Fruits of retirement: or Miscellaneous poems, moral and divine. Being some contemplations, letters, &c. written on variety of subjects and occasions. / By Mary Mollineux, late of Leverpool [sic], deceased. ; To which is prefixed, some account of the author. ; [Two lines from Exodus]

Fruits of Retirement: OR, Miſcellaneous POEMS Moral and Divine.

Of the Fall of Man. THE Holy One did, by his Word, create Man in a bleſſed innocent Eſtate; Gave him a righteous Law, whereby he might Live in eternal, pure, unſtain'd Delight. But th' Serpent, the moſt ſubtil Beaſti'th' Field, Soon with a Lye our Grandmother beguil'd, Thro' a vain Hope; and to Iniquity •• ſlav'd poor Man, breaking the Unity Betwixt him and his Maker; leading him Fondly to ſeek a Satisfaction in Self-hood, and Tranſitory Things below The chiefeſt Good; whereby Man came to know Sad Diſappointments, whence he could not be, By Pow'r in Self e'er ranſom'd or ſet free. But ah, the Bowels of eternal Love Did then, with Pity and Compaſſion, move Towards his Creature, that he promiſed, The Woman's Seed ſhall bruiſe the Serpent's Head: And, in the Time appointed, freely gave His Darling Son a Sacrifice, to ſave Periſhing Mankind from that dreadful State, Which was ſo miſerable deſperate; So that believing in the Heavenly Power, He comes to know his Lord and Saviour, Redeeming him from Sin unto Salvation, And to eternal Reconciliation. Written 1663.

Of a Sinful State. MY Sins are numberleſs, more than the Hair Ʋpon my Head, yea, more than I can bear. O how my Soul doth languiſh in Diſtreſs, Becauſe polluted with Unrighteouſneſs! Ah, how my wretched Heart hath often been Enſnar'd with Folly, and enticing Sin! Sin, ſeeming pleaſant, ſubtilly betrays Poor doting Mortals; but its curſed Ways Leads to Death's Chambers, and like Poyſon ſweet Lulls on the Soul into a laſting Sleep. Lord, rouze me from ſuch Slumbers that ariſe That I may this deformed Sin deſpiſe, And quite forſake all Earthly Vanities, Which me into Temptation, thus hath brought, That I (inſtead of Wiſdom) Folly ſought. O that I were at Peace with thee, and could Truly lament my ſins, ſo manifold! My ſins, which will, except thou grant Relief, Oe'rwhelm me with intolerable Grief. Awake, awake my Soul, do not remain • n Slothfulneſs and Sin; but turn again To him that made thee: Do not ſtill tranſgreſs His holy Law; but, whilſt he calls thee, ceaſe From Evil, learn his Precepts, follow him, Who freely gave his Life thee to redeem From this vain World, from Sin and Slavery, That brings to endleſs Woe and Miſery: He bought thee dear, with his moſt precious Blood, Shed on the Croſs for thine and others good. But, ah, how oft have I deſpis'd true Joys, And plac'd my Heart on tranſitory Toys? How oft did I the glorious Pearl refuſe, Vile empty Husks, that nouriſh not, to chuſe? Look down upon me, and commiſerate, Moſt gracious Lord, my lamentable State; And tenderly lead thou me back again • nto the Land of Promiſe whence I came • nto this Land of Darkneſs; where, alas, thus was brought to Bondage and Diſtreſs: For, ah, thou King of Kings, it thou reject me, Pharaoh's purſuing Hoſt would ſoon afflict me, And if thou help me not in this Diſtreſs, Then ſhould I periſh in the Wilderneſs. • n what Aegyptian-Red-Sea ſtraights am I? Whither, or to what Refuge ſhall I fly? But unto thee? In whom alone I muſt Repoſe my Confidence, and chiefeſt Truſt Renew my Strength (dear Lord) that ſo I ma • O'ercome my great Temptations Day by Day And ſo ſupport my Soul, that I may bear The World's Revilings with a thankful Ea • And that I truly may in thee rejoyce, Great Spring of Light and Life, in Heart and Voi • Confeſſing thee, the only Saviour, Who ſav'ſt thy People from the Dragon's Pow' • And with thy Blood doſt waſh and purify Our Souls from all Sin and Iniquity: Who art indeed the good Samaritan, That caſt an Eye of Pity on us, when The Prieſt paſs'd by, and Levite turn'd aſid • And (as it were) Relief and Help deny'd; But thou had'ſt Wine and Oyl, to purify Supple and heal our grievous Malady. Thou, thou alone, the true Phyſician art The Conſolation of a contrite Heart: O ſay, Be whole; ſay likewiſe, Sin no more, Leſt worſe Afflictions happen than before Say alſo, if it pleaſe thee, gracious Lord, (Who what thou wilt, effecteſt by thy Wor Thy Sin's forgiven, thy Iniquity Is cover'd; and beget true Faith in me, That I may praiſe thy Name eternally,

1664.

〈2 pages missing〉 And mourn for her, as for that City was, Thro' whoſe ſad Streets our Saviour did paſs Bearing his Croſs) may now be found? For they, As did the Jews, contemn the bleſſed Day Of Viſitation; hate the Heavenly Light, That ſhines in Darkneſs; daily do Deſpight Unto the only Author of all Good; And trample under Foot the precious Blood Of Holy Jeſus, by the Father ſent A Juſt High Prieſt, a bleſſed Covenant Unto the People: Him do they deſpiſe, And on their Beds do Wickedneſs deviſe Againſt the Juſt and Innocent; for they, That live uprightly, make themſelves a Prey. Alas, both Prieſts and People now are bent, With one Accord, God's Heritage to rent: But he obſerves them, and the Day draws near, Wherein he'll ſurely meet them, as a Bear • ereaved of her Whelps; and then he'll take • engeance, for his afflicted Iſrael's ſake. And tho' the Prieſts Peace unto many cry, They know not Peace; but ſuch as do deny To feed them with the Fat, they rent and tare, • ike thoſe of Old; yea, Cruel War prepare • gainſt them. Thus, for all their Learning, they • now not the Scripture-Record, (which doth ſay, • ouch ye not mine Anointed, neither harm My Prophets; for I'll guard them with the Arm • f my Salvation) nor the Power of God, That will chaſtize, as with an Iron-Rod, The proud rebellious Ones; who ſhall be known To be but Hirelings, whom he will nor own. Theſe are they that for Gain do propheſie Devices of their Brain, and ſpeak a Lye To People; yet dare ſay, Thus ſaith the Lord, When-as they do not rightly know his Word, That's as a Fire and Hammer, to deſtroy, Conſume, and batter down Iniquity. People, obſerving Prieſts to count their Gain Their Godlineſs, ruſh into all prophane Abominations and Impurity; Counting Religion a meer Policy To over-awe dull Souls, whilſt ſome enjoy All the Delights wherewith Earth can ſupply Their ſoaring Fancies. Thus, alas, they run The Road to Ruin, ſwift to be undone: If Heaven prevent not with a gracious Hand, They'll ſoon draw down ſad Judgment on the Land

On the Fruitleſs Fig-Tree. THE Fig-tree, tho' it flouriſh'd, did afford No Fruit, as was expected by the Lord Therefore 'twas curs'd, did wither and decay No Fruit producing from that very Day. But unto Mankind, O moſt gracious Lord! Great are the Mercies, which thou doſt afford Tho ſlothfully they hide, ſometimes deny The Talents given by thy Majeſty; Thou doſt not in thine Indignation thus Paſs ſo ſevere a Sentence upon us; Altho' we, of our ſelves, ſo barren be, And oft more fruitleſs than that blooming Tree, Thou prun'ſt us, & with ſweet refreſhing Show'rs Art pleas'd oft to renew our weakned Pow'rs: Yea, long thou ſpar'ſt us; and at length, who proves Fruitful, thou cheriſheſt, and freely loves. But if thy great Fortbalance, Lord, ſhould be As 'twere fruſtrated by a fruitleſs Tree, Thou juſtly may'ſt the Vine-dreſſer require To cut it down, and caſt it into th' Fire: Tho' there was frequent Interceſſion made, As when the Dreſſers of the Vineyard ſaid, Lord, let us try it yet another Year, And then, if any Fruit thereon appear, 'Tis well Forbearance hath thereto been ſhewn; If otherwiſe, 'tis Time to cut it down. When thus the Lord hath long Time Fruit expected From Men, and yet is careleſly rejected: Tho' waiting ſtill, he's pleas'd to condeſcend Line upon Line, with Patience, to extend; And Precept upon Precept, did diſpence; And likewiſe promis'd a ſure Recompence Of durable Reward, eternal Joy, To thoſe that, ceaſing from Iniquity, Would unto his moſt ſacred Will reſign Themſelves, and all: Then would he with Divine Sweet Heavenly Show'rs bedew, & always bleſs. Them, that they might be Trees of Righteouſneſs But if ſuch ſhould reſiſt, they'll come to be Like Heath i'th Deſart, or the fruitleſs Tree: And if againſt them the Decree be ſeal'd, To cut them down, how can it be repeal'd? Ah! prize the preſent Day of Viſitation, And dare not to provoke his Indignation; That thro' Diſtillings of his Heavenly Love, You fertile Plants unto his Praiſe may prove. 1666.

On Iſrael's Rebellion. O Houſe of Iſrael, why will ye die? O Houſe of Iſrael, why ſhall not I Be King o'er you? ſaid the eternal One, When their Rebellions came before his Throne Rouzing his Juſtice: Why do ye refuſe Me to be King, another King to chooſe? Incline your Ear, and hearken to my Voice, Leſt you too late repent your haſty Choice Have I not gather'd you, that ye might be A pure, peculiar People unto me? Did I not bring you out of Egypt's Land, And ſet you free from Pharaoh's cruel Hand Did I not guide you ſafely thro' the Sea, Leading you with a glorious Cloud by Day And with a Pillar of bright Fire by Night, Conducted you in pleaſant Paths of Light? Did I not Jordan's flowing Streams divide, Whiſt you paſs'd dry-ſhod to the further ſide? Yea, without humane Art, I caus'd to fall, Down to the Ground, proud Jericho's high Wall. Could any Mortal Prince do thus for you? I gave you Being, Life, and Conqueſt too. Why do you then rebel againſt your God? Do you not fear him, nor his Iron-Rod? Remember how, in Love, I nouriſhed Thee, like a tender Child, with Angels Bread; With Water from the Rock I did ſupply thee, Altho' I knew 't was good ſometimes to try thee. Thine Enemies I did for thee ſubdue; Yea, Great and mighty Kings I overthrew, When they oppreſſed or oppoſed thee: But, ah, what Guile, or what Iniquity, Have your Fore-Fathes ever found in me! Or in my righteous Statutes? Yet have they Delighted rather in a crooked Way, Than in my Law; whoſe Path is perfect Light, In which the Wiſe and prudent take Delight. Tho' they perverſly often turn'd aſide, As you their Children, who have now deny'd Me to be King: 'Tis me that you forſake, To chooſe a Mortal, who will from you take Your Sons and Daughters, for his Offices, For Horſemen, Cooks, and other Services Your Vineyards, Fields, Cattle, and other Treaſure, As he thinks fit, he'll call for at his Pleaſure. Stiff-necked People are ye then, to chooſe Man for your King, but ſtubbornly refuſe Me, your Creator, that ye may hereby Be like your Neighbours; whoſe Idolatry You alſo dote upon: Tho' my Command Was to deſtroy the Idols of the Land; Which to extirpate utterly, I did All Converſe and Affinity forbid With thoſe Inhabitants; whom therefore I Since they the Land with groſs Iniquity Had long defil'd, determin'd to expel, And give them for a Prey to Iſrael, To root them out, not imitate: For they, By ill Example, ſoon would lead aſtray From my pure Precepts. Yet you rather be Inclin'd to hearken unto ſuch, than me, And t'imitate the Nations round about ye, Who, ſhould I but withdraw, would quickly rout ye Take now your Choice; but know the Time will be In your Afflictions, ye will ſeek to me: For they will prove as Thorns to vex and grieve you And there is none but I that can relieve you For 'tis not Man can give you Victory O'er your Oppoſers: No, 'tis only I. And had you ſtill obey'd my juſt Command I'd quite expell'd your Foes from out the Land

Meditations in Trouble. O How is my diſtreſſed Soul perplext With overwhelming Sorrows! Ah how vext With daily Troubles, hurry'd to and fro! I know not where to ſtay, or where to go, Fo find ſome Eaſe, or to avoid my Grief; From this falſe World I cannot find Relief. Alas, alas, that which afflicteth me, Is Thoughts, how I have oft rejected thee, Moſt gracious Lord, when thou invited'ſt me, With other weary'd ones, to gives us Reſt, And Conſolation at thy tender Breaſt. But ah, incline thine Ear to this my Cry, Grant me thy quick'ning Preſence, or I die. Tho' in Obſcurity I have been hid, And as in crooked Paths oft wandered; Some Glimpſe of Light is ſurely broken in, Which gives to ſee the Loathſomneſs of Sin: Yea, thro' thy Goodneſs I begin to know Thour't rich in Mercy, and to Anger ſlow: Lord, ſpeak the Word, that ſo I may be heal'd, Knowing thy holy Life in me reveal'd. Ah, let thy heav'nly Fear always in me Abound, Salvation is alone of thee. For, tho' thy righteous Law I have tranſgreſs'd And oft deſpiſed Knowledge, like the Beaſt, That hath no Ʋnderſtanding; thou didſt pleaſe To engage thy ſelf, That if a Sinner ceaſe, From his paſs'd Wickedneſs, and fervently Do unto thee Great King, for Mercy cry, So that thy holy Precepts he obey, And walk ſincerely in thy living Way; Thou, by thy Prophet, Lord, wer's pleas'd to give Thy Princely Word, He ſhall not die but live Encouraged hereby, my panting Soul Cries unto thee, that thou would'ſt make me whole; Thou only Author of true living Faith, That haft ſubdu'd the Pow'r of Hell and Death, And overcome the World: Ah, lighten me, That I may know thy Way, and follow thee; Bearing the Daily Croſs, and find that Power, Which is to the Redeem'd a Reſuge-Tower; And ſo enjoy eternal Peace with thee, Thou taking up thy bleſs'd Abode with me, That I may ſing thy Praiſe eternally.

A Meditation. THO' Zion fit in Miſery, And do in Aſhes mourn, And all her Foes, as they paſs by, Do her deride and ſcorn. Tho' like the ſpotleſs Turtle-Dove, That in the Rock doth dwell, Wailing the Abſence of her Love, Whoſe Grief no Tongue can tell. 〈25 pages missing〉 The earneſt Breathing of my Heart, and vail Thy Beauty over-long, leſt Doubts prevail: Let gently teach me always to ſuomis To what Chaſtizement thou, my Lord, think'ſt fit; That a more intimate Acquaintance may With thee be known, and thy eternal Day ſhine forth, as when the Moon's Light muſt beo • me, As the bright quick'ning Luſtre of the Su • ; And ſo the Splendor of the Sun increaſe Is the united Light of Seven Days. • n then, what cauſe of ſtumbling can there be To the redeemed Souls, that follow thee, 〈◊〉 true unſeigned Love! Thou only art Worthy to have ſole Intereſt in the Heart: 'Tis thou alone, who doſt our Foes ſubdue, And, with kind Invitations, long purſue • ebellious Souls, too apt to turn aſide, • r to forget thy Kindneſs, if thou hide Thy Face a little; or like Iſrael, When Moſes tarry'd in the Mount, rebel: For, ah, diſtruſtins Thoughts do preſently Object the fad Impoſſibility Or finding thee again, whereby we might Be overwhelmed in Egyptian Night; And with our borrow'd Jewels, form and make 〈◊〉 Golden Call, and wretchedly forſake, For new Inventions, thy moſt righteous Law, 〈◊〉 Moſes, for a Seaſon ſhould withdraw; Willing and running to our own Deſtruction, When we ſhould wait on thee to gain Inſtruction. Ah, let thy tender Care preſerve and keep Us, with an Eye that is not apt to ſleep, But always guards thy little Heritage, From all their Adverſaries, in this Age, As formerly: tho' the Unfaithful are Oſre • ſurpriz'd, and caſt into a Snare: But tho' thou cry'ſt thy true depending Ones. Thou ſtill protect'ſt them as Beloved Sons. Ah! prove me, but ſupport me; my Deſire Is, with reſigned Will, to paſs the Fire Of Trials and Afflictions, till thereby I be refin'd from all Impurity. For thoſe whom thou haſt throughly purify'd, And in the Furnace of Afflictions try'd, Thou bear'ſt up in the Arms of thy Salvation, And ſuckles at the Breaſt of Conſolation, That they may ſpeak thy Praiſe, and run the Way Of Life and Peace, in thy eternal Day. 1678.

The firſt Epiſtle to Couſin, F. R. MY Heart (dear Couſin) thy eternal Good Truly deſires, and that Life's ſaving Food Thy Soul may taſte and feed upon; that ſo Thou may'ſt unto a perfect Stature grow In Jeſus Chriſt, the bleſs'd Emmanuel, And with him in pure Heav'nly Places dwell; That in Sincerity, thy Heart and Mind May to this Loyal Lover be reſigu'd: Then will it it not be grievous unto thee To wait to know his Will more frequently; Which, when made known, be careful to o •• y, That thou may'ſt travel in his holy Way; Not ſtill reſiſting, leſt he ceaſe to ſtrive, Who by his potent Love preſerves alive. O prize this Love! and ſee that, with Diſdain Thou doſt not recompence this Love again: Plead not for Fleſh, nor Fleſhly Vanity, Leſt thou be plung'd into Iniquity. Thou know'ſt, thou haſt a Talent to improve, • ea, more than ſome: O do not grieve, or move • o Indignation, Him that doth extend His tender Arm of Love thee to defend From the devouring Dragon, that with Wiles And ſluggard Poiſons, ſubtilly beguiles Unſtable Souls, that ſell the precious Truth, And in vain Pleaſures waſte their Prime of Youth, But be not thou as they, who for meer Toys, • ontemn and ſell their Souls eternal Joys: • or be aſham'd (dear Friend) I thee entreat, • o honour Him that did thy Soul create, And Body too; altho' the World ſhould ſcorn, • or Jeſus ſake; thou know'ſt thou waſt not born To ſeve the World, the Fleſh, not Satan neither Therefore; altho' all theſe conſpire together, Give Chriſt thy Heart, and he will give the Strength To overcome thine Enemies at length. But if thou be, before the Sons, of Men, Aſham' • 〈◊〉 own thy ſelf his Seruant, then He'll 〈◊〉 aſh • n'd of thee before his Father, An • ever-bleſſed Angels; therefore rather D •• y thou all for Him, than Him for any F •• tho' there be pretended Lovers many, Let this the chieſeſt of Ten Thouſand be; For ſurely ſo he'll prove himſelf to thee, If thou canſt but believe, and not exclude Thy lelf, thro' Sin and vile Ingratitude. O ſet thy ſelf to ſeek him, that ſeeks thee, With his endeared Love, to ſet thee free From the Oppreſſion of the Enemy, Thee to adorn in ſpotleſs Purity. Tho' Troubles, Gr • eſs, and Groſſes, do attend Thee many times, thou haſt a Bolom-Friend To whom in ſecret thou may'ſt tell thy Grief Who will not fail to grant thee true Relief Come then (dear Couſin) in Humility, Prove, and thou'lt find this Friend's Fidelity Who will undoubtedly from Griefs divert thee And unto Holineſs and Peace convert thee? His Grace ſufficient is, He only can Effect what ſeems impoſſible to Man. My Heart is full, and fluent to indite, My hand is therefore thus engag'd to write Much more than at the firſt I did intend, And yet I ſcarce can freely make an end. Third Month, 1678.

