The Scholars Purgatory Discovered, Text (1 of 3)

The Scholars Purgatory Discovered · Text (1 of 3)

To the most Reuerend Father in God. the Lo: Archb: o Canterbury &c. and to the Reuerend LLs. Bishops, & others; in the Conuocation house assembled.

MOst Reuerent Fathers; Notwithstanding I acknowledge my selfe vnworthie, that this Reuerend Assembly should from their more w…ighty affaires, turne their eyes, or inclyne their eares to my priuate Fortunes: Yet if those testimonies, which I hauehave already giuen of my true affection to the peace & prosperity of that Church and Common-wealth, of which you are members: or my promise of future indea…ours, or your owne pious inclinations may deserue▪ so much for me▪ I humbly beseech your Reuerences, to receiue this following declaration, into your serious and christian considerations, and to …ouchsafe respect thereunto, according to the piety becomming this Reuerent Assembly, and that rule of charity, which commaundeth al men (without exception) to be so inclyned towards others, as they desire others should bee affected towards them in the like necessities.

For▪ most Reuerend Fathers, I am not ashamed to confesse that an extraordinary necessitie hath inuited me to interrupt you in this vnusuall manner. And yet mistake me not, I am not so necessitated, as be in doubt of falling into base want… or to feare I can bee ouertaken with any inconuenience, from which I could not be deliuered without your commiseration, p. 2but perhaps rather, God hath layd his hand on me by some affliction, that I might be constrayned to offer that vntounto your considerations for my priuate ease, which I should neuer hauehave found opportunity to present for the publike good, if oppressions had not prepared me thereunto. Cammomile thriues not vnles it be trodden on; the plate must to the hammer before it wilbe in fashion: and such is our naturall corruption, and selfe louelove, that till the sparkes touch our own houses, we can sleepe though the citie be on a flame. Nay, euen those who are grapes of the mysticall vine Iesus Christ, must bee crushed in the winepresse, or brused on the tongue, at the least, before they yeald any profitable nourishment. If it be so with me, though my particular smart hath giuen the occasion of this narration, somewhat may ere the conclusion, bee deliuered not impertinent to more generall consideration. And once againe therfore I beseech your patience.

About the time of the last Conuocation, I composed a little Poeme, well knowen throughout this kingdome; wherin haueing to conscionable purposes, expressed such resolutions, as eueryevery reasonable man should endeauour to entertayne. And hauing as opportunity was offered, glaunced also in generall tearmes at the reproofe of a few thinges of such nature as I feared might disparage or preiudice the Commonwealth; some particulars, not then in season to bee medled withall, were at vnawares so neerely toucht vponupon, that I vnhappily fell into the displeasure of the p. 3State: and all my apparant good intentions were so mistaken by the aggrauations of some yll affected towards my indeauours, that I was shutt vp from the society of mankind. And as one vnworthy the cōpassion vouchsafed to theeues and murderers, was neither permitted the vse of my penne, the accesse or sight of acquaintance, the allowance vsually afforded other close prisoners, nor meanes to send for necessaries beefitting my present condition. By which meanes I was for many dayes compelled to feed on nothing but the coursest bread, and sometymes lockt vpp foure and twenty howers togeather, without so much as a dropp of water to coole my tongue. And beeing at the same tyme in one of the greatest extremityes of sicknesse that was euer inflicted vponupon my body, the helpe both of Phisition, and Apothecary was vnciuilly denied me. So that if God, had not by resolutions of the minde which he infused into mee, extraordinarily inabled me to wrestle with those, & such other aflictions as I was then exercised withall, I had beene dangerously and euerlastingly ouercome.

But, of these vsages I cōplaine not; for, they are past: & He that made me, made me strong enough to despise them. Nor doe I here mention them as accusing the State of iniustice: God forbidd. For I assure my selfe my restraint was iust vntill such tyme as I had acquited my selfe of what was layd to my charg; Yea I assure myselfe the seuerity of my sufferings was vn knowne to that most honorable counsel which ommitted mee; and that more fauour should hauehave beene p. 4shewed, if meanes had beene afforded mee to complain…; Because as soone as I had opportunity to iustifie my honest intentions, and to giuegive reasons for my questionable expressions▪ I was restored to the common liberty; (as I perswade my selfe) both with the good fauour of the King, and of all those that restrayned mee. For, the greatest faulte which ouer I committed, confessed, or others coulde discouer in those writings; was this, that they fauoured a little more of Honesty then discretion. And verily should eueryevery man publickely … for his indiscretions as I hauehave done, our prisons must be made larger then our streetes.

