving what is not approvable in my understanding, yet am as far from a disaffectionate separation on my part, as from separating my self from my self, or a limb from my body, though painful and loath some unto me, by a wound or some disease: For I shall cherish it until it so corrupts and gangreens, that it may destroy my whole body; and then I shall willingly be rid of it. In like manner, waiting in love upon Gods good pleasure toward me and every weak member of Christs mystical Body, I will endeavour to preserve my self and them in unity, and leave the anathamizing or judging others to him onely, whose members they are, or pretend to be.

The Title of a Catholick Christian aforementioned, I affect not out of singularity, but admit of it by way of distinction onely, to answer their questionings, who ask of what Religion, or of what Church I am: And I profess an absolute adherence to the Catholick Church onely, because that onely is infallible, and the Sanctuary of God upon earth, wherein his Mystcries are preserved in purity; and wherein I may have assurance of salvation by continuing therein. I wave the confining my belief or practice to any one National or Congregational Society of Christians, not out of a factious inclination, or petulent disesteem of any: But having a desire to be instrumental in uniting men dissenting in judgement both unto God, and to each other in Love, I conceive that endeavour would be suspected of partiality, and not so effectually prosecuted, if I made my self a party with any one Fraternity more then with another: some of whom strain at a Gnat, and swallow a [Page 48] Cammel; or so presume of their infallibility, that they exclude all as Reprobates, who dissent from them in Doctrine or Discipline; having also more affection for those who are zealous in the Opinions and Formalities which they approve, (though held in unrighteousness for carnal ends) then they have for them, who are conscientious professours of the Truth in godliness and sincerity, according to their measure of faith and understanding, if they dissent from them but in a Crotchet. For these and such like respects I suffer not my self to be bound up with any Congregation, as aforesaid) but so far as the Christian Liberty, and the exercise of Charity towards all men may be preserved: as also the Peace and Credit of all Societies professing Jesus Christ, so far forth as it ought to be; for though he may have somewhat to alleadge against them, (as he had against the seven Churches in Asia, to whom he wrote by St. John) they are all in some degree Nurses of Piety and good manners: And many thousands have had, and have in them, initiations into that which is best approvable. Our National Church was my first Nurse, and I confess with thankfulness, I from thence first drew nourishments, strengthening me towards eternal life; that I had there also, dry Nurses, some of which fed me wholesomely, and some to the endangering my being poisoned or starved. But I have but one Spiritual Mother, which is the Catholick Church aforementioned.

There are other Objections whispered; some against my late published Meditations upon the Lords Prayer; some against my Tract, entitled, The Persecution of the Tongue among Brethren, a manuscript not yet published; and some others, which I shall by Gods assistance, vindicate as soon as I have leasure, from misapprehensions; and make it evident, there are many who have heretofore complained of severity in those, by whom they were persecuted for their Consciences, who would quickly (had they power answerable to their will improve it into that Persecution, which is the Mark of the BEAST in the forehead, or in the hand. But, having for just cause, added this here, I will conclude for the present, heartily beseeching GOD, that his Peace may be established and continued among his Saints for ever.

FINIS.