The Second Epiſtle to Couſin F. R. SHall I (endeared Friend) e •• ect 〈◊〉 vain Thy Promiſe anſwer'd, and not yet •• tain The Joy of better Fruits of vacant Hou •• Which we are not aſſur'd long to be ou •• ? Alas, the Time will come when ſome will • ay, O that I had as yet another Day! What, to add Sin to Sin, and to retire, If once waſh'd clean, to wallow in the Mire! No, no; but diligently to improve Their Time, that they might treaſure up above, In Heav'ns Exchequer, that which will endure; Gold tryed in the Fire, reſin'd and pure, With Garments of Salvation, which will bring Into acceptance with th' eternal King. Theſe are the Robes of Righteouſneſs, that can Procure the Favour of both God and Man. O come! Conſider, let all Vanity Stoop to Concerns of ſuch Importancy: And let none ſay, I hope 'tis well with me, Becauſe I yet no Condemnation ſee, Nor feel I Judgments: If ſuch yet retain A fond Delight in tranſitory, vain, And fading Toys, their Treaſure lies below, Which ſoon corrupts; ſuch reap, ev'n as they ſow Sad Diſappointments. Sion's Converts muſt Redemption know by Judgments true and juſt. Alas, the Hope of Hypocrites ſhall fail! In Times of Trial, what ſhall it avail? But thoſe that ſingly leave all things below, Shall in themſelves the Hope of Glory know; A Living ••• e, a Hope that will endure. This •• rifies the Heart, as he is pure, That • raiſeth up the ſame in Men, that they May be encouraged in the good Way, That leads to Life, to everlaſting Peace, In Joys Eternal, which ſhall never ceaſe. Ponder theſe things (my Friend) thou haſt indeed Engag'd thy ſelf (altho' thou yet proceed But ſlowly to perform) with Diligence, To render humble due Obedience To what's made known, by him that from above Draws tenderly, by his Long-ſuff'ring Love: O let it not ſo ſoon forgotten be! Which, as deſir'd, will more increaſe in thee Its ſweetning Vertue, its enliv'ning Power; That unto thee will more and more diſcover Iniquity, and for the ſame reprove Thy Soul in ſecret; but will gently move And lead thee, by his Strength-renewing Hand With Cheerfulneſs to anſwer his Command, And fully recompence thee: O be wiſe! Learn thou to fear, but do not now deſpiſe The Day of ſmall things; Ah, believe, that ſhe That Faithful in a little is, ſhall be Made Ruler over much: Commit thine All • o Him, that doth in Love ſo often call, Some unto me! And know, if thou abide • aithful in ſervent Zeal, when-thou art try'd, • houl't in thy Boſom find a ſweet Increaſe of an admired overflowing Peace; Which, rightly known, will more eſteemed be, Than all thoſe Objects carnal Eyes ca •• ſee. But know, that mighty Works were never • one Amongſt them that would not believe the Son, The Lamb of God; ſuch from a near Rel •• , Excluded were, becauſe of Unbelief: • et unto one, not conſcious of that Guile, • e it unto thee even as thou wilt, Was graciouſly proclaim'd, whereby ſhe found Her meek Petition fairly heard, and crown'd With a deſired Grant; altho' to try Her Faith, at firſt the Anſwer did imply • ather Repulſe than Favour, when 'twas ſaid, 〈◊〉 is not fit to take the Childrens Bread, And give to Dogs: She anſwer'd, Truth, yet Lord, • heſe lick the Crums that fall beſide their Board. Here's wreſtling Faith indeed, which as expreſs'd 〈◊〉 fervent Meekneſs, from a panting Breaſt, Admiredly prevail'd with Him; whoſe Name, Whoſe matchleſs Love and Goodneſs, is the ſame • or ever. Faint not, but go ſupplicate • or Grace, to him that's eaſie to entreat By all, that in true Lowlineſs of Mind, Make their Addreſles: Seek and ye ſhall find, Is the Authentick Warrant to begin To ſeek the glorious Pearl that's loſt within Look not abroad, but light thy Candle there Seek thou at home, and thou ſhall find it near There or •• e deem thy Time, and meditate How •• ſt thy Promiſe thou may'ſt yet complea Verity, what thou ſay • ſt, cannot avail To juſtify, if thy Performance fail; Nor is there Strength in Self: Therefore endeavour To know that Hand, which helpeth to perſever Unto the End; and if thou faithful be, A Crown of Life ſhall be beſtow'd on thee 1678.

A Remembrancer. COnſider well ſome by paſt Days, On former Times reflect, And ſee if thou in all thy Ways Art truly circumſpect. 'Twas ſaid in Scripture's true Record, The People well have ſpoken, Had they an Heart to ſerve the Lord, And not ſo falſly broken Their ſacred Vows, whereby they did Engage in holy Fear 〈…〉 undone what he forbad, 〈…〉 •• ey might know him near, 〈…〉 •• ng to do what he requires, 〈…〉 ••• p Humility) 〈◊〉 begetting new Deſires, 〈◊〉 Name to magnifie: 〈◊〉 Promiſe is to dwell within ••• n in the humble Heart, 〈◊〉 wholly to redeem from Sin, 〈◊〉 and of his Grace impart; ••• t we may know his juſt Command •• eveal'd within, and done; ••• d all deſtroy'd, that would withſtand; Then ſhall his Kingdom come; Which doth conſiſt in Righteouſneſs, In Peace, and Heav'nly Joy •• th' Holy Ghoſt, where Bleſſedneſs Abounds eternally. 1687.

A Second Epiſtle to Couſin E. S. When I remember thee (dear Friend) I find My Heart thus to adviſe thee, is inclin'd; thou canſt hear in Calmneſs, and ſubdue • ll peeviſh Paſſion, which in open View 〈◊〉 ſober Perſhns, juſtly merits Blame, • nd manifeſts the Ground from whence it came • en let this Counſel find a Place in thee; • op low to Truth, and learn Humility. This thou waſt once acquainted with; Leſt Strangeneſs interpoſe, and learn to, Know'ſt thou not what true Wiſdom ſaid Man's greateſt Foes are of his own Ho And true it is, not outwardly alone, But inwardly; for greater there is none, Than thoſe, we can encounter with; for they Lurk cloſe within, and ſecretly betray. Therefore take heed, for tho' there do appear Had Precedents, and ill Examples near, They'll not ſo ſoon infect a ſolid Mind, Which unto Watchfulneſs is ſtill inclin'd: And then, tho' Trials frequently attend, There is an Arm of Love that will defend From all Aſſaults of Man's grand Enemy, As it is lean'd to, in Simplicity. O let's remember this, leſt we ſhould prove Vnmindful of our Firſt, our chiefeſt Love! Or leſt a ſecond Love ſhould ſo engage Our Hearts and Minds, in this infectious Age, As wholly to lead captive, and betray Vs to a treacherous, fawning Delilah, A ſubtil Boſom Traytor; ſuch prevail'd O'er one, whoſe Strength and Valour never fail'd, Vatil he doted on a Stranger's Love. O may ſuch falſe Enticements never move Our Hearts to turn aſide, leſt we may loſe Our Strength and Stay, and frequently expoſe Our ſelves to Snares and Dangers! Surely we Are always bound to wait in Fear, to be 〈5 pages missing〉〈◊〉 •• rend may'ſt thou be yet more wiſe, 〈◊〉 Mind find better Exerciſe; 〈◊〉 may it learn, with Diligence, to wait 〈◊〉 He Springing-Life regenerate ••• al; whereby thou'lt know no greater Trial 〈◊〉 • et us here, than daily Self-denial: 〈◊〉 • e muſt, if we expect to reign 〈◊〉 • hriſt, (or elſe our Expectation's vain) 〈◊〉 •• ows, as in Joys, participate. 〈◊〉 He never came to conſecrate 〈◊〉 for us to true Felicity, 〈◊〉 curious Trims, and Silks of Princely Dye: 〈◊〉 Path is not beſtrew'd with golden Crowns, ••• n Coats of Arms, and Scepters of Renown: Or yet with Oriental Gems, that be •• ch dazling Sparks unto the carnal Eye: • o, no; 'tis thro' the Croſs we muſt obtain • he Crown of Glory; other Hopes are vain. This, Men of Underſtanding knew of old, And prudently diſdain'd that Idol Gold: Wiſe Solon told King Croeſus (when he ſate In Gaudy Pomp upon his Throne of State) Doting upon his Wealth, in lofty Pride, Expecting almoſt to be deify'd) That Peacocks with their ſpreading Plumes expreſs A greater Luſtre in their nat'ral Dreſs, Than He in all his Glory; which, tho' he Diſdain'd to own, whilſt in Proſperity, Except with Frowns, nor car'd 〈…〉 So deep a Sentence: Sudden cha 〈…〉 Thereto conſtrain'd, and taught h ••• 〈◊〉 'Tis neither Wealth nor Honour, that 〈◊〉 Man's Heart with true Content; but 〈◊〉 Betray, and bring to Miſery and Wo • 〈◊〉 Therefore delight not in theſe fading 〈◊〉 Which ſuddenly may vaniſh as on W ••• 〈◊〉 But let true Wiſdom teach thee, (no 〈◊〉 Avails to plead for precious Time's a •• 〈◊〉 That with an humble Spirit thou art 〈◊〉 Thy ſelf: This is a Robe will ne'er d •• 〈◊〉 No outward Ornament can beautify As Lamb-like Meekneſs, inward Purity. Now, tho' for what thou ſenſible doſt 〈◊〉 In thy Condition, thou of true Eſteem Art no leſs worthy, Love doth here conſtra With Heart and Pen, to be thus bold and pla • And that becauſe thy Soliloquies do Expreſs, what Truth obligeth thee unto, The deep Engagements of thy Soul: O then, Take heed, leſt that alone with Tongue or Pen Thou honour him, and Heart be far remov'd; Or thou be found perfidious, being prov'd: 'Tis not becauſe I evidently ſee The Symptoms of ſuch Conſequence in thee But ah, the Stratagems and Subtilty Of the Deceiver, our grand Enemy, Are but too prevalent with ſome, except True Watch and Ward within be always kept That thus my Exerciſed Heart indites Unto thee; and my Hand, thus guided writes, With true Dependance on that Arm of Power, Which is to Iſrael's Seed a Refuge-Tower. And therefore ſince thou haſt in meaſure known Engagement from above thou'rt not thine own, But purchas'd with a Price to ſerve the Lord, The Price of Blood; therefore obey his Word: Then ſhall he teach, inſtruct, & ſtrengthen thee To follow him in true Sincerity; And thou ſhalt daily know the bleſs'd Increaſe Of ſacred Solace from the Prince of Peace: And as thou hunger'it, daily may be fed With fineſt of the Wheat, and Heav'nly Bread; Yea Honey from the Rock and drink new Wine Diſtilling from the true and living Vine; And in its ſweet Refreſhing Shade ſit down • n Reſt and Peace, aſcribing all Renown, Honour, and Glory, unto Judah's Lion, The meek, the ſpotleſs, holy Lamb of Sion. 1678.

To Couſin P. S LOVE, that inviteth all Men, hath (L ſee) Extended its Engaging Hand to thee, Dear Child! Conſider and incline thine Ear, Bow down in Meekneſs, and thou'lt quickly hear, The ſtill ſmall voice which doth behind thee ſay Come follow me, this is the Heav'nly Way, Walk in it: Travel here, thou'lt not be weary (This Path leads on to Sion's Sanctuary;) But diligently waiting, ſhall renew Thy Strength in him, that's Holy Juſt, & True The bleſſed Prince of Everlaſting Peace, Who, as obey'd, will plenteouſly increaſe His daily Favours in thee, and reveal His Holy Will, and ſtrengthen to prevail Againſt thine Enemies, that do ſurround Thy Soul with Snares whereby thy Grief abound This is indeed the good Samaritan, That binds up broken Hearts, and only can Heal the afflicted; but he loves to ſee Jacob bow down in deep Humility: For then's the Time of Love; He then extends His Love to contrite Hearts; ſuch he defends With his Indwelling Preſence: Therefore fea • Always; for he delighteth to appear To thoſe that fear his Name, and faithful b • To what's made known; in ſmall things, they ſhall ſee Dominion over much, if they forſake The Flatt'ring World, and Self, for Jeſus ſake Who Suffer'd for us, and deſpis'd the Shame He's only worthy over all to Reign. Stoop therefore to the Croſs, and do not fea • What Earth can do tho' Mortals ſcoff and jeer And proſecute, as thoſe have ever done That ſtubbornly Rebel againſt the Son And Heir of Glory: Him they buffetted, Revil'd and ſcorn'd; and on his Comely Head They tauntingly did ſet a Crown of Thorn, Whoſe Head the Crown of Glory doth adorn. Twas He, that for his Foes reſign'd his Breath, And by his Suffering conquer'd Hell & Death: Therefore lets ſuffer with him, that we may Live in his Preſence in th' Approaching Day; When all his Adverſaries ſhall become But as a Footſtool to be trampled on. 1679.

Contemplation. ESTABLISHMENT in holy Fear, That I may know my Darling near, Is more to me Than all the Pleaſures Earth can boaſt Which are but Pleaſing Pains at moſt, And fading Vanity. O thou prevailing Prince of Peace! Reveal ſtill more the bleſs'd Increaſe Of thy Authority, And Government, that ſhall remain, But never end; that ſo thy Reign, In Dread and Majeſty, May be Exalted over thoſe That would thy Conqu'ring Arm oppoſe; But to the Joy Of all that humbly wait in fear, And love to ſee thee, Lord appear In perfect Purity. 1679.

An Epiſtle to M. J. BEloved Friend, thy Welfare ever Day. And Preſervation in Truth's holy Way Is heartily deſir'd; and that in Fear, And holy Dread, thy Soul may perſevere To travel Sion's Path in Purity, Learning to dwell in true Humility. Ah, let us both, in lowlineſs of Mind, Bow to the Pow'r by which the Heart's inclin With true Sincerity, to ſtand and wait, In Silence of all Fleſh, at Wiſdom's Gate; Until the Heav'nly Lawgiver appear, And in the Heart reveal his Counſel near; Who teacheth Meekneſs; never to repay Railing for Railing; but in Love to pay For thoſe that do deſpitefully accuſe us. And with Revilings frequently abuſe us. When Spotleſs Innocency was by Men Accus'd, and Truth condemn'd; O did he th • By Verbal Arguments with them, aſſay To juſtifie his upright Cauſe, or ſay The leaſt Reviling Word? Nay, ſurely Nay How then dare any, whom his Boundleſs Love Hath once engag'd, if he be pleas'd to prove Their Faith by Trials, as in ſecret ſay, We'll follow him in a more eaſie Way? Can we, without the Croſs, expect the Crown Of Everlaſting Glory and Renown? Nay verily, except the Croſs do kill The Self-hood, and ſubdue the General Will, How can we hope Eternally to Reign With him, who by his Suſſ rings overcame? 'Tis not reſtraint from groſs Iniquity, But Self-denial, inward Purity, And Holineſs made perfect in his Fear, That finds acceptance, when he doth appear To Judge the Secrets of all Hearts, and bring Into the Preſence of the higheſt King. Then 'tis the pure in Heart ſhall ſee the Lord, And ſing Eternal Praiſe with one accord; Becauſe they know that holy Name, whereby They were Redeem'd from all Iniquity; The Righteous enter Everlaſting Joy. 1679.

Meditations. O Love! Thou Subſtance of the Royal Law Let thy ſweet Influencing Power draw Our troubled Hearts, in true Humility, To wait on thee with holy fervency: For thou our Souls haſt often viſited, That we might, by thy render hand, be led From Darkneſs unto Light; from Enmity, Strife and Contention, unto Unity, In Undefiled, in Unfeigned Love; Which, tho' it may in Gentleneſs reprove, Or otherwiſe inſtruct, it covers all Faults and Offences; yea, if any fall Through Weakneſs, it bears up with ready Hand And lends a Shoulder, till ſuch learn to ſtand, And walk more ſtrongly: For it joys to ſee Brethren to dwell in perfect Unity, Only Contending who may moſt be found In Low lineſs, that Love may more abound. But, ah, 'tis Hatred, Wrath, Revenge and Strife Diſcovers Faults, ſtrikes at the very Life; Provoking oft one ſeeming Friend or Brother To bite, deſpiſe, if not devour another, For empty Trifles; ſo that Vanity Becomes Vexatious, and Perplexity Of Spirit: For, as well obſerv'd by one, All things are Vanity below the Sun; The Sun of Righteouſneſs, which when it ſhines With its Reſplendent Conqu'ring Ray, refines The droſſy Nature; rightly purifies The Heart, conſuming all Impurities; Whereby, at laſt, the Enmity is ſlain, And Love exalted over all to Reign. Great Prince of Peace! Inſtruct our Souls to wait To be Eſtabliſh'd in this happy State; Where Joys abound, and Enmity does ceaſe, And Charity withal doth ſtill increaſe; That, with my dear Redeemed Ones, we may Walk Hand in Hand in Sion's bleſſed Way; Where no Iniquity can e'er be found, Nor Love wax cold, but more and more abound Yea, Love that thinks no Evil, but doth ſeek The Good of all, and teacheth to be meek; Not eaſily provoked, but in Peace With all: Here Happineſs ſhall ſtill increaſe. Then may our chearful Souls triumph, & ſing Pure, holy living Praiſe to Salem's King. 1679.

The Fifth Epiſtle to Couſin F. R. WHEN I (endeared Couſin) meditate, How Heav'n has bleſt thee in thy tender State, Reading thy Lines, by Wiſdom's Dictates pen'd Which thou (by mutual Love engag'd) didſt ſend, And weightily reflect upon the (ſtrange To Fleſh and Blood! but) truly happy Change That's wrought in thee, by that Eternal Power, That (as a Father) leads to Sion's Tower, The Rock of Ages, Us, that went aſtray, Wand'ring like Pilgrims, that had loſt their way In ſome vaſt Deſart, where the Savage Bear, And other Savage Beaſt, range here and there, To ſeek their Prey: Yet by a ſacred Hand They're brought t'a happy Habitable Land. Methinks we're bound to ſay with one accord, Who, can enough admire thy Goodneſs Lord! O how can ſuch but much eſteem their Guide! Who, had their careleſs Steps but turn'd aſide, And frowardly left the Diſcover'd Way, Had certainly become a wretched Prey To thoſe Devourers: Ah! Such was our caſe, Had not th' Eternal led us by his Grace: Which, let us ne'er forget but Praiſes ſing To our moſt gracious Guide, dear Sion's King: Who by his holy (the Light within Reveal'd) redeems Believing Hearts from Sin; And the Obedient to the Lord's Command, Shall eat the Good and Sweetneſs of the Land; The Land of Promiſe, giv'n them to poſſeſs, (Tho' Murmurers fall in the Wilderneſs) Then ſhall they feel that Life, which as with Nerves And Joynts, unites, and tenderly preſerves As Members of one Body; ſo to give Due Ser •• er to the Head, in whom we live, By diſtribution of that precious Blood, Which to the Body is both Life and Food; And tho' at may •• tire, yet ſoon again It circulates and ſlows thro' every Vein; Renewing Warmth, enc • eaſing Strength, whereby The Body flouriſhes in Unity. As doubtly thus engag'd, methinks I prize thee Much more than Pen & Ink can advertiſe thee: Then how can thoſe, who feel the Streams of Love And Life, but prize each other far above Outward Relations, yet rejoyce to ſee Them to partake of this bleſs'd Unity! Thus thou to me art now become more near Than formerly Related; yea, as dear As Children of one Father, mutually Oblig'd to Breathe for the Proſperity And Welfare of each other, in the pure Eternal Love, which makes Election ſure, And ſeals Salvation to us; yea, I find My Soul, in Sympathizing Love inclin'd, As for itſelf, ſo to deſire for thee, That we in Faithfulneſs may ever be Preſerv'd; tho' Tribulation ſhould attend, • manuel, Almighty to defend, • s near; yea nearer than our Hearts expect, Tho' often undiſcern'd thro' our neglect; He's Omnipreſent, tho not always •• en, For interpoſing Clouds may from us skreen His Countenance: This he permits, to try And prove our Love, our Chaſte Fidelity But ſtill he leaves us Pledges of his Love, That, ah, methinks, nothing ſhould ever move Our firm engaged Hearts! Yet we, poor we, Are weak, and ſubject to Infirmity; Apt to forget his Favours, multiply'd Towards us daily; apt to turn aſide, Did not his Bleſſed Arm, protect defend And ſtill renew Engagments to depend Only on Him, who loves unto the end. 1679.