The reasō then why I thus begin this discourse with relation of my past indurances, is to sharpen the dulnesse of my oratorie on the remembrance of those things, and to begett in your hearts the more feeling of that christian compun…tion which they must entertaine before this declaration, that I nowe intend wilbe of any force. And least I hauehave not yet deliuered enough in that kind, to stirre vp your regard, I will (vnderunder your fauours) proceede a little further in the discouery of my outward fortunes, before I propose what principally I doe desire this reuerend Ass…mbly should please to take notise of.

May it please you then to vnderstand, that my punishment ended not with my imprisonment. For, before I had lycence to come abroad againe into the world, I was forced to expences so farre beyond my abillity, that ere I could be clearely discharged, I was p. 5left many pounds worse then nothing: And to inioy but the name of liberty, was cast into a greater bondage then before.

Wherevpon, comming abroade againe into the worlde accompanyed thither with those affections which are natural to most men, I was loth (if it might conueniently be preuented) either to sinke belowe my ranke, or to liue at the mercy of a creditor. And therefore (haueing none of those helps, or trades, or shifts, which many others hauehave to releeue themselues withal) I hūbly peticioned the Kings most excellent Maiestie (not to be supplyed at his charge, or by any proiectment to the oppression of his people) but that according to the lawes of nature, I might enioy the benifit of some part of myne owne labours, by virtue of his Royall priuiledge. For, by an vniust custome (as most of your Reuerences well knowe) the Stationers hauehave so vsurped vponupon the labours of all writers, that when they hauehave consumed their youth and fortunes in perfiting some laborious worke, those cruell B…e-masters burne the poore Athenian bees for their hony, or else driue them from the best part thereof by their long practiced cunninge. Which to preuent, his Maiestie vouchsafed my reasonable request, with addition of voluntary fauour, … mine owne desire. For, before his warrant to Master Attorny, he gratiously expressed his royall comm…ndatory allowance of my Booke, which I had presented him withall, peticioning his priuiledge for printing thereof. And both in the procur…ing of it, and in the p. 6passing of his Graunt, I tooke no other course, then what I hauehave hitherto vsed, and purpose to vse for euer in all myne affaires: that is; neither directly, nor indirectly to solicite any man to fauour me, otherwise thē he shalbe moued by his owne conscience, and the iustnes of my cause, when I hauehave made means to discouer the true state thereof to his vnderstanding.

Nor was this manner of proceeding any hindrance vntounto me; for my Graunt neuerthelesse passed his Maiesties hand and eueryevery office after (where many times lets are cast in the way) with so much vnusual fauour, and such good wishes, besides expedition, that I was greatly incouraged to ingage my credit almost three hundred poundes further thereupon; to imprint, and diuoulge my Booke, according to his Maiesties Letters Pattents. All which expence, together with my paynefull endeauours, are now in danger to be lost, to the ouerthrow of my new hopes; and (which is my greater griefe) to the hinderance of those my friends, who hauehave aduentured their goods in my sinking vessell.

For, some of the Booke-sellers (who like the Siluer Smithes of Ephesus, preferr their vniust gaine before conscience, or piety) though their Corporation hath much profited, and is daily inriched by my former labors, though they may hauehave benifit by this in questiō; though they are not ignorant of the greate troubles, and hinderances I hauehave receiued by that which did the more aduantage them; though they are priuie to my large expence in this worke, and howe much it p. 7wilbe my vndoing to the world-ward, if it succeede not; though they knowe it fauoured both by his Maiestie and those also who are esteemed amonge the most deuout, and learned of the Clergie; though their owne consciences (whatsoeuer they pretend) tel them it tendes to the glory of God, and the furtherance of true deuotion, without preiudice to any particuler man; yea, though I hauehave orderly proceeded in receiuing the benefit of mine own labours, without taking away the least part, either of their, or of any other mans iust profit: I say, notwithstanding all this, they indeauoured, without all compassion, or honest consideration, not only to procure the ouerthrow of my Graunt, and with it (so farr as in them lyes) my ruin also, because I would not let them hauehave the benifit therof at their owne rates: But hauehave publikly, and vniustly slaundered me, as one that had proiected, and procured a priuiledge to the generall greeuance of the subiect; which thing I vtterly abhorr.

