Britains Remembrancer, Explanation of frontispiece – Title page
The meaning of the Title page.
BEhold; and marke; and mind, ye British Nation…,
…his dreadfull Vision of my Contemplations.
Before the Throne of Heav'n, I saw, me thought,
T…s famous Island into question brought.
W…th better eares then those my Body beare,
I b…ard impartiall IVSTICE …o declare
God's Benefits, our Thanklesnesse, and what
Small heed, his Love, or Iudgements here begat.
I view'd eternall MERCIEMERCY, how she strove
G…'s just deserved Vengeance to remove.
B…t, so en…rea…t our Sinnes, and cry'd so loud,
That, at the last, I saw a dismall Cloud
E…ceeding blacke, as from the Sea ascending,
And …er all this Isle it selfe extending:
Wit… such thicke foggie Vapours, that their steames
S…e…'d, for a while, to darken MERCIES heames▪
Wi…in this fearfull Cloud, I did behold
All Plagues and Punishments, that name I could.
And with a trembling heart, I fear'd each houre,
G…d woul… th…t Tempest on this Island poure.
Yet, better hopes appear'd: for, loe, the Rayes
Of MERCY pierc'd this Cloud, & made such waies
Q…ite throug… those Exhalations, that mine eye
… Inscription, thereupon espie;
B…ITAINES REMEM…RANCER: &, somewhat said,
Th…se w…ds (me thought) The Storme is, yet, delaid,
And if ye doe not penitence defer,
This CLOVD is only, a REMEMBRANCER.
Bu…, if ye still affect impiety,
Expect, e're long, what this m…y …ignifie.
Th… h…ving he…rd a…d seene, I thought, nor fit
Nor safe it were, for me to smother it:
And, th…r…for…, both to others eyes, and eares,
Have off…ed, here, what unto mine appeares.
I…dge▪ …s y… pleas… ▪ ye Readers, this, or me:
Tr…th will be Truth, how e're it censur'd be,
GEO: WITHER▪
Britain's Remembrancer Containing A Narration of the PLAGVE lately past; A Declaration of the MISCHIEFS present; And a Prediction of IVDGMENTS to come; (If Repentance prevent not.) It is Dedicated (for the glory of God) to POSTERITIE; and, to These Times (if they please) by GEO: WITHER.
IOB 32.8, 9, 10, 18, 21, 22.
Surely, there is a spirit in man; but the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding.
Great men are not alwayes wise, neither doe the aged alway understand judgement.
Therefore, I say, heare me, and I will shew also my opinion.
For, I am full of matter; and the spirit within mee compelleth me.
I will not accept the person of man, neither will I give flattering titles to man.
For, I may not give flattering titles, lest my Maker take me away suddenly.
Reade all, or censure not:
For ▪ He that answereth a matter before he heare it, it is shame and folly to him. PROV. 18.13.
Imprinted for Great Britaine, and are to be sold by IOHN GRISMOND in Ivie-Lane. MDCXXVIII.