The Sixth Epiſtle to Couſin F. R. CAN I but frequently remember thee, Endeared Friend, when I ſuch dangers ſee, That dai • y meet the Travellers that ſet Their Faces Sion-ward? Can I forget To Recommend thee to that Arm of Power, That keeps Worm Jacob, as a Fenced Tower? Nay, nay; Can any Heart but break or bleed, To view the Afflictions of the holy Seed, Which in that * Careleſs City is oppreſs'd, ★City Like to a tender Babe kept from the B • eaſt? Cheſter An! Dreadful is the State of thoſe, that lay Such Stumbling-Blocks, to hinder from the way That leads to Life, and by a bare Profeſſion, Diſcourage them that ſeek the true Poſſeſſion. O! Can Luke-warm Laodicea be So Juſtify'd? No, no, the firm Decree, Without Repentance, may not be Repeal'd: What's done in secret, ſoon ſhall be Reveal'd: Ah, let their Stumblings and Backſlidings be A Caution, but no Stumbling-Block to thee! Wait in the Deep, to know Love's Streams diſtil Like the refreſhing Dew of Hermon's Hill: Then, as thou travell ſt in the Valleys low Where Shilob • s Sacred Rivulet doth flow, Thou may ſt be, by its quick'ning Influence, Preſerved in an holy Living Senſe Of Heav'nly Things: Which bleſſed Privileuge, The Rage or Strength of Men can ne'er abridge Us of. Nor yet can I unmindful be O • my own State, whilſt I admoniſh thee; But, ſenſible of Weakneſs, pity thoſe Whom great Offences frequently oppoſe, To hinder them, if poſſible, that they Might not perſiſt to travel Sion's Way. And as the wicked Spies, that falſly told Diſcouragements to Iſrael of old, Excluded both themſelves, and likewiſe thoſe That, with them, did by Unbelief oppoſe The Heav'nly Promiſe; tho' the faithful were Conducted ſafe, and took Poſſeſſion there, Ev'n in the Land that did with Sweetneſs flow; So do the Sloathful and the Careleſs now Raiſe Doubtings, and Diſtruſt of Victory, In all that do not, with true Fervency Preſs forward Chearfully, with holy Fear, Knowing their Captain or Salvation near. O let the Love, which ſet the H • art on Fire To follow him, increaſe a true Defire In thee to perſevere unto the End; For Iſr'els King for ever will defend All that upon Him faithfully depend. 1679.

Meditations in Trouble. ALas, when my diſtreſſed Mind, Thro' ſecret Drawings, is inclin'd, Great King! to wait on thee; O how the ſubtil Enemy Preſents fond Fancies, to entice aſide My Heart from true Stability; So to deſpiſe true laſting Joys, And encertain vain tranſitory Toys, Which ne'er can ſatiate the Soul, when try'd. O how would Sloth entice mine Eyes! My weary Eyes to Sleep, That had more cauſe to Weep, Becauſe the Solace of my Soul ſeems gone, And leſt my Heart alone, Surrounded with a Troop of Enemies. O whither he gone? Or where Shall I go mourn, 'till he appear, Who is my Life, my Love? Alas, how ſhall I move Him to return, that's ſecretly retir'd; Like unto one diſpleas'd, Who, till he be appeas'd; My Heart cannot be eas'd; He is one lovely, and to be admir'd! How long, alas, my Love, my Life, Wilt thou with-hold the Influence Of thy Enam'ring Countenance, The Light of Life, Bow down thine Lar To an afflicted Heart, and hear Its Cries and Groans, and grant Relief. Without thy Preſence all's in vain; Alas! How long ſhall I complain? The Cauſe of Grief is not trom thee. Is there not ſome Iniquity, That keeps thus at a diſtance from my Love? Or art thou pleas'd to ſhroud Me thus, as in a Cloud? How long, Lord, ſhall it be Before thou pleaſe to anſwer from above? 'Tis none but thee, thou Holy One! 'Tis thy Prevailing Light alone Can rend the Vail, and all theſe Clouds remove; It's thou that grieves for me, And makes my Soul in Sympathy, Thus pant after thee, thou God of Love. 1679.

Concerning Trials. ALas, How hard a thing It is to bring Into a true Subjection, Fleſh and Blood Quietly to entertain (And not complain) Thoſe Exerciſes that attend for Good! My Life, my Joy, my Love, If thus thou pleaſe to Prove And Exerciſe my po • r pe • plexed M • nd, Teach me to wa • t • n Fear, That I may learn to bear What Trials may attend, of any kind: And, guarded by thy Ray, Walk in the Way, That leads directly to the Throne of Grace Where, in Humility Poor, I may be Admitted to ſit down i'th Heav'nly Place: And there to thee diſcharge My Griefs at large, As to a Boſom-Friend, that bears with me, And often paſſes by Faults of Infirmity: Alas, I cannot bear too much for thee! Then work thy Bleſſed Will, So to fulfil Thy Sacred Counſel, for a further Trial; All Trials work for good (Tho' croſs to Fleſh and Blood) To them that follow thee in Self-denial; Bearing the Croſs; for ſo Thine come to know We have a juſt High-Prieſt, that's pleas'd to b • (Altho' he dwells above What Grief can move) Touch'd with a ſenſe of our Infirmity. Ah, let us ne'er forget, When ſore beſet • ith Tribulation, or when Snares ſurround, Hamoly to ean to thee! T • en ſhall we ſee • he Joys of thy Salvation to abound. So living Praiſes due (Thou Holy, Juſt, and True) • o thee, thy dear Redeemed may proclaim, And in Sincer ty May Magnify, With Heart and Tongue, thy great Eternal Name. 1679. Amen.

A Meditation in Retirement. O Thou, great King of Kings,ariſe and reign! Except thy Virtue ſprings, all Worſhips vain; Except thy Quick'ning Life be felt to riſe, There's none can offer up a Sacrifice, That finds acceptance with ſo great a King: And then, who dare into thy Preſence bring The Blemiſhed, the Maimed, or the Blind, Which with an Earthly Prince could never find • ny Regard; but rather for the ſame, • evere Chaſtizement, with Rebuke and Shame; O let thy holy Power operate Within thy Temple, thou Immaculate Holy, High-Prieſt! O let thy Hand prepare The Sacrifice! Then Iſr'el may not fear To find admittance to the Royal Throne; Thou'lt ſmell the Sweetneſs & accept thy own: We'll wait in Patience, and depend on thee, Thou only canſt rebuke the Enemy; That old Deceiver, Satan, tho' he ſtand Among thy Children, as at the right Hand Of Joſhua; 'tis thy own Arm alone Can ſave the Brand pluck'd from the Fire, or none. 'Tis thou that tak'ſt the ſilthy Garment from us And in thy Love art pleas'd to put upon us Thy Royal Robe of Righteouſneſs, whereby We find acceſs before thy Majeſty, To touch thy Glorious Scepter, and appear Before the Throne of Grace; where over Fear, Love ſweetly hath prevail'd: Yet ſhall there be An holy Awe in all that worſhip thee, An humble (deep-engaged) Filial Fear, As to a tender Father, from his dear Obedient Off-ſpring; watchful to attend Has holy Precept; fearful to offend, For very Love; not as in Slavery, Dreading the Laws of juſt Severity But as by Love engag'd, which fills the Breaſt With Satisfaction, not to be expreſs'd With Mortal Tongue; as thou waſt pleaſed by Th' Apoſtle, whom thou lov'd, to ſignify. We're now thy Sons, Great King! but who can tell What we ſhall be hereafter, when we dwell With thee in Glory? Can the Hand of Man Meaſure the Fulneſs of the Ocean? Then may a Finite Engine teſtify The Boundleſs Splendor of Eternity. 1679.

Of MODESTY. SOme covet to be deck'd in Rich Attire, With Gold & Pearl, that others may admire, Eſteem, and honour them; and that they may Advance a Beauty, that will ſoon decay. • f Imperfections did not lodge within, What mean theſe Deckings of the fading Skin? They in whoſe noble Breaſt true Vertue dwells, • eed not ſo much t • adorn their outward Shells; • or Modeſty doth many ways expreſs, • o all Obſervers, innate Comlineſs: Modeſt Attire, and Meekneſs, ſignify 〈◊〉 Mind compos'd of Native Purity. • eeds no Appendices for to ſet forth 〈◊〉 Jewel of a more admired worth, • han Indian Mines can boaſt; thoſe beautify 〈◊〉 Sepulcher, and make it fair to th' Eye; • ut this ſhews Innate Worth, and adds thereto • uch Luſtre, thoſe alone could never ſhew: • or where there is a Chaſte Retired Mind, • h' Apparel Geſture, Speech, and Looks confin'd Within the Bounds of Modeſty, proclaim • n Upright Heart kept clear from Spot or Stain: This both adorns the Gravity of Age, And doth in Blooming Years timely preſage A right Heroick Heart; where Liberty, That's inconſiſtent with true Modeſty, In not deſir'd: Such ſtudy to behave Themſelves Diſcreetly, Modeſt, Meek, and Grave; But if a Smile appear, ſuch as a Child Reflects oft's-Mother, in Love undefil'd, 'Tis guarded with ſuch ſimple Innocence, As gives no juſt occaſion of Offence. For Modeſty in Covenant doth bind The Eyes, eſt they prove Traytors to the Mind But ne'er Inſtruct the Hand to plant a Snare, Lay Nets with gaudy Garments, plaited Hair, Or other Golden Superfluities, To captivate vain Hearts, and wand'ring Eyes: No, it abhors whateven ſeems to be A Blemiſh unto Chaſte Simplicity: Yet proves it ſelf a far more potent Charm, Than wanton Looks; but daunts approaching harm Like ſome ſtrong Fortreſs, whence the Enemy Retreats, deſpairing of a Victory Thus Modeſty, and Spotleſs Innocence, Is often to its ſerra ſure Defence. This is the Virgin's Omament, whereby Beauty's adorn'd; for this doth Beautify, Where fading Colours flouriſh not, and may Be term'd a Dow'r, whoſe Worth ſhall ne'er docay Sure Men, as Men, cannot forget to prize it; Tho' ſome, as brutes, not minding it diſpiſe it; Elſe would their Words and Geſture rarely be So Poylonous, with groſs Impiety; Obſcene Diſcourſe, that horrid Smoak that fumes From ſcorching Darkneſs, that within conſumes Some Broyl'd tormented Hearts cannot proceed From a Chaſte Breaſt; no Roſe brings forth a Weed. For this doth always conſtantly retain Such an abhorrence of all frothy, vain. Abſurd Expreſſions, that 'twill manifeſt, The ſad Reſentment of a troubled Breaſt. In Crimſon Colours; which do oft appear In modeſt Bluſhes, when th' unwilling Ear Is made partaker of ſuch words as be A bold Affront to Spotleſs Modeſty. Altho' there doth no inward Guilt upbraid, Orbring Indictment; yet, with Looks diſmay'd, They ſignify Diſguſt, and ſeem to fear They ſhould be Cenſur'd, being preſent where Such Words were utte'd (tho' injuriouſly) As one with them in the Conſpiracy. Some ſay, 'Tis Treaſon but to lend an Ear To Treaſonable Speeches, and forbear T'Accuſe, or elſe to leave the Company: Thus Chaſte Clitomachus, thro' Modeſty Quickly departing, ſhew'd that he abhorr'd The needleſs Guilt of an Uncivil Word, When'er he heard it; and 'twas worthily Recorded, to inſtruct Poſterity. For tho' the Dictates in each Humane Breaſt Would, if obſerv'd, teach all Men to deteſt Such Criminal Expreſſions, as declare Their Owners odious to a Modeſt Ear; Yet Precedents of Vertue may be found Of good Effect, when thoſe of Vice abound. Nor let it ſeem to any ſober Mind A Paradox, that Modeſty ſhould find A place in either Sex, altho' it be Aſcribed to the one peculiarly. Reaſon, that honours Mankind more than Beaſt Gives forth its Laws and Dictates in each Breaſt Vertue ſhould therefore in both Sexes dwell; Some may in theſe, and ſome in thoſe excel: Yet this, with many more are not confin'd To either ſolely; but the prudent Mind In both embrace it; for it Regulates Deportment both in high and low Eſtates: For where ſhe dwells, inſulting Arrogance, Or any unbecoming Confidence, Muſt not remain, leſt the • e defile and ſtain The Heart where Vertue ſhould prevail & reign, That Modeſty may, by its Influence, Hide and avoid occaſion of Offence. As Scripture-Record to Poſterity, Doth Chronicle the Virgin Modeſty O' Shim and Japhet, who went back to hide The Nakedneſs their Brother did deride; On whom the Curſe became thereby entail'd To after-Ages, but a Bleſſing ſeal'd To them, and to their Progeny whoſe, Name • (Like to a precious Ointment, that retains Its fragrancy) ſhall ſtill inherit Praiſe, And be a Precedent to latter Days. For tho' the Memory of ſome doth rot, Vertue ſhall live, and never be forgot: The Wiſe in Heart eſteem it, and thereby Order their Converſation prudently; And would not an unſeemly Act commit, Tho' Mortal Eye ſhould ne'er diſcover it: For Modeſty, that in their Boſom reigns, Deteſts and loaths whatever ſpots or ſtains; Reſtraining from all Rudeneſs, it inclines To Gravity and Meekneſs, and reſines The Language; intimating, that we ſhould Be ſwift to hear, but never over-bold To ſpeak tho' Eloquent; and then take heed, Leſt Words extravagantly may exceed A mild and civil Tone; for ſpoken loud, They ſeem to Summons-in the liſt'ning Crowd: Nor ſhould they ſavour of Scurrility; For theſe are not th' Effects of Modeſty, Which never can delight in Calumnies, Abuſing others with Tongue-Injuries, Altho' revil'd: Civility diſdains To vie in Folly, where no Prize pertains Unto the Victors; the true Noble Mind Conquers a Wrong by Patience, is reſign'd For Vertue's ſake to bear, that Reaſon may Be Re-enthorn'd, and Paſſion paſs away. Th' Examples, which the Ancients did affard Hereto, are many, left upon Record; For Civil Nature's dictates in each Breaſt, Do far exceed what here can be expreſs'd. 1679.

Meditation ALas, Alas! This Day Seems almoſt paſt away; What ſhall I ſay? My Love Doth hide his Face from me, Who ſorrows in Perplexity: Ah, ſhall not Sighs and Groans prevail to mov •• Unto Compaſſion? Shall My drooping Spirit call And cry but find no Ear, No Entrance, no Acceſs, To eaſe my Heart in great Diſtreſs? Ah Lord! How long canſt thou forbear to hear Great Dreadful Majeſty, Whoſe Omnipotency Is Omnipreſent! Doth not Love Always abound with thee? Yea ſurely, thro' it be Thine holy Pleaſure thus ſometimes to prove Eſpecially when we Have ſlighted thee, Or to thine Enemy inclin'd, Or have not kept retir'd, Nor fervently defir'd Thy Preſence with a right compoſed Mind. Yet, O my Chiefeſt Love! Thy rowling Bowels move, And thee to Pity now conſtrain, Thy Condeſcending Ear Could not forget to hear, Nor ſhall Worm Jacob's Seed for Want complain Worthy art thou to be Sought to in Fervency; The Careleſs Ones ſhall not prevail: Thou, Gracious Prince indeed, Favours the Wreſtling Seed; This, in its Expectation, cannot fail. Thy ſweet Encouragement In ſeaſon does prevent All Doubtings and Diſtruſt that can Ariſe, if faithfully Our Hearts depend on thee; Thou waits to manifeſt thy Love to Man. O teach my Soul to wait At th' Poſts of Wiſdom's Gate, In holy Fear! So to be found Prepar'd to meet with thee In true Sincerity, In whoſe ſweet Preſence Heav'nly Joys abound. 1679

On ELIJAH O How th' Eternal Goodneſs from above Diftils upon his Children ſhow'rs of Love. And in the midſt of Trials manifeſts Supporting Solace in their Panting Breaſts; Engaging thoſe, whom chiefly he deſigns, To let for Witneſſes in Trying ••• es; Refreſhing, feeding, ſtrength'ning 〈◊〉 directing Safely, with his indulgent Arm pro • ecting, And hiding in the hollow of his Hand, Thoſe that are faithful to his juſt Command. Thus was that holy Prophet of the Lord, Elijah, ſhelt'red from the threatning Sword Of cruel Jezabel, whoſe raging Breath Had vow'd, by all her Idols, ſudden Death Unto this Man of God (altho' in vain) For ſeeking to lead Iſr'el back again Unto the Lord, who then were gone aſtray, And wandred in a dark forbidden Way: Th' Almighty's ſacred Power did ſurround And guard him, but his Enemies confound. Now, tho' Elijah thought himſelf alone, Surviving all true Prophets, and that none Were left but him, there was Seven Thouſand more Preſerv'd alive, that only did adore The God of Jacob, would not bow the Knee Unto, or worſhip Baal's falſe Deity. This Heav'n reveal'd unto him, when he ſat, As •• ne in Sorrow, in dejected State; Becauſe the Sacred Name was then revil'd By Prieſts of Baal, the holy Prophets kill'd: For thus the Lord doth in his Wiſdom try The utmoſt of Man's Wrath and Cruelty, As may conduce to th' Honour of his Name, But the remainder ſhall his Arm reſtrain. And tho' that be permitted to extend Affliction to the Body, put an end To poor Mortality, here is Man's Rage Confin'd; whilſt from a weary Pilgrimage, Th' Immortal Soul releas'd, arrives with Joy Unto the Haven of Felicity, Where the more Noble Soul lives to ſurvive Thoſe ſhort-liv'd Sorrows, and forgets to grieve; Whoſe Everlaſting Glory doth tranſcend Expreſſion, or what Man can comprehend: Yet when th' Eternal pleaſeth to oppoſe The baſe Deſigns and Stratagems of thoſe That would deſtroy, or wickedly ſuppreſs His faithful Ones, whom he intends to Bleſs, He ſoon can blaſt their Projects, and confound Their chiefeſt Agents; with a Word, ſurround His own, as with a bright Celeſtial Hoſt Of Seraphims. Let not the mighty boaſt Themſelves in Strength: Can Man reſiſt his Hand? The Thorns and renting Bryars then may ſtand In Battle, to oppoſe Conſuming Fire. Let Iſr'el bow before him, and admire His mighty Arm, and magnify his Name: He guardeth whom he will; his Pow • r's the ſame, Which formerly the holy Prophet fed, And by th' obſequious Ravens ſent him Bread; Yea, Bread & Fleſh, early & late, they brought Him, who his Maker's Glory chiefly ſought; And for his Drink, Brook Cherith did ſupply With Water; which, for want of Rain, grown dry Unto Zarephta, by Command, he came, Where a poor Widow (tho to entertain A Gueſt, but meanly furniſh'd) did receive The Prophet; and, thro' Faith, ſhe freely gave Part of her ſmall, her almoſt waſted Store, Which ſhe had thought a little time before To dreſs for her, and for her Son, thereby To be refreſn'd and ſhortly after Dye; Not knowing of ſo ſtrange Increaſe, until The holy Man, that knew the Heav • nly Will Did, by Divine Authority, proclaim, That till the Lord was pleas'd to ſend down Rain, (Which then with-held, for the Iniquity That did abound, had brought th' Extremity Of Dearth and Famine) her ſmall Stock of Meal And 〈◊〉 Cruiſe of Oyl, ſhould never fail; Which ſhe believing, from the Holy Word, Liv'd to admire the Wonders of the Lord Upon her Son, whom, when depriv'd of Breath, • lijah did prevail to call from Death, • y fervent Supplication to that Pow'r That can the Dead to Life again reitore; That unto her it might not ſeem to be • ard Meaſure for her Hoſpitality. Thence, by Commiſſion from above, he came To bring glad tidings of long-ſought-for Rain; That Iſrael might yet again incline • o ſeek the Lord, who by his Power divine, • ives or with-holds a Bleſſing; and might learn • y thoſe and other Wonders, to diſcern • he Living God from Idols, who alone • nſwers by Fire from his Imperial Throne, • s then 'twas prov'd, to their Amaze and Shame; • et when ſome ſought the Prophet to be ſlain, • e to the Wilderneſs again retir'd, There, tho' he, as in Agony, deſir'd • he Lord to take away his Life; yet there, • o comfort him, an Angel did appear; • ho, touching him, bad him ariſe and take • hat he found ready there; which was a Cake • k'd on the Coals: O who can but admire • ow there the Cake was bak'd on Coals of Fire! • or which he took no Care; and for his Drink, Cruiſe of Water ſet! Ah, who would think • he King of Kings ſhould be concern'd for theſe • hall Matters for poor Man! who, if he pleaſe, Can well ſupport, without the Strength of Bread As then he did that holy Prophet lead Thro' the ſandy Deſart Forty Days, until He came to Horeb's Mount, the ſacred Hill, Where, reſting in a Cave, the great Comman Then given to him, was, Go forth and ſtand Before the Lord, his Wonders to admire; The rending Wind, the Earthquake, and the Fir • Paſs'd by, but he in none of theſe did ſee Such Soul-amazing dreadful Majeſty, As in the ſtill ſmall Voice; then, as with Drea • And Reverence, his Face he covered, Or wrapped in his Mantle, ſtood to hear What more the Lord was pleaſed to declare, Or to command him; that he humbly might Obey his Precepts, which was his delight. Thus was he treated by the Holy One, And afterwards caught up unto his Throne As in a Fiery Chariot, where, above All Grief, he Joys in pure Eternal Love: Yet who dare ſay, that for his ſake alone, Such great, ſuch glorious Wonders then wer • done 〈…〉 not th' Eternal Wiſdom ſignify 〈◊〉 Boundleſs, his all-Conqu'ring Love, thereb • 〈◊〉 all his • a •• hful Servants? Ah, can He ••• le to be Gracious, or Unmindful be 〈…〉 afflicted tribulated Ones? •• y ſurely, he hath own'd them for his Son •• d for his Daughters; and if they be • ound •• ithful to Death, they ſhall with Life be Crown'd For he delights to glority his Name Amidſt the Heathen: Therefore 'tis in vain For Men to Curſe whom he deſigns to Bleſs, Or by their Laws to hinder Righteouſneſs From running like a Stream; tho' formerly They pleaded Law, whereby the Juſt muſt dye; Who now, and ever, lives ſole King of Kings, To whom the Angels Hallelujah ſings.