Nor hauehave they thought it sufficient ingratfully to seeke the compassing of their owne ends, by the ruine both of his state and good name, whose former studies hauehave beene a meanes to helpe the raysing of them; But they will disparage the Kinges power and iudgment, rather then fayle. Nay, to shew themselues suparlatiuely dareing to attempt any thinge to further their designes, there be of that generation, (I beseech your patience, if passion may seeme to carrye me away: tis in the cause of God) I say there be some of them, who spare not God himself, and his religion: p. 8but (AVDAX OMNIA PERPETI) hauehave blasphemed the sacred expressions of the holy Spirit, and vnchristianly vilified that Booke which supreame Authority hath commaunded to be published for the reuerence and practice of deuotion. And because in doing this, they would not seeme so prophane, as to make their gaine, the cause of their opposition, nor be thought so heathenish as to call out for Diana with their types at Ephesus, they crye, TEMPLVM DOMINI, the Temple of the Lord; and craftily cullor their ayme with the cloak of sanctity, and zeale of true religion. Yea they are growen so malepert, and arrogant, that being but the pedlers of Books, and for the most part ignorant fellowes (acquainted with nothing concerning them, but their names, and pryses) they neuerthelesse dare take vponupon them the miscensuring of any mans labours though allowed by authority.

In this kind, among diuers others, I at this present suffer their inisusag in a high measure. And in me they hauehave abused the King, the State, and the whole Hierarchy; Yea God, and religiō. Hauing therfore propoposed their iniuries of other natures, to the consideration of them, vntounto whome properly they belong: I am bould to appeale yet hither, that I may obtaine the cē sure of this most reuerend Conuocation, concerning those particulers which are most genuine to be determined of in this place

I doe protest vnfaynedly, that I will deliuer nothing in my relation, which proceedes from spleene or p. 9malice: nor expresse my selfe in more sharpe tearmes, then my consciēce shal witnes charitable, and necessary, to let your Reuerences vnderstand the height of those iniurys, that I am to complayne on; and the liuely character of those fellowes, whose in…ignityes the whole common-wealth of learning suffers vnderunder. For they hauehave by their sly insinuations, and honest pretences so farre screwed themselues into the good opinion of many Reuerend, and Honorable parsonages, and so strengthened themselues through the abuse of their fauours; that my fingers will not serue, and therefore pardon me if in a case of necessity, I somtime vse my teeth to plucke those rusty nayles, forth of the faire table of their yll deserued esteeme.

Neuerthelesse conceiue me not, I pray you, that I goe about to lay a generall ymputation vp …n all S… tioners. For, to disparage the whole profession, were an act neither becomming an honest m…n to doe, no… a prudent Auditory to suffer. Their mystery (as th…y not vntruly tearme it) consists of diuers Trades incorporated together: as Printers, Booke-bin…s▪ Clas… makers, Bookesellers. &c. And of all these b… some honest men, who to my knowledg are so greeued being ouer-born by the notorious oppressions and proceedings of the rest, that they hauehave wished themselues of some other calling. The Printers mystery, is ingenious, paynefull, and profitable: the Booke-bin… … cessary; the Claspemakers vsefull. And in … r… tailer of bookes, commonly … a Booke-seller, is a Trade, which being wel gouerned▪ … … in p. 10certaine bounds, might become somewhat seruiceable to the rest. But as it is now (for the most part abused) the Bookeseller hath not onelyonly made the Printer, the Binder, and the Claspmaker a slaue to him: but hath brought Authors, yea the whole Commonwealth, and all the liberall Sciences into bondage. For he makes all professers of Art, labour for his profit, at his owne price, and vtters it to the Common-wealth in such fashion, and at those rates, which please himselfe.

In-somuch, that I wonder so insupportable, and so impertinent a thing, as a meere Book-seller (considering what the profession is become now) was euer permitted to grow vp in the Commonwealth. For, many of our moderne booke-sellers, are but needelesse excrements, or rather vermine, who beeing ingendred by the sweat of schollers, Printers, and book-binders, doe (as wormes in timber, or like the generation of vipers) deuour those that bred them. While they did like fleas, but sucke now and then a dropp of the writers blood from him, and skipp off when he found himselfe diseased, it was somwhat tollerable: but since they began to feed on him, like the third plague of AEGIPT without remoouing, and to lay clayme to each Authors labours, as if they had beene purposely brought vpp to studye for their mayntenance. Yea, since they take vppon them to publish bookes contriued, altered, and mangled at their owne pleasurs, without consent of the writers: nay and to change the name someyms, both of booke and Author (after they hauehave been p. 11ymprinted) and all for their owne priuate lucre; like traders in stuffes, who vnderunder new names, many tymes shift off their old wares. And yet further also, to disparage, or censure maliciously, both writers, and their labours, and so vsurp vntounto themselues the high authority of the Church and State. I say these things considered, it is high tyme to seeke a remedie, and a remedy (I hope) wil shortly be prouided in due place.