Of CHASTITY. VErtue's its own Reward; and Innocence Where e'er it dweds, a Fortreſs of Defence: And in the Confines of pure Chaſtity, The Heav'n-born Soul finds joyful Liberty, And pleaſant Freedom; far ſurpaſſing all The Latitude of baſe, luxurious Thrall Wherein the captivated Heart's inclin'd To dote on Trifles, where it cannot find True Solace, ſuiting the Nobility Of that which ſprung from Immortality Then why ſhould any, ſtiled Rational, So ſlight their Princely Great Original, As to ſit down content, to equalize Themſelves to Brutes, and ſordidly deſpiſe Enjoyments more ſublime, which gratify The Noble Intellectual Faculty, Proper alone to Creatures Rational? To be preferr'd before thoſe Criminal Polluting Pleaſures, which do ſo incenſe The injur'd (if not ſeared) Conſcience, As much allays their preſent ſeeming Joys, And feeds the gnawing Worm that never dies; Whilſt prudent Minds delight to contemplate The Wiſdom of that Pow'r that did create And form the Univerſe: The Myſtery Of Nature's ſcarce obſerved Harmony, And that intrinſick Vertue, that is found In ſome familiar Concretes to abound, Brings a Delight inferiour to none, Save the Indwelling of that Lord alone, That gives the Knowledge of them, and did frame Them to the Glory of his holy Name: The ſweet Experience whereof, I find, Is, by a Noble and ingenious Mind, Acknowledged; aſſerting it to raiſe The Heart, to celebrate their Maker's Praiſe. Why then ſhould ſo much Time, Expence and Coſt Be on ſome vain deluding Objects loſt? Which, as with Chains, do bind in Slavery, And overwhelm, in groſs Impurity, Some doting Mortals, whoſe depraved Senſe Can taſte no Pleaſures, not derived thence. But where unſtained Chaſtity doth reign, The Mind kept pure, is apt to entertain Joys more refin'd; and then, if any rude Diſturbing Thought would ſecretly intrude, 'Tis ſoon expell'd, and baniſh'd from that Breaſt, Where Chaſtity hath taken up her Reſt: For here the Thoughts, the Words and Actions be Well ſeaſon'd, with an awful Gravity; The good Effects of an internal Law, Which doth, by its prevailing Precepts, draw Unto Obedience; whoſe Recompence Doth far ſurmount all tranſient Joys of Senſe: Yet, ah, how many make it their Deſign, T' entic • the Soul, and lead beyond the Line Of innate Law, thro' pleaſant Conſidence, Bringing at laſt to boundleſs Impudence; That Enemy to Vertue, that prophane, Preludium unto a Tragick Scene, Which doth by Heart-beguiling Paſtimes bring The yielding Captives to the wounding Sting Of inward Horror, a tormenting Pain That frets their Hearts, involv'd in laſting Shame; Whilſt Peace and Honour evermore remains To them, in whoſe chaſte Breaſt true Vertue reigns. Both Sexes are adorn'd by Chaſtity, For, as recorded to Poſterity Great Heroes, for their Valour much renown'd, • f in their Princely Boſoms this was found, As by a Law to limit; ſuch did gain A more enobling Luſtre to their Name: But thoſe, from whom great Armies conquer'd, That by a wanton Heart were vanquiſhed, ( •• d, Tho' Fortitude is not to be forgot) This to their Names is a perpetual Blot. Who conquers Self, Vertue more Noble calls, Than he that overthrows the ſtrongeſt Walls: Then for the bluſhing Sex, what Tongue can tell The Infamy that on her Name ſhall dwell, That wants the Ornament of Chaſtity? 'Tis a Reproach unto her Memory: But ſhe that keeps her Mind retir'd and chaſte, Her Praiſe ſhall flouriſh; Fame nor Envy's Blaſt Can never blemiſh it; that happy Peace, That in her Boſom lives, ſhall never ceaſe. This therefore is to ſome a Pearl as dear As Life; and ſuch do leſs regard or fear The Loſs of Life, and all, than once to ſtain Their chaſte reſerved Souls, with Guilt and Shame. Thus fair Matilda rather choſe to die A Martyr to her ſpotleſs Chaſtity, Than with a gnawing Guilt and Horror live In all the Pleaſures that a Court can give; Who, tho' with Mortals ſhe be ceas'd to dwell, She lives where Joys Immortal do excel All Vanities on Earth; and here her Name Doth ſtill in Honour and Eſteem remain. Vertue beſ •• ws a Crown of endleſs Praiſe On all that to it conſecrate their Days. 1679.

Of a FRIEND. IF I to Love would be inclin'd, And, without ſeeking, knew to find One, whoſe unbl • miſh'd Outward Caſe, Princely Deportment, Comely Grace, Might unto each obſervant Eye Denote the true Nobility Of an Heroick Heart and Mind, From ſordid Vanity ſublim'd) • incerely Pious, Loyal, Chaſte, And with ſuch inward Peace poſſeſs'd, That bluſt'ring Storms could ne'er prevent True Inward Solace and Content Whom proſperous Lot exalts not high, Nor can a croſs Adverſity Much diſcompoſe; obſerving well, That all Things here are mutable; Who rightly knows to prize a Friend, Without a baſe ſiniſter End. And tho' a Competency here Of needful Things, without much Care Enjoying, knows Treaſure laid up, Secur'd from Theft, and Moths corrupt; Yet here, in Viſibles, can ſee The Wiſdom of Eternity; And knowing Rule, and Ruling know, • n true Dominion Things below; Meek, tho' Majeſtick; Valiant, and That Self and Paſſion can command: Rich in all Vertues, to compleat A Noble Heart, more Good than Great; 'Tis ſuch an one as this ſhall be Much Honour'd, and eſteem'd by me.

A Meditation. AH, Lord! Why hid'ſt thou now thy Face from me? My Soul expects no Comfort but from thee; No Joy, but Grief; no Solace can be found, But Soul-diſtracting Sorrows ſtill abound Within my troubled Breaſt; if thou retire, Or hide thy Face, all my Delights expire. How can I Live, except thy quickning Breath Breathe on me, and ſubdue the Pow'r of Death? Ah, let my Heart thy Holy Ghoſt receive, That ſo a Reſurrection from the Grave I may not only know, but be renew'd In Strength, to preſs ev'n thro' a Multitude Of Tribulations, Lord, to tollow thee! Which if they ſometimes as a Trial be To prove the Love, whereto thou doſt engage My Heart and Soul, in this backſliding Age, Let many Waters never quench the ſame, But rather be as Oyl pour'd on the Flame; Which quickens, not extinguiſheth, the Fire; So may theſe Trials rouze my dull Deſire Still more and more in Fervency to move And tend to thee, thou pure eternal Love: • or, ah, the warmth of thy enlivening Ray, Proclaims the Dawning of th' eternal Day; Which ſecretly encourages to bear Theſe light Afflictions; for the Day draws near, Wherein ſhall be a Glory, (far tranſcending Theſe Griefs) reveal d, a Glory never ending: But, Lord, (ſupport me; there's no Trial can So far perplex, that on the outward Man May be impos'd; no Sorrow that can be Like the with drawing of thy ſelf from me: Thou only art the Solace of my Soul, To thee let my diſtreſſed Heart condole Her Troubles; for there's none like that, when thou With Frowns beclouds the Brightneſs of thy Brow; Or ſecretly with-holds the glorious Ray, Which is my Sun and Shield, my Strength and Stay, My chiefeſt Counſellor, mine All: Ah, then How can my Troubles be deſerib'd by Pen! The Threats of this vain World ſhall not afflict me, Except the Darling of my Soul reject me: For its thine Abſence is the greateſt Grief, Thy loving Preſence is a true Relief. O 'tis my long'd-for Joy, mine only One! This Bleſſing therefore grant me, Lord, or none. O 'tis thy Love that thus engageth me, To wreſtle with, and follow after thee! And tho' to prove me, thou may'ſt tarry long, Preſerve in Patience, let me never wrong Thy Favours, ſo as once to entertain Another Lover, or to turn again In Heart to Egypt: Can her Garlick be Of any pleaſant Savour now to me, Or any other Soul, that once hath fed On Manna-Delicates, or Angels Bread? Which even in the Deſart thou affords Abundantly, as Holy Writ records Thou didſt of Old: No, no, 'twas Penury Enforced (in that Land of Slavery) To feed thereon. If thy indulgent Care Provide, and feed my Soul with better Fare, Teach me to prize thy Love; 'tis now the ſame To Iſrael's Seed, thou ſay'ſt not, Wait in vain But thou appear'ſt, who always do'ſt regard Thy breathing Babes, and with thee thy Reward Of inward Comforts known, with an Increaſe Of Joy, and Earneſt or Eternal Peace, To thoſe that keep thy Covenant; to them Thy Promiſes are all Yea and Amen. 1680.

Of the Rainbow. O How Stupendious are thy Wonders, Lord Which thou effecteſt by thy Living Word How Gloriouſly preſented every where, Do they to the diſcerning Eye appear! Which, as it views the Outſide, may diſcover The inward Wonder, by the Shell vail'd over Hath not each Viſible a Myſtery? Doth not each Herb proclaim a Deity? Which, with ſo ſine an Eſſence, gave it Birth, Out of the groſs dark Bowels of the Earth. If theſe familiar little Creatures be Such cauſe of Admiration, what may we Obſerve in this vaſt Concave of the Sky, So full of Wonders to a ſearching Eye? Do not the Heav'nly Orbs declare thy Glory, Great King, as in an Univerſal Story? Sun, Moon and Stars do, by their Light, proclaim A Power divine, and magnify thy Name: Can then this curious Semi-circle, deck'd With ſuch pure undy'd Colours, but affect Our Hearts with Dread and Wonder? can a Sign Of ſuch Concern and Glory (by Divine Authority plac'd in the Firmament, To ſignify that Gracious Covenant, Which, for thy Goodneſs, for thy Mercy's ſake, Thou, in thy tender Pity, pleas'd to make With poor Ungrateful Mortals, that thereby They might believe, Floods ſhould no more deſtroy, All Animals) paſs unobſerv'd? Tho' Man, Thro' his ambitious Ignorance, began Soon to inſult, altho' in vain; his Power And Policy, both fail'd at Babel's Tower: Yet haſt thou not remov'd this ſignal Token Of thy endearing Love; nor raſhly broken Thy laſting Cov'nant; but thereby doſt ſhew, That thou alone art Faithful, Juſt and True. O can this great Memorial to the Nation, The Rainbow, but excite our Admiration, When it appears! Were not the Signs in Heaven, And Wonders in the Earth, ordain'd and given For more ſublime Deſigns, that only be Look'd at, and gaz'd on, by Mortality? Did not the great Apoſtle once atteſt, That things inviſible are manifeſt By thoſe that do appear? Did not hereby Some of the Gentiles learn Divinity? Why may they not as well excite and raiſe Our Hearts, to celebrate the Author's Praiſe 1680.

Of CONTENT. WHo ſecks a Prize where 'tis not to be found Makes his Confuſion but the more abound: So they that dote on Riches that have Wings, Or any other tranſitory Things, Do but with great perplexing Cares prevent That which they moſt pretend to ſeek, Content. Where may it then be ſought? Behold it lies Hid, as a Treaſure, from the Vult'rous Eyes: Yet there's a Garden where this Plant doth grow, Which who deſires to find, muſt learn to know A Heart that's well reſin'd and purity'd From high-aſpiring diſcontented Pride; Diſdaining to admire that Idol, Gold, But can, as with undazled Eyes, behold Its Earth-bred Luſtre; knowing how to uſe in, Nor hoarding it to ruſt, that's to abuſe it; That cannot for vile Pleaſures proſtitute The noble Soul to grovle with the Brure; That cannot be ſo bound to humane Faſhion, As to be over-ſway'd with Furious Paſſion: But doth, as with a well-compoſed Mind, Hear Self revil'd and ſcorn'd; yet not melin'd Unto Revenge, but ſtill refers the Wrong To Him, to whom all Vengeance doth belong; And can in inward Purity rejoyce, Tho' Vertue's branded with the Name of Vice; That doth in Joy ſuch equal Temper know, That Sorrow cannot make it ſtoop too low, Nor be afraid, altho' the World ſhould frown; Nor yet forget himſelf, thro' vain Renown; That counts an Injury worth no Reward, Save only this, a Noble Diſregard; That's unto ſlaviſh Fear ſo much a Stranger, That it undaunted meets approaching Danger; Yea, high and low Eſtates can calmly bear, Without Diſturbance, or diſtracting Care; That honours Vertue, tho' in Poverty, Rather than Vice, puff'd up with Dignity; Whoſe equal Juſtice cannot vex his Foe, Nor ſpare his Friend, if that his Cauſe ſays No; Who, tho' in Pow'r, would not inflict a Wrong; Nor yet can ſee th' Oppreſſed ſuffer long, Without Relief; but chearfully doth lend A Helping-Hand to Enemy or Friend; Whoſe Word's more binding than a Golden Chain, Who ſtedfaſt to his Promiſe doth remain; And will perform it, tho' no Ear attend, To teſtify betwixt him and his Friend; Who, in great Multiplicity, can find A calm and wiſely-recollected Mind; Knowing that Heaven did never This ordain A Slave to Earth, but over it to reign: And having Treaſure, which no Ruſt can rot, Doth uſe the World, as if he us'd it not: And chearfully ſubmit to Providence, (Not by Conſtraint) in what it doth diſpenſe; Whether in Storms or Trials; for he knows That promis'd Comforts appertain to thoſe That mourn; or if his Lord and Maſter pleaſe, Can Joy in Sun-ſhine, or more proſp'rous Days; Knowing th' Eternal, Wiſdom never errs, Therefore ſincerely in his Thoughts prefers That Will before his own; ſo comes to learn, Wiſdom and Love in all things to diſcern; Who need not boaſt what Anceſtors have been, When all their Vertues ſhine more bright in him; Which is a greater Honour than to be The Refuſe of ſome famous Pedigree; This knows ſuch Peace the World can ne'er prevent, Here's that much ſought-for, durable Content. 1680.

An Epiſtle to M. R. THis Opportunity did me invite, Dear Couſin, (tho' with Scribbling Pen) to write Theſe Lines unto thee, thus to manifeſt I have not yet excluded from my Breaſt Th' Remembrance of thee, neither Time nor Place, Though far remote, ſhould cancel or deface The Monument of Friendſhip in that Mind, That is to th' Everlaſting Truth inclin'd. O may this always our Inſtructor be! Then ſhall we live in conſtant Amity: Let Truth in th' Inward Part be always dear Unto thee, then thy Counſellor is near; Who will inſtruct thee, how thou may'ſt behave Thy ſelf at all times, modeſt, meek, and grave; That thou may'ſt find that Peace, which doth excell All Viſible Enjoyments, and ſo dwell • n Undefiled Love, that will attend The truly humble Heart unto the end.

An Epiſtle to Conſin J. R. COuld pious Paul deſire that dreadful State, To be anathemiz'd, or ſeparate From Jeſus Chriſt, his high eſteemed Lord, For Iſr'elites, to whom the Heavenly Word, The Promiſes and Law, did appertain, The People unto whom the Cov'nants came, His Kindred in the Fleſh? Then how can I Be unconcern'd for thee, my near Ally? No, no; for Love, the Univerſal Love, Which tenderly doth viſit from above, Deſires the good of all; takes no delight That Sinners die in Sin; but doth invite All to return to him, and Live; for he Hath promis'd their Iniquity ſhall be Forgotten; they in Righteouſneſs ſhall live; And He, to them that overcomes, will give A Crown of Life; yea, they ſhall ſplendidly Be cloath'd with Robes of Immortality. Conſider well theſe things, my Friend, & learn To know what chiefly is thy great Concern; That Noble Off-ſpring of the Deity, Why ſhould it be ſeduc'd with Vanity? O come, and in true lowlineſs of Mind, Receive Inſtruction! Seek, and ye ſhall find, Is a Sufficient Warrant to begin To ſeek the piece of Silver, hid within The Houſe, thy Heart; Redeem thy precious Time, And find it out. O let thy Mind incline Unto the Voice, that dorn in ſecret ſay, As one behind thee, This is Wiſdom's Way, Walk in it; this will lead to laſting Joys; Deſpiſe them not for tranſitory Toys. Aim'ſt thou at Honour? Know, a ſudden Puff Elaſts it, and often leaves a Stinking Snuff. Ah, ſee'ſt thou not, that here all vain Renown Is daſh'd and diſannulled with a Frown; Seek Honour from above, and fear the Lord, And hearken to his holy living Word, Hid in thy Heart, that frequently reproves: Wiſdom rebukes, and chaſtens whom ſhe loves. But where there's no Reproof, there's cauſe of fear Leſt that the Holy One ceaſe ſtriving there: Such may too late bewail themſelves, and ſay, O that I might be ſpar'd another Day! What can a wounded Spirit ſatiate, When Soul and Body muſt be ſeparate? Whilſt therefore Time doth unto thee remain, Take up the Croſs, and own that holy Name, Chriſt crucify'd and riſen from the Grave, Whoſe Life's the Light of Men, that comes to ſave. But what avails to read the Hiſtory! In ſilence learn to know the Myſtery: For inwardly the Heart's defil'd with Sin, Therefore Salvation muſt be wrought within, By that which humbles, and that boweth down To Judgment; firſt the Croſs, and then the Crown. The Word is as a Fire to purify The Heart of Man from all Iniquity, Before it be a Word of Conſolation, And bring the Soul glad tidings of Salvation. All this (I hope) thou know'ſt; but he that knows it, Is not thereby approv'd, but he that does it: The Doer of the Word is Juſtify'd, Becauſe he by the ſame is Sanctify'd. Slight not the day of ſmall things, left there be Greater with-holden and conceal'd from thee. Was it not ſaid, when Ephr'im was a Child, I loved him (that's lowly, meek, and mild?) O be not high and lofty, but come down, With quick Zacheus, if thou'lt gain the Crown Of Life and Peace! Hark, doth not Jeſus ſay, Salvation's come unto thy Houſe this day! If thou'lt receive it, caſt it not away. 1680.