In the meane tyme I humbly beseech this reuerend Assēbly, to take an assay of thē in my particular cause, and in their manner of dealing with me touching that booke before mentioned, & lately priuiledged by his Maiesty. For, they haueing very vnchristianlik traduced both my selfe, and it, I will (according to my duty) giuegive vntounto your Reuerences, a true account of all my principall proceedings, and intentions, and my reasons against their fayned obiections; together with what was by authority determyned by that work. And then leaue my selfe, and it, vntounto your Reuerences, to approue, alter, amend, or condemne, as you shall thinke fytt. wherein I will rest satisfied, although it be to th… ouerthrowing both of my credit and estate.

First then, may it please you to vnderstand, that being from my childhood in louelove with the study of Diuinity (though I hauehave yet, neither knowledge, nor opinion in my selfe worthy of so high a calling) I ymployed that naturall faculty which God had giuen me vponupon such expressions, as sauouring of honesty, and religion, won me the generall good opinyon of honest men. And though I was so young eueryevery way, that, I first p. 12began to write, and then to learne (as the childishnesse, and indiscretions of my Poems discouer) yet they procured me much respect, and applause. which well con sidering on, and weighing my knowne insufficiencies, the slendernesse of my performances, and my little meanes of knowledge, together with what base entertaynment lynes of that nature vsually finde in the world: I began to parswade my selfe, that God had extraordinarily gyuen me this vnlooked for esteeme to some better purpose, then eyther that I should dispyse the same, or glory in it to a vayne end. And that which made me giuegive most fayth to such an apprehensiō, was this: I obserued, that the good repute which I had attayned vntounto, neuer gott me any outward profit, nor euer be fryended mee in the compassing of any thinge for my pleasure.

Wherevpon, least God should turne his blessing to a curse, and my reputation to my shame, if I sought not what way to ymploy it, vntounto his prayse: and obseruing withall, that we make vse of the most excelent expressions of the holy ghost in rude, and barbarous Numbers, whilst our own wanton fancies were paynted, & trymed out in the most moouing languag. Me thought it fared with vsus, as with those agaynst whom the Prophet Hosea complayned, that dwelt in sieled houses themselues, whilst the Temple of God lay wast And therefore seeing no other to vndertake the same, I spent about three yeeres, to prepare my self▪ for such a I aske, and then proceeded with the translation of the Psalmes according to that ability God had giuen p. 13me. But before I had halfe ended them I heard that one of much better sufficiency had made a long, and happy progresse into that worke: and therevpon in expectation of his more able performance delayed to proceed with what I had begunne, vntill such tyme as I was informed that the other was by the multiplicity of weighty Affayres compelled to giuegive ouer his laborious Attempt. And then▪ I thought my selfe engaged agayne, to proceede.

Now, dureing the tyme of intermission as aforesaid, that I might not want an imployment answereable to my first intention I was by some of the Clergy (who I hope were moqued there unto by the Spirit of God) inui…ed to collect and translate into Lyricke-verse▪ the Hymnes dispersed▪ throughout the Canonicall Scriptures. Which I imbraced with much readynes, & persoi…d willingly; adding vntounto thē such other par…ds of Holy-writt, Creeds and Songs, as I conceiued proper and necessary to be sunge.

And, because some can well enough allowe an endlesse… variety of foolish Songs and ballads, …ēding to the … of the flesh and the deuill, yet be apt to say, wee … Psalmes, and Songes enough in this kind already. And so … also, as I haué heard others (who… presume much on their own fo…ndnes in …) in norāt by demaūd, what y^e Sōgs of Mo…s, Deb…rah, … & s…ch like, are perti…ēt vntounto vsus. To let those, & … vnlerned, & ignorant men know, that the Holy Ghost … none of the Canonicall Scriptures tyll these tymes of … in … hauehave in a short Proeme (… ding p. 14to the opinion of the true Church) declared: that those Scriptures, are eueryevery whitt as vsefull and necessary for vsus, as for them in whose tymes, and for whose particuler occasiōs they were first written. And before each Hymne, I hauehave presixed also a briefe preface, to shew in what sence the congregation, or men may priuately, and ought to repeat them.