An ELEGY. THe faireſt Flow'rs are not ſecur'd from Blaſts The ſtrongeſt Tow'rs muſt unto Ruin yield, Each Viſible unto its Period haſtes, And by Retreat all call'd to quit the Field; Both Animals and Vegetables fall, Nature to common Change expoſeth all: None can ſecure himſelf. Man, tho' poſſeſt Of that great Faculty, ſtil'd Rational, May plead no Priviledge above the reſt, But ſtoop to th' Fate o'th' meaneſt Animal: Yet herein doth a Myſtick Grandeur lie, He hath a Nobler Part can never dye. Altho' remov'd from Converſe with his Friend; Relations and Acquaintance, are depriv'd Of his Society, Words can't extend T'unequal Objects; ſome are therefore griev'd Thus to be ſeparated each from other; From a dear Father, or a tender Mother. O can their Off-ſpring be ſo unconcern'd, As not a little to Breathe forth their Grief, Where Sympathetick Bowels often yearn'd, Yet cannot now adminiſter Relief To either ſide! Survivers may complain, Mourn and lament their abſence, but in vain. But yet we may a little ruminate On by paſt things, impreſſed on the Mind, And (tho' with grief) revolve that former State, When each in others Joys did Solace find; And let their Vertues flouriſh in each Breaſt, And Mem'ries live, tho' they are gone to reſt. Ah, he is gone, who was a Father dear Unto his Off-ſpring, with a tender Eye, Waiting for good; tho' ſeemingly ſevere, When careleſs Crimes enforc'd Severity: As famous Judges often Sentence give With Tears, ſo he with the Chaſtiz'd did grieve. This dear Paternal Love did more engage His Childrens Hearts, than here may be expreſt, Alluring (as it were) our tender Age To his advice; Love's Conqueſt is the beſt. Let others boaſt their forc'd Authority, Reigning like Tyrants in their Family. Nor did he count it as his chiefeſt Care, To gather for them Superfluity, Knowing that Earth-bred Wealth is oft a Snare. Whereby the Heart's engag'd to Vanity: His Gen'rous Spirit rather was inclin'd To furniſh them with Treaſures of the Mind. And though, in outward ſhew, he did appear Leſs forward in profeſſing things divine, His Heart was not without an holy Fear; Light in his youthful Days began to ſhine, And ſhew to him the empty Vanity Of Rome's ſeducing Soul-Idolatry. For when 〈◊〉 was, by a Related Friend, Solicited their Fancies t' entertain, Who urging (when his Life ſeem'd near its end To dye a Catholick, 'twas all in vain: The ſacred Precepts of the bleſſed Truth Began to ſpring up in his Blooming Youth. So that for all the Favours he receiv'd From that Relation, or great hopes of more, By promiſe due, he would not be deceiv'd To own thoſe Principles he knew before Were Men's Inventions: Thus Heav'n ſecretly Did ſhroud and keep him from ſuch Subtilty. And in ſucceeding Days did plainly ſhew A Way more excellent, a bleſſed Way; Whereby he, to his Satisfaction, knew That Path, wherein Fools walking cannot ſtray: Now, let his Weakneſs be forgotten quite, And with his Duſt be buried out of ſight. His ſecond Self by him was well belov'd; Who, tho' ſhe for a ſeaſon did ſurvive, That ſhe by future Trials might be prov'd, And by renewed Sorrows learn to grieve: A ſecond Love ſhe never entertain'd, But a chaſte Widow may Years remain'd. And if Affliction and Chaſtizement be Undoubted Characters of Fathers Love, Whoſe Prudence often in Severity Doth, for Inſtruction to his Children, prove A greater Favour than they apprehend; She had her ſhare, and found it in the end. Nor may her dear Affection be forgot Unto her Off-ſpring, whom ſhe taught the Law Of Filial Duty; yet delighted not So much thro' Fear, as Love, to keep in awe: Auſterity may gain a ſlaviſh Fear, But natural Affection more endear. She likewiſe (as her Conſort did before) Delighted much to gratify her Friend, If any her aſſiſtance did implore, She freely would reach forth a helping Hand; Thus ſtudying good, ſhe ſometimes griev'd to ſee Relations for ſmall Trifles diſagree. Yea, ſhe would rather bear an Injury, Than recompence it; rather reconcile Diſſenting Parties, thro' her Lenity, Than ſeem t' encline to either for a while: But theſe her Exerciſes now muſt ceaſe, And ſhe rejoyce in Everlaſting Peace. Alas! that thoſe who knew her well, might learn, By her Example, to become more mild, And not account Revenge a juſt Concern, Nor ſtudy to Revile, becauſe Revil'd; Such would more inward Conſolation know, Than from a angry Breaſt can ever grow. Well, tho' both He and She be gone to reſt, And cannot with our Sorrows now be mov'd, Nor with the Frownings of this World oppreſs'd, Wherewith ſome may as yet be further prov'd, Their Names, engraven in our Hearts, may not Be raz'd, or cancel'd, or in Time forgot. Nor ſhall we ſtudy high Hyperboles, So to perpetuate their Memory, Or raiſe a Monument of common Praiſe, Which cannot add to their Felicity; For they were what this inſufficient Pen Cannot deſcribe unto ſurviving Men. 1682.

AN EPISTLE. IS Friends fled, or Love grown cold? Do frozen Walls of Ice with-hold Its pearly Streams? O let the Sun, That gave it being, ſhine upon The brittle Fence! Or in ſome Skreen Injuriouſly ſet up between The gentle Spring, and that bright Ray Which, conqu'ring Night, brings joy ful Day? Remove that Obſtacle away: Then, tho' with Grief I may conſeſs, In Winter-time th' Effects be leſs, Becauſe of Diſtance, or cold Air Prevailing in our Hemiſphere, And interpoſing (For Sol's Pow'r Is ſtill the ſame each Day and Hour) It will diſſolve the Froſt in time, If its warm Ray there-on may ſhine; Tho' vacant Clouds do interpoſe Its pure refulgent Beam, and thoſe Inferiour Concretes that have Birth From the groſs Element of Earth. But ſtay! Methinks a Spring ſhould be From Winters chilling force, more free Than to be Frozen! Inbred Heat Is then, with pureſt Springs, more great; And with its Current ſoon doth glide Thro' Ice beſetting either ſide. Let Love ſpring up, that we may ſee The ſame Effects, dear Friend, in thee. 1682.

The Seventh Epiſtle to Couſin F. R. being then under ſome Exerciſes of Mind. IN Love's pure Sympathy, endeared Friend I know that ſecret Trials will attend, And raiſe ſome Conflicts in thy render Breaſt Such as by Pen cannot be well expreſs'd: But all things ſhall (as left upon Record) Convene for good to them that fear the Lord Some latent cauſe, from Carnal Eye conceal'd, May bring a Satisfaction, when reveal'd By that refulgent Light; whoſe ſacred Ray Leads on the Meek in Sion's pleaſant Way; Whoſe Paths are Peace to them that perſevere To follow Jeſus with an holy Fear; Jeſus, the ſpotleſs Lamb, whoſe Pow'r ſurrounds His Babes, when Tribulation moſt abounds: Lean on his Boſom, for his Love extends Abundantly unto his Boſom-Friends; Who, tho' He in true Wiſdom pleaſe to prove Our Faithfulneſs, our Fervency of Love, Is he ſees good: Yet there is never juſt • auſe or Occaſion of the leaſt Diſtruſt Of Loyalty in him; who when as we Were Strangers in a State of Enmity, • ay, in a poor, defil'd, polluted State, Objects more likely for Diſguſt and Hate: Did caſt an Eye of Pity and of Love • n Us, who had no Comlineſs to move The leaſt Affection, till his Gracious Hand • ad Waſhed, Swadled, had Anointed, and • dorned with his Robe of Righteouſneſs, And put upon us his own Comelineſs; And by his ſacred Covenant, engage • ur Hearts unto him in our tender Age: •• is, this is Love indeed! O let it never • word quenched in our Hearts, but live for ever! • his, this is Love worthy to be admir'd! 〈◊〉 ! this is He alone to be deſir'd. Therefore contend not in the Carnal Will, Tread Self-hood under Foot, wateh and be ſtill For all Additionals ſhall added be By him, who knows what's beſt for thee and me In Reſignation let us wait to know His Will fulfill'd, and living Praiſes flow Unto his holy ever-bleſſed Name, Who only's worthy in our Hearts to reign For evermore, Eternally. Amen. Ninth Month, 1682.

The Eighth Epiſtle to Couſin F. R. SHall Tranſitory Toys, vile Chaff and Droſs E'er be eſteem'd and priz'd above the Croſs The Croſs of Chriſt, the Pow'r of God, whe •• b • The holy Men of Old did crucify The World and Self-hood; and thereby obta •• A Crown of Glory, over all to reign, With Sion's King, in Everlaſting Peace, Where joys abound, but Griefs and Sorrows cea •• Ah! Shall that precious Seed, that hath been ſo •• In Ground prepar'd, ſo ſoon be overgrown With Bryars and Thorns? Or muſt the ſcorchi •• R •• And parching Heat of Trials, cauſe decay In that once green (tho' tender) ſprouting Pla •• Hath it but little Root? or doth it want 〈◊〉 Retreſhing Show'rs, or early Dews? O ſee Why thus it ſeems to droop! Why ſhould So long neglected? It may ſprout again If cheriſhed with firſt and latter Rain; Which Bounteous Heav'n will not too long deny, If Diſobedience and Idolatry Do not provoke thereto: That Gracious Hand, That planted it, can make a barren Land More fertile for its ſake; and if he pleaſe, Can make a fruitful Land a Wilderneſs. Ah! let our Breathings for each other be, That ſince we were from the wild Olive Tree Remov'd and ſeparated, that we might Be grafted in the Good, we may not ſlight The Hand that planted, nor the Root that bare us, Leſt we decay; for can the Pruner ſpare us, That ſpar'd not Nat'ral Branches, if we be Unfruitful, but divide us from the Tree? But that we ever may, as we depend Upon the Root, feel Life and Sap aſcend Into our Branches; that pure Praiſe may ſpring, And Fruits of Righteouſneſs to Sion's King.

A Letter to Couſin F. R. IN ſecret Yearning for thy Preſervation Endeared Friend, I ſend the Salutation Of Love unfeign'd, and heartily deſire Its pure refining Flame may ne'er expire, Or be extinguiſh'd: For 'twas ſaid of old, Iniquities abound, when Love grows cold. Now, tho' thy ſilent Pen doth teſtify, There's ſome (yet latent) Cauſe of Jealouſie: I'll not my Rival envy, if it be One worthy to be entertain'd by thee, Without Detraction from that innate Worth, Whereto (I hope) thou art by ſecond Birth Entituled. But can Affairs ſo crowd Or interpoſe, no Hour muſt be allow'd To ſend ſome welcome Evidence of Love, Which did ſo mutually engage and move Our Hearts and Pens ſo frequently t'expreſs Their Quondam Sympathy? Well, ne'ertheleſs What's character'd in my poor pauſing Mind, I ſend unto thee, as by Love inclin'd; Wiſhing thy Candid Aſpect on the ſame, Or elſe annihilate them in a Flame. 3d of 7th Mo. 1683.

A Parable to Couſin F. R. ON Shiloh's fruitful Banks, in Valleys low, A pleaſant Garden flouriſh'd, where did grow And ſpring, with early Dews, each curious Plant, Some rich in Beauty, ſome in pleaſant Scent: Among the reſt, a Lilly budded forth, Which flouriſhing a while in Native Worth: One Time look'd out, t'obſerve and take a View Of ſome ſtrange Plants, which in the High-way grew, To her a Scarlet Poppy then reſorted, And with fine Accademick Phraſes courted; Yea, did with florid Subtilty invade Her Innocence, and charmingly perſwade To quit that cloſe Confinement, and become An Object more admir'd and gazed on: The Lilly ſeem'd to liſten, till thereby She was almoſt ſeiz'd by a Lethargy; Scarcely regarding, that in unfenc'd Land She might be nip'd by ſome raſh careleſs Hand, Or that ſhe in the inclos'd Garden might Flouriſh, ſecur'd from Storm both Day & Night; And know the precious Dew of Hermon's Hill Daily upon her tender Leaves diſtil. A Neighbouring Plant obſerving this, diſmay'd, Unto the Maſter of the Garden ſaid, (In Sympathizing Bowels) Deareſt Lord, Be pleas'd to ſend thy pure prevailing Word, To guard thy Lilly; let it not remain Without thy Fence: Ah, with thy early Rain, Bedew and quicken! Let it know that there Is Blaſting and Decay, but Safety here Within thy Walls, which are Salvation round About thy Garden, for 'tis holy Ground. 3d of the 7th Month, 1683.

SOLITUDE. HOW ſweet it harmleſs Solitude? What can its Joys controul? Tumults and Noiſe may not intrude, To interrupt the Soul That here enjoys its ſelf, retir'd From Earth's ſeducing Charms, Leaving her Pomp to be admir'd, By ſuch as court their Harms; While ſhe on Contemplation's Wings, Soars far beyond the Sky, And ſeeds her Thoughts on heav'nly Things, Which in her Boſom lie. Great Privileges here, of old, The wiſe Men did obtain; And Treaſure, far ſurpaſſing Gold, They dig d for, not in vain. The Tincture of Philoſophers Here happily—they found; The Muſick of the Morning Stars Here in their Hearts did ſound. Moſes, that meek and prudent Prince Of Iſrael, did with Joy, By the burning Buſh, experience This ſacred Myſtery; When in Retirement he with-drew And led his tender Flock Beyond the Deſart he might view The Wonders of the Rock. So Heav'n's high honour'd Favourite, Did often chuſe to dwell Leſs for a Refuge, than Delight Upon the Mount Carmel: For in the incenſed Juſtice, he, From Heaven call'd down Fire, To curb vain Man's Authority, That did by Force require The holy Prophet to ſubmit Unto their proud Command, Or to come down, till Heaven thought fit Thereto to condeſcend. There's neither Statelineſs of Court, Nor any frantick Mirth, Deluded Mortals childiſh Sport, Nor Glories of the Earth, Can counterpoiſe that inward Peace, Which in her Boſom dwells; Joys here abounding, Sorrows ceaſe; Delight all Grief expels. Here may the Soul, ſecur'd from Noiſe, In Calmneſs meditate; And waiting, hear the ſtill ſmall Voice, Which makes the Mountains ſhake. But conſolates the Soul and Mind, As with a ſweet Repoſe, Which here, as from its Droſs refin'd, Participates of thoſe Diviner Joys, whereto by Birth She hath a ſacred Right; Which far tranſcends all Joys on Earth, In ſpotleſs true Delight. But thoſe that covet to enjoy The Sweets of Solitude, Muſt bid Adieu to Vanity; Not let the World intrude, Like an alluring Delilah, Into their P •••• cy; For her Deſign is • o betray By ſubtil Flattery: Which, who by Watchfulneſs doth learn Diſcreetly to repel, Such, to their Solace, ſhall diſcern Where perfect Peace doth dwell: And in Recirement, always find Such innocent Delight, As fully ſatiates the Mind, And plenteouſly requite Denial of all Earthly Things, Which ne'er can ſatisfie The noble Soul, whoſe Solace ſprings From Immortality. The glorious Joys of Seraphims; For which each daily ſings High Praiſes, and melodious Hymns, Unto the King of Kings.

A Meditation. CAN I forget that Hand, that firſt did lay My mean Foundation out of Duſt or Clay? Can I forget the Breath that did inſpire My lifeleſs Maſs with pure eternal Fire? Can I forget the Word, that firſt ſaid Live; And with its Vertue, Life did to me give? Can I forget that Eye, that guideth me With heav'nly Brightneſs thro' Obſcurity? Can I forget that holy Arm of Power, That guards and keeps me ſafe as in a Tower? Can I forget that ſweet Celeſtial Bread, By which, when hungry, I am nouriſhed? Or can my Soul ever unmindful be Of thoſe refreſhing Streams that ſlow from thee? Thou great eternal Fountain of all Good! Whoſe Name by Mortals is not underſtood; Nor can, by Letters, Words or Sencences, Be rightly comprehended as it is: For thou art All in All; And who can ſay, He can remember thee another Day? Except thy holy Spirit ſtill abide, And lodge with us, to teach, direct and guide Our Hearts and Thoughts, and quicken good Deſires, Whereby we long for thee, when thou retires To thy Pavilion, to thy ſecret Place; So that we reſt not, till we ſee thy Face: For thou alone prepares true Reſt for thine; Tho' furious Men againſt the Saints combine, Their Habitation they can ne'er deſtroy, By all their hoſtile Arts and Policy: For it is founded on the Rock that ſhall Abide; and, tho' Waves beat, ſhall never fail, As faithful they remain to thee, that art Author of Faith, that Shield from ev'ry Dart, Ah, why ſhould any doubt? Thy Arm's the ſame As ever; all ſufficient to reſtrain The Wrath of Man, tho' (as a flowing Tide) It ſeems reſiſtleſs: If thou pleaſe to guide Our feeble Footſteps in thy Path, we ſhall Not be diſmay'd, but follow thee thro' all That would oppoſe; thou art our chiefeſt Guard Yea, thou art our exceeding great Reward. Ah! take up thy Abode with us! For we Can find no Reſting-place, except in thee. 1684.

Meditations on Perſecution. Cold hungry Seamen, tho' they oft endure Day-dark'ning Storms & Tempeſts, to procure The winged Treaſures of this ſading World Altho' they run the Hazard to be hurl'd On wrecking Rocks, or quick-devouring Sands Or caſt as Captives on ſome foreign Lands, To ſpend their wretched Days in Miſery, Inſtead of what they ſought for to enjoy, Abounding Wealth, if to their wiſhed Shore They ſafe arrive; ven ••• e again, yet more Undaunted than at firſt, in Hopes to be With more Succeſs, kept from thoſe Dangers free; Then why ſhould ſuch faint-Heartedneſs appear In Iſrael's Camp that ought of Right to fear None but the Lord! Can any doubt that have The Word of an Almighty King, to ſave Them to the uttermoſt? what! tho' he ſeem To tarry long, his own appointed Time Is always beſt; in greateſt Straights, we do Wholly depend on, and acknowledge too, Salvation only from above; for then We find, 'tis vain to hope for Help from Men. Ah! was not Iſrael thus beſet? Could they Encounter furious Pharaoh's Hoſt, or th' Sea? Yet was Deliverance near; the Sea muſt be A Path to them, a Grave to th' Enemy: Pharaoh might follow to his own Deſtruction; Whilſt Iſrael is prov'd, to gain Inſtruction: That theſe may learn whom they ſhould chiefly fear And whom to truſt, when Tribulation's near. Ah, then in this our Goſpel-Diſpenſation, Why ſhould the Children of this Generation Seem ſo far wiſer, or more valiant, than The ſacred Offspring of Jerufalem? Thoſe hazard Life for tranſitory Toys; And ſhall not theſe, for everlaſting Joys, Reſign up Viſibles, yea, Life and all, To him that gave it, if he pleaſe to call To ſuch a Trial? Can we baulk the Way Wherein he leads, •• ept we run aſtray? We muſt thro' Exerciſes overcome, And bear the Croſs, (if we would wear the Crown) And fully follow him; the Recompence Will far exceed, when we are parted hence. But who art thou, that art ſo loth to give Up an Eſtate? A Thief may ſoon deprive Thee of a greater Share, than he requires; Some ſuffer more by Careleſneſs and Fires; Which juſtly Heav'n permits, to let them ſee How vain theſe poor, theſe trifling Treaſures be. Or doſt thou fear Confinement Heaven may ſend Grievous Diſeaſes, which Phyſician's Hand Cannot remove, and to the uneaſie Bed Make thee a Pris'ner, when thy Health is fled. But if thou be confin'd for Jeſus ſake, He will a Priſon much more pleaſant make, Than any ſpacious Palace: For he'll be Fulneſs of Joy, and ſaving Health to thee. Now, tho' ſome ſhun the Croſs as worldly wiſe, And from the Path of Truth apoſtatize, And yet the Judgments do not ſoon enſue, (Altho' they be in dreadful Vengeance due) So that the wicked did of old aver, Surely the Lord his Coming doth defer: Yet ſhall they not have Peace, but feel the Rod Of a diſpleaſed, of a jealous GOD; Whoſe Word can never fail, altho' he try Some with Long-ſuffering, and great Clemency. Ah, kiſs the Son, leſt that his Anger be Incens'd! for he alone can comfort thee: And let not any faint, or ſtart aſide, Heav'n will ſupport his faithful Ones when try'd. 1684.