Moreouer, hauing with griefe obserued, how the Church of England (lyke Iesus Christ crucified betwen two theeues) is traduced, and abused between Papists, and Schismatiks: the one falsly charging her with want of order, and christian discipline; the other as vniustly vpbrayding her with popish and superstitious obseruations. And hauing experience, that there are great multitudes of wel affected people, easie to be led aside for company into the later ouersight, through want of some to informe them better, who would with smal ado be conformable, if they had meanes of instruction concerning their particuler mistakings. Yea, many of these being wel inclyned towards me; and I not knowing which way to vse that affection better, then to make it a meanes of increasing christian vnity and devotion. I resolued to publish some what, to stirre vp in them that obedience and reuerence, which they ought to expresse towardes the pious ordinances of the Church: and if I lost any mans esteem for so conscionable an attempt; I assured my self I lost nothing but what was neuer worth the sauing.

To that end therefore (hauing receiued incouragment and taken aduice, from some of the most deuout, p. 15and learned of our Deuines) I composed certayne Hymnes, and Songes, appropriated to the ordynary publike occasions of our Congregations, and to those tymes obseruable by commaund of the Churche, and by the authority of the State; that soe God might bee gloryfied in eueryevery Solempnity, and those tymes not so much prophaned and contemned, as heretofore.

And, because I had heard some Teachers in Israel professe themselues ignorant concerning the vse of the Holy-days obserued in our Church, I tooke the more paines (though not presuming to teach them) to expresse before y^e proper Song of eueryevery obseruable Time or other occasion, their religious vse; briefly, & in such a manner, as I hope eueryevery reasonable capacity may thereby vnderstand, our Churches discipline in that poynt, to be farr from a needles, popish, or superstious Tradition.

Moreouer, that I might not trouble any mans charity or deuotion in the vse of these Hymnes, I was as watchful, as possible I could be, to make all my expressions free from bitternesse, or touches of those controuersies, which might giuegive offence to the weake members of our Church. And God so prosper me, as I was and am cleare, from meaning to grieue, offend, or discontent the soules, or consciences of any.

Thus with a good purpose, I began and finished those Hymns and Songes, which make vp the Booke, called the HYMNES and SONGS OF THE CHVRCH. So named, not for that I would hauehave them accounted part of our Lyturgie (as I hauehave deliuered p. 61to his Maiestie in my Epistle) but because they do for the most part, treate of such particulers▪ as concerne y^e whole Church of God. And this is that booke▪ for which his Maiestie vouchsafed mee the priuiledge before mentioned, and which he pyously & gratiously commaunded to bee annexed to the singing Psalmes, that it might be y^e more generally & the more conueniētly divulg…d amōg his subiects for their instruction.

And indeed, by that means, those poore people (whose Pastors suffer them or cause them to be misinformed concerning that poynt) shall carry about with them in their most vsesual book, what may at one tyme or other open their vnderstandinges to perceiue their errour.

This is that Booke, for which I (was euer worst vsed for my best intentions) suffer more, then for all my former in discretiōs; & for which, I hauehave receiued those afrōts▪ that may wel be rāked amōg my greatest iniuries; notwithstanding it had besides the ordinary allowance of Authority▪ the particular approbation, and cō mendation both of the King himselfe, and of many the members of this most reuerend Conuocation.

Yea, this is that Booke, for which the Common wealth of Stationers (… Tyrrany vnheard of in former ages) desire to make me as odious▪ as if I had ympolyed my whole study to the oppression of this weale publike, or to the subuertiō of religion and for which they hauehave persued me with such violence and clamor as hath seldome or neuer been exampled in any cause.

p. 17Heare therefore (I humbly beseech you) their particuler obiections; and for his sake (who hath honoured you with high places, and holy callings) be you Iudges betweene mee and them. For though in regard of my selfe, I should take no more notice of their malicious wronges, then the Nightingale in a Sommers night, doth of the barking of dogges, & whooping of Owles: but sing on without distemper, to the contentment of myne owne soule. Yet since their clamorous noise hinders others from heareing the voice of the Charmer, and through my sides, wounds the credit of Authority, and may parhapps hereafter incourage them presumptuously, for the bringing in of greater inconueniences: I desire their dealing with me, may be taken notice of by this most Reuerend Assembly. To which end, I hauehave here sett downe, what they cry out, to the disparagement of me, and my booke, instead of dispersing it abroad according to his Maiesties royall commaund.