On DANIEL. WHEN Babel's Grandees, by unjuſt Decree, With Royal Signet, ſurreptitiouſly Obtain'd, had feal'd an Edict, That none ſhould Exhibit a Requeſt, or be ſo bold To make Petition, ſave unto their King, In Thirty Days; in hopes thereby to bring T' inevitable Ruin, and deſtroy The Prophet Daniel, whoſe Sincerity Was well approved: Can we find, that he Was e'er ſo ſtartled at the raſh Decree, As to omit what formerly he knew Was an incumbent Duty, or to ſhew His Zeal for Iſrael's God? but every Day, Did he not, with his Window open, pray As formerly, and boldly ſupplicate For Iſrael's Seed, in their afflicted State? Now ſome may ſay, What, Daniel, couldſt not thou In Heart, and in th • private Cloſet bow, And make Petition in his Ear, that hears Deep Sighs and Groans, as well as louder Prayers; But indiſcreetly thus thy ſelf expoſe A ſought-for Prey unto thy watchful Foes? No, no, he ſtood not to conſult his own Security, as knowing GOD alone, Whom he ador'd, was able to reſtrain The Wrath of Man, and in his ſacred Name, Support his faithful Ones, tho' Trials ſhould Be heaped on them, even Sevenfold; Or elſe would give the ſweet Experience, Of a deſirable Deliverance. Thus noble Daniel, when Spies attended, He, as a Criminal, was apprehended And caſt, by Sentence of malicious Men, Into the (now more gentle) Lion's Den; Whither, approaching in the Royal Robe Of ſpotleſs Innocence, th' eternal God, That holds the Lives of Creatures in his Hand, Muzzled the Lions Mouths, with a Command Of Abſtinence; and whiſper'd in their Ear Such Dread, that they durſt not approach to tear The Angel guarded Prey; but ſtill muſt wait, Tho' Hunger-bit, for other courſer Meat. But Babel's King could not be unconcern'd For upright Daniel: Ah, his Bowels yearn'd For this his faithful Subject! So that he Could take no Reſt, but early roſe to ſee What was become of him; or if the Power Of Iſr'el's God, whom Daniel did adore, Was able to preſerve him from the Paws Of thoſe Devourers, and their rav'nous Jaws: Whereof, when Babel's King was ſatisfy'd By Daniel's Anſwer, who the • e teſtify'd His Loyalty to Heav'n, his Innocence Towards the King, he's ſoon removed thence; Whilſt his Acculers muſt become a Feaſt For them that durſt not touch the ſacred Gueſt; The Eternal Arm's the ſame, his Love's the ſame; To thoſe that truſt ſincerely in his Name. But thoſe that doubt when he is pleas'd to prove, And ſaw ſuch ſignal Tokens of his Love, Are now but rarely ſeen, our Foe prevails Too much againſt us, whilſt our Courage fails; We by Diſtruſt and doubting oft, I fear, Prevent thoſe Wonders, which might elſe appear. Alas! tis Faith that conquers; he believ'd, And doubted not, and therefore was reliev'd: For he reſiſted even unto Blood, Therefore the Lord brought all about for Good. Shall Man preſcribe a Way for him, whereby His glorious Name, he beſt, may magnify? A prudent General does not permit Such to appear in th' Front, he knows unfit To bear the firſt Aſſault of th' Enemy, But valiant Hearts, that cannot yield nor fly: Can then the everlaſting Counſellor, The King of Kings, be more unskill'd in War? No, no; for He, the only wiſe Commander, Tho' of his meaneſt Soldier truly tender, Yet honours them in higher Place, that be Free to encounters Dangers cheerfully. And tho' proud Gog and Magog arm for Fight, Deſtruction from his Sword ſhall ſtop their Flight: They ſhall not 'ſcape from his all-ſeeing Eye; His Wrath ſhall overtake them ſuddenly: He and his Saints muſt have the Victory. Then why ſhould any weak and faint appear? Tho' great Goliab glory in his Spear, And monſtrous Stature, little David ſhall, Without Soul's Armour, make the Giant fall; And bring Deliverance to Iſrael's Hoſt, Tho' the Philiſtines long againſt them boaſt: And tho Worm Jacob's Seed be often prov'd With Fribulations, he is ſtill belov'd, And for his ſake great Kings ſhall be reprov'd. The Lord of Lords will get himſelf a Name, He'll overturn, and overturn again, Until he come, whoſe Right it is to reign. 1685.

Meditations concerning our Impriſonment Only for Conſcience Sake, 1684. in Lancaſter-Caſtle. THO' the Eternal Wiſdom, Sion's King, Be pleas'd to try his Babes, by Suffering; Tho' ſome departing from the Sinner s way, And walking Sion-ward, become a Prey; Altho' thro' Tribulations Iſrael muſt Enter the promis'd Land, yet Heaven is juſt, And tenderly ſupports his patient Ones, Altho' he chaſten his Beloved Sons; And tho' in Priſons outwardly they be Confin'd, the Son of Love doth ſet them free, And leads in verdant Plains of Liberty: The freſh fat Valleys, where ſweet Shiloh flows, Upon whoſe fertile Banks the Lilly grows; Where, tho' he by ſome Exerciſes prove, He ſollaceth with Flaggons of his Love. Then why ſhould any murmur? Jeſus thus Extended Signal Favours unto us. Here are we with the hidden Manna fed, Tho' with Tranſgreſſors we be numbered: Here can we Proſpects from our Tower ſurvey, With much more innocent Delight, than they That range at large; yea, here we may deſcry The pleaſant Path, hid from the vult'rous Eye: Wherein the righteous follow Chriſt, their King And tender Shepherd, to the living Spring Of Joy; and to his Name, high Praiſes ſing. Nor can the proudeſt Walls (tho' ne'er ſo nigh, The Monuments of Grave Antiquity) Be terrible to ſpotleſs Innocence, That knows the Rock of Ages a Defence. Tho' ſome be from their Families remov'd, Here Mary's choice may better be improv'd: And Chriſt takes Care for his, altho' they ſit As unconcern'd, weeping at Jeſus Feet: He'll be a Father to the Family Of ſuch as, for his Name, in Priſon lye; And fill their Hearts with everlaſting Joy Theſe rugged Walls, leſs grievous are to me, Than thoſe bedeck'd with curious Arras Be T' a guilty Conſcience; to a wounded Heart, A Palace cannot palliate that Smart: Tho' drunk with Pleaſure, dull with Opiates, Some ſeem as ſenſeleſs of their ſad Eſtates, Till on their Dying-Beds Conſcience awakes. But tho' the righteous be in Bonds confin'd, They inwardly ſweet Satisfaction find. Neither can ſtately Roofs, Gates, Bars, nor all The Art of Man, ſuppreſs the Cries and Call, Or Supplication, or the pooreſt Sigh, Of Iſr'el's Seed; for his Redeemer's nigh; Who will regard the Cries, and hear the Groans, Of his afflicted, tribulated ones; And will, in his appointed Time ariſe, Utterly to confound his Enemies: Altho' by them he for a Seaſon prove His Chldren dear; he'll yet in Time remove The Scourge, and caſt the chaſt'ning Rod aſide, When Iſr'el's Faith and Patience he hath try'd. Now, tho' ſome rage, becauſe we cannot bow Unto their vain Traditions, ſince we know The bleſſed Truth, which hath engag'd to give Our Hearts to Him, in wi •• m alone we live: Yea, tho' for this, ſome fret, and ſtorm and rage, And ſtudy to afflict God's Heritage; Their Wrath's reſtrain'd by one, that if he pleaſe, Can curb the ſurious, rowling, raging Seas, A ••• na Moment; and upon the Wave, Teach his to walk, and by his Preſence ſave From ſinking, as of old: His Arm's the ſame, Eternal Praiſes to his holy Name. He is our Shield, our Sun, that penetrates Our cloſeſt Rooms, and ſweetly conſolates Our waiting Souls; and with his quickning Ray, Changes black Nights of Sorrow into (joyful) Day: So that 'tis not the Terrors of the Night, Nor darts that fly by Day, that can afright The righteous Souls, who walk in holy Fear; They know their Captain of Salvation near, The bleſſed Prince of Peace, their Joy, their King, The only Fountain, whence true ſaving Comforts ſpring. 6th Month, 1684.

Another Letter to Couſin F. R. AS Winter's tedious Nights to weary Eyes, As nipping Cold to chirping winged Flocks, Until the welcome Day-ſtar does ariſe, And lights the Trees to ſhake their dow Locks; Or as a Door cloſe lock'd, to limit thee Ev'n thee, to whom I ſend theſe haſty Lines, Such was thy tedious Silence unto me, Till now of late a better Aſpect ſhines. For from thy bounteous Hand I have receiv'd What I eſteem more than the Miſer's Gold; If I for lieu of it ſhould be bereav'd Of the dear Int'reſt which in thee I hold; Surpaſſing that of Conſanguinity, Which ſcarce obliges, but in Complements; But Cordial Friendſhip's laſting Unity, Hearts by endearing Vertue ſo cements, That Diſtance, tho' remote, can't ſeparate; Tho' interpoſing Buſineſs prevail, To hinder mutual Converſe, and create Thoſe Exerciſes which ſometimes aſſail: That Adage, clouded to the World in Miſts, Is in thy Converlation verity'd; Honour with true Nobllity conſiſts, And nothing more ridiculous than Pride. Pride in Deportment, and in gaudy Droſs, Indulg'd by ſome t' obtain a Monarchy, Is ſhunn'd by thee; thy Empire ne'ertheleſs Extendeth further, than deſir'd by thee. Thou to the World in Plainneſs bravely ſhews, Thou covet'ſt not the Troubles of her Noiſe; Yet unawares obligingly ſubdues, Far more than they that court her Vanities. Pride's gaudy Captives ſtrive to dazle Eyes, But thy ſweet Gravity affects the Heart, Yet ſuch ſometimes gain Conqueſt by ſurprize; But whom thou overcomes, own due Deſert. Yet were thy Vertue and thine Honour leſs, If ſuch Ambition found a place in thee, As frequently attends the gaudy Dreſs, T' inſult o'er thoſe ta'en in Captivity. But tho' thou can'ſt not totally redreſs Such Expectation, as ſome ſeem to have, Yet by a prudent Mein and Gentleneſs, Would looſe the Fetters, that ſo far enſlave, And innocently ever doſt extend Such candid Favours, as may beſt agree To thoſe whom thou vouchſafes to own thy Friend, And yet keep from reflecting Cenſure free. But thy great Zeal for true Religion ſhines In Life and Converſation, ev'n as far, Above what others talk theſe cloudy times, As the Day-Ruler doth a twinkling Star. For in thy blooming Years, thy tender Mind Was inf •• enced with ſuch warm Deſires Of Holineſs; and ſo to Good inclin'd, As Love, and Power Divine, alone inſpires. Nor didſt thou take Religion upon Truſt, But wiſely ſought to know its Baſis; and, Noble Borean-like, ſo wiſe and juſt, To ſearch the Records of Divine Command: Which, having prov'd, thou beard'ſt, & then obey'd; And with a right compoſed Heart and Mind, Bow'd to the Truth; ſo Truth its Scepter ſway'd, And thou therein doſt Peace and Solace find. And tho' at firſt the frowning World aſſay'd, By Scornings and Revilings, t' have deterr'd From Goodneſs, thy great Soul was not diſmay'd, But this, before her Vanities, preferr'd: So things that once ſeem'd difficult, became More eaſie; and the glorious ſhining Light, That firſt but glimmer'd in the dark, the ſame Broke out more bright, & overſpread the Night. Thus what ſeem'd once impoſſible, appear'd To thy great Satisfaction; and thine Heart (Thy Underſtanding being fully clear'd) Enjoy'd the Choice of Mary's better part, Which from the righteous may not be remov'd; They know Salvation near, Truth is their Choice; And tho' ſuch be with Exerciſes prov'd, They have the Earneſt of eternal Joys. 1690.

On FRIENDSHIP. A Mongſt the many Records I have read, And Tranſcripts, thro' the World much ſcattered, I've met with ſeveral Hints and Whiſperings, Of an abſtruſe Grand-Property, that ſprings From ſome interiour, hidden, innate Cauſe, In Noble Breaſts, uncircumſcrib'd by Laws, Styl'd Friendſhip, which of ſuch a Nature is, That many think they know it when they miſs. But 'tis ſupposd of ſuch ſweet Innocence, Of ſo Divine and Sacred Influence, When it doth in true tender Hearts prevail, That when occurrent Troubles would aſſail, It guards, as doth a Bulwark, either Breaſt, Where it reſides, and taketh up its reſt. But O! this treacherous World knows little of it, Except it be in Name, whereby to ſcoff it. For now, tho' ſome affected with the Name, Would be ſuppos'd touch'd with its Noble Flame, They ſcorn its Dictates, and will not regard A troubled Friend, except ſome fair Reward Appear in view; their Buſineſs or their Pride Engroſſes all; Sell may not be deny'd. O when will Mortals raiſe their Eyes to ſee, That all things here are only Vanity! 1691.

On the Three Holy Children. WHen conqu'ring Babel's Foes were ſubjugate, And fair Jeruſalem depopulate, King Nebuchadnezzar triumph'd in Pride, And his Concerns of War ſeem'd laid aſide; Who glorying in his Strength, not in the Lord, Formed a Golden God to be ador'd. Now this great Image, made by mortal Hand, Muſt worſhip'd be (ſuch was the King's Command) Tho' ſenſeleſs, helpleſs, tho' he ne'r could bleſs Their warlike Enterprizes with Succeſs: But 'tis the King's Decree, and then who dare Reſiſt, but ſuch as do a Greater fear? The Sentence is, The Fiery Furnace muſt Conſume the Rebel's Body unto Duſt. Yet there were captive Jews of Royal Blood, Who, in their Zeal for Iſrael's God, withſtood That curſed Edict, that vain Law reject, That ſtrict Decrce with them had ſmall Effect: Then the Informers, that obſerv'd the Jews, And fought for an Occaſion to accuſe The Innocent, (as ſome do now) drew near; And firſt, to gain acceptance in his Ear, Said, Live, O King, for ever! Thou haſt made A firm Decree, which ſome have not obey'd; Even Three conceited Jews, who neither thee Regard, nor to thy Gods do how their Knee. O how his Fury doth at this ariſe! That any ſhould his Golden God deſpiſe: His Viſage doth its native Features change; His Eyes, with ſparkling Rage, proclaim Revenge: Therefore, at his Command, they all in Haſte The Perſons of the innocent arreſt; Call'd Shadrach, Meſhech, and Abednego, And they before the wrathful King muſt go To prove the Matter; and, it ſeems to try It they would bow: Which, when they ſtill deny, As knowing, He alone that did create The Fire, and all things elſe, could ſoon abate Its Violence; and from the threatning Hand Of Babel's King, deliver them that ſtand In Awe to none but him, and fear not Man; But dread the living God, who only can Kill and deſtroy, or ſave and keep alive; For He to Man doth Life and Being give. This they believing, did not ſtudy how To anſwer; but reſolved not to bow To any, but the Lord: Altho' the King Seem'd in his Wrath, to count it as a thing Impoſſible, that any God could be So potent, to withſtand his fierce Decree. But Great JEHOVAH did that Law confound; For when all Three were in their Veſtments bound, And caſt into the furious fiery Flame, Th' Eternal Word did pow'rfully reſtrain Its proper Quality, and ſo ſurround Them with Defence, no Harm on them was found: Yet did the Fire retain its former Vigor, And manifeſt it with reſiſtleſs Rigor, Againſt thoſe Men, who bold to execute The King's Command, the Juſt did perſecute: Which, when Nebuchadnezzar ſaw, diſmay'd, He roſe in haſte, and to his Nobles ſaid, Were not three Men caſt bound into the Flame? They anſwer'd, True: The King reply'd again, Now, in the midſt thereof, behold, I ſee Four Men walk looſe, and from their Fetters free; Whereof the Fourth ſeems cloath'd in Majeſty, As Son of the Immortal Deity. Thus was the Lofty forced to confeſs, There was a Pow'r above him, and to bleſs The God of Iſrael; ſet his Servants free, That, truſting in him, would not bow the Knee Unto, or ſerve another, than the Lord, Their only God; but, as with one accord, Did yield their Bodies to his Will, that they Might magnify him in their Trial-Day. Conſider now, had they not faithful been, The Captive Seed of Iſrael had not ſeen That great Deliverance, ſo ſignally Wrought for them, that, in true Simplicity, Reſign'd themſelves, their all, unto the Lord, Who is alone worthy to be ador'd: Nor Babel's Monarch been conſtrain'd to bleſs His holy Name, who reigns in Righteouſneſs; Depoſing Kingdoms unto whom he ſees Moſt fic, and changing Man's perverſe Decrees. Lord, may thy Wiſdom, in theſe latter Days, Limit, or turn Man's Wrath unto thy Praiſe! Put thou an Hook into the Jaws of thoſe, That ſtudy politickly to oppoſe Thy Works of Love and Wonder, in the Land, And with their Subtilty ſeek to withſtand The Progreſs of deſpiſed Iſrael, In their Return towards thy Holy Hill, Sion, the ſacred Mount of thy Renown, Which Babylon hath ſought to batter down, But never ſhall prevail; altho' ſhe ſeem To ſit in Pomp, like to a ſtately Queen, That ſees no Sorrow; all her Pride is vain; For fall ſhe muſt, and never riſe again; The Times's appointed. Then ſhall Sion riſe, And triumph over all her Enemies.

The Concluſion of a Letter to Couſin F.R. NE'er let the Proſpect of a great Eſtate Dazle thoſe Eyes, which I preſum'd of late, Could from on High, with brave Diſdain, look down On this World's fading Glory; ſince a Crown Of Life is promis'd for a Recompence Of hearty, true, ſincere Obedience, Unto the faithful Soul, whoſe ſtrong Deſires Are centred in that Joy that ne'er expires. Ah, let enough ſuffice! Could Poverty Be Advocate, 'twould plead Excuſe for thee: But if we graſp at Riches that are vain, Then bow is our Religion ſtrong and plain?

A MEDITATION. LORD, teach me patiently to follow thee, Thro' thy ſore Travels, thro' thine Agony, Which thou ſo meekly didſt endure for me, 'Mongſt ſuch unworthy Worms as wounded thee, Piercing the freſh with our Iniquity: Teach us to ſuffer till we reign with thee. Amen

To her Friend, M. J. LET us, my Friend, all peeviſh Self withſtand, And in the Meekneſs of the ſpotleſs Lamb, Lead one another gently by the Hand, And travel forward to the Holy Land, Where the Redeemed, on Mount Sion ſtand, With Harps of Living Praiſes in their Hand.

A MEDITATION. ETernal Love, before whoſe glorious Face All Times art preſent, filling ev'ry Place; Uncircumſcribed, Unexcluded! Can Thy boundleſs Mercy to forgetful Man Be told? Or can thy long Forbearance be Enough admir'd? Great dreadful Majeſty! Ah! let my Soul, in a true living senſe Now raminate on the ſweet Influence Of that abounding Goodneſs, which from thee Did freely reach to ſuch a Worm as me! The Beaſt that cleaves the Hoof, and cheas the Cud, Was by the ancient Law proclaimed Good: And as thou'rt pleas'd to enjoin thine Iſrael, In humble due Acknowledgment to tell Thy mighty Wonders, each one to his Friend, Whereby thou brought' ſt' em to the promis'd Land; So' mongſt the many Favours, Lord, of thine, May I now call to Mind that doleful Time; Wherein, as pondering of my State, I found (Tho' Life and Vertue doth with thee abound) My ſelf as one of thoſe dry ſenſeleſs Bones, Which lay in th' open Valley, which thou once Did'ſt ſhew thy Prophet, all exceeding dry, Until thou pleas'd to caſt a tender Eye Of Pity on them, and the Anſwer give Unto that great Demand, Can dry Bones live? By breathing on them, when thy gracious Hand Had gather'd them, and by thy bleſs'd Command, Cloth'd them with Fleſh: Great King! thy Powr's the ſame It was of Old, and cannot move in vain. Thus, tho' at firſt my miſerable State Seem'd unto me doleful and deſperate, How ſoon thou, in the Bone, didſt broach a Spring Which to my Soul did ſweet Reſreſhment bring.

Friendſhip tried. THO' it ſurpaſſeth Winter's Skill, T' Impede the flowing Tide, Which from the Spring in Hermon's Hill Each Moment is ſupply'd: Tho' Icy Walls cannot immure Its Chriſtal Streams that run ſecure; Nor yet the ſcorching Fiery Beams Of Summer's Heat exhale, Or to drink up thoſe purling Streams, With all its Drought prevail; Which ever flowing, freely bring Their Pleaſures from a Living Spring. Yet have I ſeen a pretty Well, Deriv'd from Showers of Rain, Which into Nature's Ciſtern fell, And did ſome Time remain, By Summer's Drought, exhal'd away, And vaniſh in a ſcorching Day. So little Brooks and Torrents flow, While they have freſh Supply From the diſtilling Clouds, But grow (when moſt they're wanted) dry Like Cherith's Brook, whole pleaſant Stream Ceas'd when the Drought was moſt extream, So common Kindneſſes may flow In ſome Siniſter Hearts, And petty Favours ſeem to grow, Whilſt ſometimes they impart Renewed Bribes, in hopes to obtain The Stock, with Intereſt, back again. But then, if any Fret ariſe, Or Diſappointment come, How ſoon Upbraiding teſtifies, True Friendſhip found not room Within thoſe narrow bounded Breaſts, The Lodging of Self-Intereſt, True Friendſhip, that from Vertue ſprings, Doth ſo enlarge the Mind, It cannot be block'd up with things Of ſuch a ſervile Kind, As makes dull Miſers fret and rage In this our mercenary Age. 'Tis not the nipping ſtormy Winds Of ſharp Adverſity, Nor Winter's Froſt, can chill the Minds, Or ſtop the Sympathy, Which with unfeigned Love doth flow, Where Friendſhip doth ſincerely grow.

A Meditation. HOW long will Man forget himſelf, And be ſo much inclin'd To treaſure up that ſordid Pelf, Which he muſt leave behind? And ſeek theſe Vanities on Earth, Which quickly come to nought; A little Jollity and Mirth Is often dearly bought: Fools for the Belly ſell away Their Birth-right to the Wife; What's this Inheritance? Cry they: Thus they for Traſh deſpiſe That Treaſure, which no Thief can ſteal, No Canker-worm, nor Ruſt Can e'er corrupt: And 'tis by Seal Confirmed to the Juſt; Who, tho' they here may ſuffer Loſs, Is ſhall become their Gain, If patiently they bear the Croſs, They ſhall the Crown obtain. But thoſe that chooſe their Portion here, Shall wail in Miſery, Becauſe ſuch would not lend an Ear To th' Voice of Wiſdom's Cry; Who call'd, to lead them in the Way, Where no Deſtroyer's found, Nor any hurtful Beaſt of Prey Can tread this holy Ground: The Vulturous Eye here cannot ſpy; But yet the humble Mind, That ſeeks in crue Simplicity, This pleaſant Path may find; And, tho' Unlearned, cannot err, Led by a ſacred Guide, Unto a Habitation, where True Comforts are enjoy'd. Then why ſhould Men unmindful be Of their more Noble Part, The Offspring of Eternity, As wholly to invert The ſole Uſe of their Intellects, To gain a fading Toy, This faithleſs World; while they reject True Everlaſting Joy? They ſnatch at Shadows here, and ſlight The Subſtance that remains For ever: Thus they, in the Night, Walk on to endleſs Pains; If they perſiſt to wander there, And careleſly contemn The ſpringing Light, that doth appear Thence to deliver them: Then, why, alas, ſhould they deſtroy Their Hopes of laſting Treaſures, And reſt contented, ſordidly To ſhare with Beaſts in Pleaſures? Since Wiſdom hath prepar'd a Feaſt, Her Tables furniſhed, That Fools may now become her Gueſts, And feed on Heavenly Bread. Indeed the wiſe in their own Eyes, Are fill'd with vain Conceit; Such will the Honey-comb deſpiſe, Yet ſhall the Hungry eat, Till ſatisfy'd, and with Delight, Walk on in Wiſdom's Way; Knowing the Light expels the Night, And brings in perfect Day: Whereby they ſee things as they be And ſo are taught to chooſe Eternal Life in Purity, But Sin and Death refuſe. There's no abiding City here; Seek one that ſhall remain: To Wiſdom's Counſel lend an Ear; True Godlineſs is Gain. Where the contented Mind is known, There is a ſweet Increaſe Of Solace, where the Soul lies down In Everlaſting Peace; True Peace and Joy, not to be found In vain Terreſtrial Things: Pure holy Praiſes then abound Unto the King of Kings; Who from on High, with tender Eye, Look'd down, and pleas'd to ſend Wiſdom to call, whoſe Voice and Cry Doth unto all extend.

Of a Happy Life. SHall we exclude from a ſedate, Sweet, happy and contented State? The honeſt Man that lives in Health, Enjoying ſtill ſufficient Wealth, Tho' not from an Inheritance, But ſure Supply from Providence, Eſtate by Induſtry can find, But treaſures Goodneſs in his Mind; Tho' boaſting no Nobility, Nor Honours, from a Pedigree; But rather can, with Ego meis Majorihus V • rtute praeluxi. Tully tell, He doth his Anceſtors excel; Yet is not over-clogg'd with Care, Can Time for Mind and Body ſpare; Can feed and ſleep in Seaſon, free From ſuperfluous Luxury; That hath an equal Loyal Spouſe, An handſome habitable Houſe; Inherited, or purchas'd, that He need not fear the ſullen Threat Of griping Landlord; but if nor, Finds true Content in any Lot; Since in the Cloſet of his Mind Dwells Solace not to be defin'd, Hath a juſt Friend, that cannot be Transformed in Adverſity; And what's more happy, yet more ſtrange! He's always ready for a Change.

On David and Jonathan. ARE learned Pens ſolicitous to expreſs Idle Chimeraes in Romantick Dreſs? And ſhall the Fame of theſe Heroick Friends, Be thought a Theme unworthy of ſuch Pens? Where a more Princely Pattern can we find Of Loyal Friendſhip, and a Nobler Mind, Than ſhines in Jonathan, Saul's famous Son? Whoſe Heart to David, ſince the Conqueſt won From Great Goliah, was ſo firmly knit, That no Self-Intereſt could e'er alter it: Such potent Love ſprang in his Royal Breaſt, That he diſrob'd himſelf, to cloath his Gueſt; And gave his Garments, Girdle, Sword, and Bow, Whether he did, by ſacred Inſtinct know He ſhould his Father in the Throne ſucceed: (Can Man divert what Heaven hath decreed?) And tho' the Kiſhite politickly told, Whilſt Jeſſe's Son ſurviv'd, He never ſhould Eſtabliſh his Dominion, or advance His Royal Scepter: Yet ſince Providence Had ſo diſpos'd it, He with Pious Mind, Serene from Envy, had in Heart reſign'd His Kingly Pow'r to David: For had he Been falſe in Heart, ſome Trick of Treachery Had broken forth, his Honour to obſcure; Yet David otherways been kept ſecure. But O his brave Heroick Soul diſdain'd Ignoble Projects; yea, a Crown ſo ſtain'd With Breach of Friendſhip! Ah, how did he plead With furious Saul, and nobly interceed For abſent David, till he did provoke To (had it hit) a ſad and fatal Stroke Againſt himſelf? then meekly he withdrew, And at the appointed Seaſon went to ſhew This unto him, whoſe Life ſeem'd to depend On the Fidelity of ſuch a Friend; Who (pre-advis'd) did privately attend The Prince's coming; where, with mutual Grief, Leave to depart, was then the ſole Relief Time did afford; with Tears, and great Increaſe Of Sorrow, David is diſmiſs'd in Peace. But David, truly worthy ſuch a Friend, Rememb'red this, when Heav'n had put an End To Rivalty of Rule, and call'd away The noble Prince; leſt here his longer Stay Might ſeem t' eclipſe his great renowned Name, Had he ſurviv'd to ſee another Reign: David yet grateful (when with watry Eyes, He had bewail'd his dear Friend's Exequies, And griev'd that he was by Philiſtines ſlain, 'Gainſt whom his Sword was never drawn in vain, Ʋntil that diſmal Day, that Heaven's Decree On wretched Saul muſt executed be) Sought out Occaſion how to manifeſt The Effects of Friendſhip in his Kingly Breaſt; And to the Off-ſpring, gently did extend The Favours due to his deceaſed Friend; Mephiboſheth, tho' Saul's Poſterity, (Saul's, that was of ſuch noted Enmity To David) being Son to Jonathan Muſt dwell at Court, the King will entertain Him at his Royal Table, gives Command For the Surrender of Saul's State and Land. Was David valiant? Did he, void of Fear, Aſſail and ſlay a Lion and a Bear, And with undaunted Courage overcome The Warlike Gathite with a little Stone? But, which preferr'd him more than all the reſt, An upright Heart he bore within his Breaſt. Was not his Friendly Rival, Jonathan, Renown'd ſor Valour too? The only Man, That, with his Armour-Bearer, overthrew The proud Philiſtines, ere his Father knew With whom he left the Hoſt of Iſrael, Whilſt the proud Garriſon before him fell, With Dread and Trembling; Iſrael, mean while Amaz'd, made Haſte but to purſue and ſpoil: Yet did he not out-brave his Loyal Friend, But by Majeſtick Meekneſs recommend That true Nobility of Mind, that brings A greater Honour than the Name of Kings. For tho' his Sword many Philiſtines ſlew, And Iſrael's Foes he bravely did ſubdue; Yet did that Love and Friendſhip in his Breaſt, Embalm his honour'd Name above the reſt Of his renowned Vertues, and engage Immortal Fame in each ſucceeding Age.

On Modeſty and Chaſtity. O How is this luxurious World beguil'd! That Spotleſs Modeſty ſeems quite exil'd; And Chaſtity cathier'd, or baniſh'd hence, Leſt her prevailing pow'rful Influence Should tincture humane Hearts with holy Awe, And deeply there engrave the Royal Law; Which few regard, tho' of a vaſt Extent, Altho' its Precepts teacheth to prevent The ſad Effects, Grief, Shame, and Obloquy, That ſtill attend them that ſlight Modeſty. For Chaſtity, ſits as with awful Grace, Enthron'd i'th' Heart, and ſweetly in the Face Holds forth its Enſign, Modeſty, as 'twere A Flag of Peace, which, when it doth appear, It bids Defiance to th' voluptuous Mind, Altho' to Hoſpitality inclin'd; And doth with Friendly Treatments entertain Thoſe that converſe therewith without a Stain, Or baſe Extravagance of wanton Look, Wherewith deluding Syrens bait their Hook, To catch unſtable Hearts with ſeeming Joy, Tho' the Deſign is chiefly to deſtroy. No, here's a pure, tho' far more potent Charm, That, as a Caſtle, daunts approaching Harm With ſimple Innocence, whoſe chiefeſt Care Is to prevent, rather than plant a Snare. Then why ſhould either Sex claim Liberty, Beyond the Confines of ſweet Modeſty? It ſeaſons Words, and fairly regulates Deportment, both to High and Low Eſtates: It crowns the Man with Comelineſs: But ſhe That wants it, deſerves Shame and Infamy.

RETIREMENT. O Whither is my Love withdrawn! and where Shall I direct my Steps to find him near, And fear no prying Eyes, nor liſt'ning Ear? Ah! whither ſhall I now repair to find A Solitary Place to eaſe my Mind, To him that can my Foes in Fetters bind? Ah, Lord! withhold not thoſe reſplendent Beams, Nor ſtop the Current of thoſe Criſtal Streams, Which would both heal my Wounds, and cleanſe my Stains, Spring! Spring! O Fountain of Felicity! And let ſweet Shiloh's Stream flow forth, that I May drink, and be refreſh'd; or elſe I die. Appear, thou great High Prieſt of Iſrael! Who in that vaſt Eternity doth dwell, Whoſe perfect Beauty, Tongue can never tell. O can my Soul but much affected be With thoſe enam'ring Rays that dart from thee, Great Spring of Light! O teach me fervently To wait for thee! whoſe Love is ſtill inclin'd To favour Iſrael's Seed, whoſe Heart and Mind Is unto thee unfeignedly reſign'd. Tho' Mortals cannot ſee thy Face, and live; Yet to thy Royal Seed thou'rt pleas'd to give This Princely Favour, this Prerogative. Lord, caſt thine Eye upon a Worm, whoſe State Is even like a Widow deſolate! Remove, conſume, all that would ſeparate, Or interpoſe betwixt my Love and me: O rend the Vail throughout, that I may ſee My Soul's chief Darling! Ah, thou, thou art He, That ſtands behind the Wall, & there doſt wait To ſhew thy ſelf, when thine do ſupplicate To ſee thee near; then doſt thou ſatiate The pure in Heart: Altho' thou pleaſe to try Their Zeal, their Fervour, their Sincerity To thee; whoſe Preſence Lord, is always nigh.

On Solomon's Requeſts. GReat Solomon, t' whom Heav'n was pleas'd to give A ſoken of his Favour, when requir'd To ask and have; twas not that he might live To num rous Years, or Riches he deſir'd, Nor yet the Fame of outward Victory, But that his Heart true Wiſdom might enjoy. Who, when he had this great Requeſt obtain'd, Eſteeming it above the fineſt Gold, Other more mean Enjoyments alſo gain'd; He learn'd by this, Enigmaes to unfold; And ſaw by this, all things below the Sun, Were Vanity, and muſt to Period come: And while to this he rightly was inclin'd, His Steps were guided in the Path of Peace; His underſtanding Heart and Princely Mind In Wiſdom's Secrets daily found Increaſe: He then expe imentally could tell Her Price all gliſtring Rubies did excel. For this alone gives true Nobility, Rightly inſtructing Princes how to reign, As with a righteous Scepter: 'Tis hereby The Magiſtrate bears not the Sword in vain, To puniſh or protect; but knows to extend Mercy and Juſtice with impartial Hand: Therefore a Terror only unto them, Whoſe Acts and Deeds are own, but ••• ane To Wiſdom's Children Thus the •••• M Of Princely Solomon gave forth ſuch Rays, As dazied the Beholders: M ••• tly Shin'd in his Wiſdom to each won dring ••• , Much more than in the Plenty of his Gold, Or ſparkling Gems, common to other King; 'Twas none of theſe, when niggard Fame had ford His Name in Soeba's Court, that from ••• a brings That famous Queen, whoſe Heart 〈◊〉 or on Fire To prove the Truth, his Wiſdom to admire. Where ſecret Wiſdom dwells, at her right Hand Are Length of Days & Peace where with 〈◊〉 bleſs Thoſe that attend on her, and always ſtand As at her Door, the Gate of Rights on meſs: With Wealth & Honours her right H ••• •••• ses Thoſe whom ſhe's pleas'd to own her • au ••• des. But Words, alas, cannot enough ſet forth Its Excellence, nor Tongue of Man declare True Wiſdom's Price, according to us Worth: She dwells i'th' humble Heart, that's fill'd with car Of the Almighty; and all thoſe that have her, Find Subſtance that remains, yea er •••• s Treaſure.

A MEDITATION. O Who would think all outward Foes might be Suppreſs'd and conquer'd, much more eaſily Than that inſulting Tyrant in the Heart, Which there uſurps, and acts the Traytor's Part! For tho' a Man externally reform His Actions, ſo that ſtrictly he perform The Precepts of the Law; 'tis all in vaia, If he th' accurſed Achan entertain In his polluted Breaſt: This will expoſe Him to the Fury of all outward Foes; Whom otherwiſe he might with Eaſe repel, Did not this Traytor in the Boſom dwell. We'll therefore wait to feel the ſearching Power, By its enlightning Influence, diſcover This curſed Achan, that the Camp may be Entirely ſanctified, to follow thee, Iſrael's victorious King, who truly doſt Watch with a tender Care o'er Iſrael's Hoſt, For 'tis a Task, ſurpaſſing humane Skill, Rightly to govern and direct the Will. Let therefore Heart and Will be ſtill reſign'd To thee, with a free, fervent, humble Mind.

Contemplation. GReat Prince of Peace! When I incline To wait on thee, Thou ſay'ſt in ſecret, Thou art mine; Thou'ſt purchas'd me! Not with Corruptible or Fading Things. But with a Price that far exceeds the Gowns of Kings. Ah, Lord! who can enough admire Thy Boundleſs Love, Which doth ſo far ſurpaſs Deſire, Yea, often prove Beyond what might expected be by me, Unworthy of the ſmalleſt ſmiling Glance from thee. O Gracious Love! Thy Sweets excel All things below: Alas! Earth's Beauty cannot parallel Thy meaneſt Glimpſe, I know; For one's an Earneſt of ne'er fading Joy; The other's an enſnaring Soul deluding Toy. Thy ſmalleſt gentle Ray invites Our Souls to taſte Thoſe never fading freſh Delights, Which always laſt; And, as deſired, more increaſe, Unto the humble holy Child of Peace. Mark how the Tape's feeble Light, With Glimm'ring Ray, Gilds as it were the Shades of Night, Inſtead of Day; But what's its Luſtre, when the Sun appears T • llaminate our doſeful Hemiſpheres! So, tho' Earth's Pleaſures ſometimes do, With ſeeming Joys, Allay ſmall Sorrows, mitigate a Woe, That from her Toys Proceeds, and vex the groveling Soul that feeds Upon her empty Husks, and noiſome Weeds. Yet when the Brightneſs of thine Eye Doth from above Diſcover dark deluding Vanity, And with its Love Invite; how leſs than nothing then are thoſe Fondly enſnaring Toys, and fiatt'ring Shows, Which only by Reflections do Produce Remorſe In th' injur'd Conſcience, to increaſe the Woe That will with Forte Fall upon thoſe that dote on Fading Toys, But ſlight the Light that leads to endleſs Joys? Ah then, who can enough admire Thy Love, thy Light! Who can but long, with ſtrong deſire, For ſuch Delight! This is the Light of Life, fades not away, But ſhines more bright unto the perfect Day.

Of FREINDSHIP. VErtue is the right ſacred Spring whence flows Thoſe Chriſtal Streams, whereby true Friendſhip grows; That dear Affection, that firm Unity, That interwoven free Community; Which ſo engageth Hearts and Minds together, No ſtormy Sea, nor utmoſt Lands, can ſever Theſe willing Captives: For the gen'rous Mind Is not by Place, tho' far remote, confin'd. True Friends, when they by diſtance are bereaven Of Verbal Converſe, have their Names engraven In one anothers Hearts, which cannot be Cancell'd or ras'd by Earth's vain Obloquy: Yet, leſt the ſame ſhould, as a glimm'ring Spark, Seem to expire, as buried in the Dark, There is by Mediums (if the Place deny) Them, viva voce, free Community) Reciprocal Reflections of its Beams Unto each other, couch'd in ſable Streams; Tho' the abounding Solace doth increaſe, When Friends converſe together Face to Face; Then freely they unboſom their Requeſts, And treaſure Secrets in each others Breaſts, As in firm Cabinets, cloſe lock'd, where none Can find the Key, but only each his own. Is one oppreſs'd with Grief? He lays a Share Upon his Friend, that he may help to bear: Swims one in Solace? Finds he cauſe of Joy? 'Tis then re-doubled by Community: Mourns one? the other mourns: Doth one rejoyce? His ſecond Self then, both in Heart and Voice Doth lymphathize: True Friendſhip may not be Without an inward ſecret Sympathy. But jawning Paraſites, tho' they pretend, In Complement, to be each others Friend, For meer Self-Intereſt, or ſome cloſe Deſign, Become, if not proud Enemies in Time Abſoluce Strangers; and ſo manifeſt True Friendſhip ne'er was grounded in their breaſt Altho' there was ſome formal Shew, whereby Some were deluded, thro' Hypocriſie, T' impart their hidden Secrets, which are now Made Proclamations, with a ſcornful Brow; Nor are Reproaches, caunting Calumnies, Bachbicing, Railing, other Injuries, With-held, as Opportunity affords Th •• venuter for Wrath, with either Tongue or Swords Surely, becauſe ſuch do not rightly know That innate Spring which makes true Friendſhip grow: For this, by Covenant, doth ſo engage Their noble Hearts, that no Self-wounding Rage, Can here prevail, or once diſſolve the Knot Friendſhip hath ty'd: Miſtakes are ſoon forgot, If any interpoſe, or would preſent Some Crime, to cauſe a Frown in Diſcontent, There's Charity in Friendly Breaſts, that heals Such Sears, whereby true Love, not Rage, prevails: And when it is unto Perfection grown In both their Hearts, ſuch Scars are ſeldom known. Gentle Advice, whereby one may reclaim A Friend from Error, doth not wrong the Name, Or make a Breach in Friendſhip: None may be Rightly eſteem'd a Friend, that if he ſee His Neighbour loſe his Way, will not direct Unto a better; or that will reject Good Exhortation, fancying Reproof A greater Crime than he is guilty of. Selt-hood is often blind; therefore a Friend Is not prohibited to reprehend, So he proclaim not Faults. But they that would Sin uncontroul'd, and hug their Errors, ſhould Never contract a Friendſhip, leſt thereby That ſacred Name be ſtain'd with Infamy. Is any wiſe, that when Diſtempers do Begin to ſeize, would not deſire to know? Diſeaſes known, are ſooner cur'd; but they That would indulge & hide them, that they may Thereby increaſe, do frequently expoſe Themſelves, as a Deriſion to their Foes. True Cordial Friends, without Offence, can bear Kind Admenition, tho' it be ſevere. The faithful Wounds of Friends are like Inciſion, Made by the skilful Hand of ſome Phyſitian, To let out noxious Humours that invade, The afflicted Part, and ſtubbornly impede The hoped Cure; which afterward with ſpeed Doth, by ſome ſuppling Olntment, well ſucceed, Thus, by this needful Freedom, Friendſhip ſhines With greater Luſtre; but its Light declines, Where this is limited. Who can but grieve To be ſo overpow'r'd; not to relieve A Friend arflicted; that may not apply A precious Balm to heal his Malady? But there's rejoycing, when with equal Mind Exchanging Thoughts, they may in any kind. Expreſs their Sentiments, and ſignify Reproof or Approbation faithfully. Thus ſtill perſiſting in the ſweet Increaſe Oh Love unſeign'd, and firm abiding Peace: Here innocent Delight more freely ſprings, Than may be found in Churis of mighty Kings. But as true Vertue's rarely to be found, So Friendſhip grows not up in every Ground: He that would cheeſe a Friend, ſhould prove and try; Before the Knot be knit, none ſhould unty, While either Frimas remains; for Friendſhip muſt Tho' one be ſeparated unto Duſt If poor Mephiboſheth ſurvive, extend To the Poſterity and Name of Friend; Elſe that's imperfect, which ſhould racher be A little Ray of Immortalicy. Haſt thou a Friend, whoſe Ingenuity, Well guarded with a right Simplicity, Can both eſteem what thou'lt communicate, And of his own richly retaliate The hidden Treaſures of a knowing Breaſt, Whoſe Cordial Love (too great to be expreis'd By feigned Speeches) freely can reveal His Secrets in thy Ear, but thine conceal Cloſe from all others; whoſe Fidelity Will ne'er deſert thee in Adverſity, Altho' the World frown on thee, but remain In Offices of Love, the very ſame, Or more endear'd, than in Proſperity? If likewiſe thou retain Integrity; Or if thou'rt overtaken by Surprize, And haſt tranſgreſs'd, can deeply ſympathize, (If thou forſake thine Error, and accept: Or Counſel, that Advice may take Effect) And, as in ſecret, mourning over thee, Can with Love's Garment, wi • cly cover thee From th' Eyes of others; yet it Suvidals ſhould (When rais'd by others) in his Ear be told, Will ſtill thy true Intelligencer be; Yet boldly guard thy Name, & plead for thee, When thou art abſent: Know, that he expects Friendſhip ſhould have in thee the ſame Effects; Yet hates Ʋphraiding, or a ſlanderous Tongue: What can to Friendſhip be a greater Wrong? But thoſe that flatter thee in proſp'rous Times, And, ſubtilly indulge thy darling Crimes; Will not endure a bluſtring Storm, but flee, And with thy Riches, haſte away from thee. This is a Friend indeed, that cannot be Brib'd with thy Welath, or loſt in Miſery: O grant him in thy Heart a worthy Place! And ſee, as in a Glaſs Face anſwers Face, Thou anſwer him; yea, prize him more than Gold Of Ophir; for his Worth cannot be told. 'Tis but the wiſe and honeſt Heart, from whence Deceit's exil'd, that's Friendſhip's Reſidence.

A Letter to a Friend. Sometime this Query riſoth in my Mind, Can Friends be to each other ſo unkind, Thus to perplex, and yet not ſhew the Cauſe Why Friendſhip ſhould admit ſo long a Pauſe? Hath Graneur ſturiſy'd thy fertile Quill, Or Mammon metamorphos'd thus thy Will? So condeſcending formerly, and kind, As if to Love and Friendſhip moſt inclin'd. Methinks ahundance of ſuch outward Store Should ne'r abridge our Time, but gain us more. Not that Wealth can add Number to our Days; But Time (wherein the Indigent may raiſe Some Stipend, to procure their daily Food) Might be improv'd, as for a mutual Good, By ſuch as have obtain'd a full Supply; Or elſe wherein doth the Advantage lie Betwixt the Rich and Poor? Heaven ſtill extends Bread, to ſuſtain each to their latter ends. Then ſhould not thoſe, that greater Mercy ſhare, Some Time for Friendſhip's Privileges ſpare? But ſhould my Grief by Words be thus expreſs'd? I'll ceaſe to write, and only Sigh the reſt; For ſince my Letters may not anſwer'd be, I may conclude, that all is Vanity.

Another Letter to a Friend. MY haſty Pen, about to write Ʋnkind, (When interrupted by my zealous Mind) Again admits of dear Marcaria; tho' Thy tedious Silence gives Affront unto True Cordial Friendſhip, which in ev'ry State Sweetly delighteth to communicate Pure Streams of Love, as Opportunity Permits, to manifeſt its Sympathy; Which ſeeming now to ceaſe, gives Cauſe of Doubt, Some new Concern hath joſtled Friendſhip out, From that fair Boſom; where, if yet it dwell, 'Twill by its influencing Power diſpel Whate'er would ſtop its Current: For we ſee That ſtanding Pools oft times corrupted be, When ſmaller Brooks, whoſe Streams do gently glide Along their Banks, are purg'd and purify'd. A las, that Love that burns with Fervency, Is frequently perprex'd with Jealouſied Then why ſo ſilence? Why ſo ſtraugely mute? Muſt I indeed not only find my Suit Ungranted, but diſdain'd? And muſt I be Therefore unanſwer'd, for a Penalty To be impos'd, as for a heinous Crime? Tho' I forgot once a Requeſt of thine, I did not wholly throw aſide my Pen; But, as full fraught with other Matter, when In hopes of ſending, tho' I did omit To anſwer each. Punctilio, yet I writ, (Grateful or not:) For my officious Quill, As formerly engag'd, is ready ſtill To write to thee.— Ah! Canſt thou think what Doubtings do attend Whether ſad Sickneſs, or ſome rival Friend May now ſo long reſtrain thy careleſs Pen, As if it would not deign to write again? Or muſt that Friendſhip in Oblivion lie, That ſeems immortal? Then ſend Reaſons why: How ſhould I elſe reſent this Injury?

Upon parting with a Friend. 1. AND can the affects of Cordial Friendſhip be So apt to raiſe a Tumult in the Mind? Or ſo injurious to my Friend and me, To make us to each other ſeem unkind? 'Twere then but weak; nay Weakneſs ſurely muſt Be challang'd ours: Friendſhip is always juſt. 2. May we not innocently then rejoyce In the Society of Boſom-Friends? Yea; yet we cannot always have our choice, Since things below unto Mutation tends. True Friends muſt part of meer neceſſity; Beſt Titles here are but uncertainty. 3. Yet might the Ocean ceaſe to ebb and flow, E're I ſhould once ungratefully deny Thoſe Obligations deep, whereby I owe Much more to thee, than my poor Company Could e'er retaliate in many days; But I might ſuffer Loſſes other ways. 4. Whilſt ſhe, obliging ſhe, might never want, What was ſo much deſir'd, Society; There's many too ambitiouſly would grant That which themſelves would ſo much gratify. Why ſhould ſhe then ſtrive for a thing ſo mean, And ſcarcely worth the Labour to obtain? 5. Then why ſhould too too furious fiery Zeal, Uſurp a place in ſuch a Noble Heart, Where only Love ſhould evermore prevail, (As knowing beſt to act true Friendſhip's part) Which thinks no evil, but doth tenderly Heal, or conceal and hide Infirmity? 6. They that are unengag'd in Wedlock, ſeem T • enjoy a Priviledge or Liberty, To a • Spontaneouſly, and may redeem Time to enjoy a Friend; yet frequently Such can plead urgent Buſineſs to withdraw, And think it is no Breach of Friendſhip's Law. 7. When ſuch as are by nuptial Tye confin'd, Should not be cenſur'd in Sarcaſtick Strains, Leſt ſome ſeem Cruel, when they would be Kind; And ſo change mutual Pleaſures into Pains: Therefore let Heats and Animoſities, On Friendſhip's Score, no more among us riſe.

A Letter of Invitation to a Friend. IF to the Country I my Friend invite, 'Tis but to do languiſhing Friendſhip right What to a Friend can be a greater Wrong, Than that the Second's abſent over-long? Now, tho' our Cottage be but mean for thee, Make it more pleaſant by thy Company. For tho' we think we have an Intereſt, Firmly ſecured in each others Breaſt: Yet if it ceaſe to circulate and flow, 'I will ſooner ſtagnate, than increaſe and grow. Ne'er let it be like that adored Gold, Poſſeſs'd by wretched Miſers, (that of old Conceal'd and hid it) uſeleſs, leſt we ſeem Quite to reject and loſe that juſt Eſteem Due to the Root, from which true Friendſhip ſprings, Which to the Heart, immortal Solace brings Indeed in high-flown Panegyrick Verſe, My Pen is not accuſtom'd to rehearſe Praiſes incredible, nor to commend, In deep Hyperboles, a worthy Friend; Yet ſhe that treaſures Vertues in her Breaſt, Shines in thoſe Robes, wherewith it doth inveſt The trule noble Soul, whereby each Eye Something of innate Luſtre may eſpy. Then may ſuch well aſſert, like Sheba's Queen, When ſhe great Judah's King and Court had ſeen, One half had not been told; So may it be Affirm'd by many that have heard of thee: Why then ſhould this mean Pen pretend to tell Half of thoſe Vertues that in thee excel?

A Meditation. 1. WHY ſhould the pure immortal Mind, That cannot circumſcribed be Within the Bonds of Fleſh and Blood, Seem to fallacious Toys inclin'd; Neglective of the chiefeſt Good, And only true Felicity, The never-fading Joys of vaſt Eternity. 2. Where wretched Infants naked hurl'd Upon the Banks of ſullen Cares, To beg the Favours of the World, And only be involv'd in Snares, And ſuckled at the Breaſts of Miſery Unleſs in all things they comply With Earth's imperious Nods, and fordid Tyranny? 3. No, no; that all-diſcerning Eye, That with a ſtrict obſervant Look Survey the Corners of the Univerſe, And Tokens of his Power diſperſe Therein, who now and ever took Care of the Helpleſs, cannot paſs them by, Since the young Ravens wants he doth ſupply. 4. But an inſtructive Leſſon's learned hence, That helpleſs Man might look unto The all-preſerving Hand of Providence, From whom alone all Bleſſings flow; To whom alone our humble Eye Should always in Sincerity Be lifted up, for he'll regard our earneſt Cry. 5. Tho' Infants many Days do more Regard the Pap than her that gives it, They learn in Time both to implore Help, and t' acknowledge who relieves it; And, tho' they do not want the Breaſt, Would with their tender Mother's Boſom ever reſt. 6. Thus is not both our Heart and Mind Taught with Magnetick Influence Or Sacred Love and Sympathy, That we thereby might be inclin'd To ſoar above the Sphere of Senſe, Of periſhing Mortality; Yea, with unwearied Fervency, Seek the ſublimer Joys of bright Eternity?

Another Meditation. OH! if my Mind, Should be inclin'd This would increaſe my Fear, Lord, from above, Thou God of Love, Reveal thy Counſel near; That I may know, That I may do Thy ever-bleſſed Will: Ah! thine alone, And not mine own, Great King! Do thou fulfil.

Dat veniam Corvis, vexat cenſura Columbis. WHat a Succeſſion of Deluſion's here, Whilſt righteous Reaſon is dethron'd? Shall Darkneſs thus cover our Hemiſphere? Ah! Muſt no other Law be own'd, But a depraved Will that ſtill inclines To chooſe the worſt, and leave the beſt; Diſdaining to obſerve the Sun that ſhines Within the Conclave of the Breaſt? Why, both in former and more modern Days, Should Vertue, as an heinous Crime, Be proſecuted! Leſt its conquering Rays, Thro' the whole Ʋniverſe ſhould ſhine, And thence diſpel the the horrid Shades of Night, That does ſurround poor Mortas, ſo That till this, riſing, undeceive the Sight, They wound their Friend, and ſpare their Foe: Striking at pure unſpotted Innocence, Condemning true Sincerity, As Malefactors, guilty of Offence; Whilſt Barabbas hath Liberty Granted by common Suffrage: Birds of Prey And Rapine, may uncenſur'd tear The harmleſs Doves; and who dare that gainſay? But unto theſe, (Oh) how ſevere! Yet have ſome few been rais'd in ev'ry Age, Led by a Spark of Light and Love Divine, which, in ſecret, did engage To plead a little for the Dove; At leaſt, to manifeſt their Diſcontent, As none of the Confed'racy; That they might either limit or prevent The progreſs of ſuch Tyranny; And like the wiſe Gamaliel, intercede With ſober Caution, to beware, Leſt ſome thereby the Prince of Heav'n invade, And caſt themſelves into a Snare; Yea, launch thereby into the ſad Abyſs Of endleſs Wo and Miſery; Except, reclaim'd by ſuch Advice as this, They learn to ſhew more Clemency.

A Letter to Couſin F. R. [Written after her Marriage.] DEar Couſin, thine is ſafely come to Hand, Whereby I may thy Welfare underſtand; Which is right pleaſant welcome News to me, As the like Notice here of mine to thee: For mutual Love, where it abides, doth joy In Friends, as in their own, Felicity. O may it ever have Preheminence! Then ſhall we not be apt to take Offence, Nor wilfully offend; but in each Breaſt, Where it prevails, believe and hope the beſt: This ſtill indulgeth Amity and Peace, But cauſeth Animoſities to ceaſe; Diſtance of Miles can never quench the ſame, It lives a warming, not conſuming Flame: In which I re-ſalute thee, and remain Thy conſtant Friend, not changed but in Name.

Another Letter to Couſin F. R. NO doubt, ere this, Rejoycing Friends are come, Congratulating thy Arrival home; And with the kindeſt Welcome, ſignify Their Expectation, to renew the Joy They'd formerly in thy Society. But ſure, a watchful Heart may never be Loſt (tho' engag'd) in multiplicity; But eyes the Rock, which, when in rowling Waves, Is ſafe to Anchor on, and firmly ſaves, As in a Cliff, or ſecret hiding place, Free from the dangers of Tempeſtuous Seas; Wherein, as any doth ſecurely ſtand, Such cannot be unmindful of a Friend That doth in ſuch like Habitation dwell, But can delight by Tongue or Pen to tell Their Exerciſes, with Endearments free; Love circulating thus in Sympathy. But ſcarce had theſe my Muſings finiſhed, With many more quite loſt and ſcattered, For want of Penning, when thy Letter came, And prov'd my hopes deferr'd were not in vain; Therefore in curtale Lines herewith I ſend My Sentiments thereon to thee, my Friend.

A Third Letter to Counſin F. R. CAN I be ſilent, tho' I ſeem t' intrude 'Mongſt ſuch a throng'd important Multitude? Can I forget that Heart, that ſeem'd to me Firmly engag'd in mutual Sympathy, And Bonds of ſacred Friendſhip, which were then Suppos'd Immortal? Can my ſluggiſh Pen Forget its uſeful Office, though it want That influencing fair Encouragement, Which once was wont ſo freely to diſtil In copious Lines, from thy more pregnant Quill? Nay, nor although I own Realities, May I in curled Strains Hyperbolize, That innate Vertue, which in thee doth lye, Needs no ſuch varniſhing, vain Sophiſtry: This naught avails, but, like Adventures, toſs'd On boiſtrous Seas, may well be reck'ned loſt, If no Return be made: Yet may there be A better Traſſick 'twixt my Friend and me, If ſhe'll but deign to ſtep from out the Crowd Of thoſe Incumb? rances, which ſo be-cloud And intercept that Converſe, which ſhould be Not too too long confin'd in ſuch as thee; Who, by Example and good Converſe, may Lead on Aſſociates in an happy Way. Should then this fading World again e'er find So great a place in that Heroick Mind, Which heretofore ſo prudently deny'd Its Grandure, Pomp, and all its ſwelling Pride, To treaſure up a far more Noble Prize, Than can be well obſerv'd by common Eyes. Which dote on Toys, and can admire the Blaze Of tranſitory Honours, but ſoon daze At the Appearance of that glorious Light, Which to th' Immortal Soul gives perfect Sight And Proſpect of the New Jeruſalem, Where the Redeemed wear the Diadem Of endleſs Glory, and rejoyce to ſing Melodious Songs of Praiſe to Sion's King? Should then this World's inferiour Trifles be Of ſuch Regard, as to prevail with thee To look aſide: Ah! nay; for thou haſt learn'd To paſs by all her Triumphs unconcern'd. Now therefore, perſevere, my worthy Friend, In that where Friendſhip never knoweth end. M. M.