Some giuegive out that my booke containes nothing but a few needles Songs: which I composed, and gott priuiledged by Patent, meerely for my priuate benifit, to the oppression of the Common-wealth.

Some discourage those that come to buy the booke: other whiles denying that it is to be had, & other while peremptorily protesting against the selling of it, or disgracefully telling such as enquire after the same, that the worke is Ridiculous, and that it better be…itted me to medle with my poetry, then to be …ampering with diuinity. with such like other wordes of contempt. Other some there be, who dare auerr that my▪ Lords p. 22Grace of Canterbury, with many of the Bishopps, and best Deuines, doe much dislike and oppose the saide Hymnes.

Others againe buze in the peoples eares that the Hymnes for the Obseruable tymes are popish, and tending to the maintenance of superstition.

And some there be among them, who (in such terms of ribaldry, as no Stewes can goe beyond them) blasphemingly affirme, that the CANTICLES are obscene, and not fitt to be divulged in Song, or Verse.

Yea, many other obiections they make, and cast out diuers aspersions, aswell vponupon the Author, as on his booke, to bring both into contempt.

The maliciousnes, and superfluity of wickednes, appearing in these their euill speakeinges, your Reuerences can easily perceiue: Neuerthelesse, forasmuch as there lye Padds in the straw, which the best iudgements cannot discerne at the first sight. And seeing I hauehave been openly traduced, as vnbeseemingly intruding vpō the deuine calling, and stand now accused as one that hath hatched and brought forth such thinges for my temporall aduantage, which are offensiue, and scandalous to y^e Church, and consciences of good mē; which I would not willingly be guilty, of for all the world (by your patience) I do hereby giuegive an account of my action now in question, hopeing that it shalbe to the satisfying of this reuerend Assemblie, the contentment of such as hauehave vponupon misreport been offended, & to the shame of myne opposers. And I trust also it shall discouer, that although there may be founde p. 23indiscretions, or ouersights in my vndertaking, yet I hauehave deserued fairer vsage, my aduersaries lesse credit, and my studies better entertainement then heretofore they hauehave found.

To keepe my selfe the closer to that which shalbee pertinent to this Apology, I wil make these particuler obiections my Theames, which I hauehave repeated: nor will I bring any other authorities to make good my defence, then the true relations, of what hath ben don, and such plaine arguments as mine owne reason shalbe able to frame. For, if this discourse come to the veiw of your Reuerēces only, you wel enough know, what the Recordes of Antiquity can afford to these purposes. And if it happen among those only of meane capacity such playne expressions, as I purpose to vse, will acquire most credite among them.

And first, whereas they giuegive out, that my Hymnes are needles; they doe not only thereby contemne, and slight my paynes but lay an imputation of vanity vponupon the wisedome of the Holy Ghost also. For a greate part of them are parcells of the Canonicall Scriptures: originally Songe. And, to say any fragment thereof, were needeles, is in effect, to deminish from Gods words, vponupon which followes a heauie curse.

God deserues eueryevery day to be praysed of vsus for deliuering his Church, by the ouerthrow of Pharoah in the redd Sea, as much as he did in the very moment of their deliuerance. And the song of Moses then vsed, doth in each particuler, as properly concerne eueryevery christiā Congregation, as it did the Iewes themselues p. 20vponupon that occasion. For, Gods mercy shewed to v… in our baptisme, (and the spirituall ouerthrowe of the deuill, pursuing vsus with an host of sinnes, and temptations,) is in myne opinion more effectually exprest to a spirituall vnderstanding, by apprehending the actions and circumstances of that temporall deliuerance, thē it could be by y^e power of any words, or by any other ordinary means; except by contēplating of that most excellēt material obiect, the Sacrament of Baptisme it selfe, of which the other was but a type.

In like manner, all the other Canonicall Hymnes do admyrablie help towards Gods euerlasting mercies, and for illustrating those particuler Misteries of our christian fayth, which they did typically and prophetically foreshew. Yea, they are part of the propheticall witnes, as the Hymnes of the newe Testament are patt of the Euangelicall witnes, of our interest in Christ Iesus. And verily, the late neglect of their application, in our christian mysteries, hath not onelyonly much iniured, one of the two great witnesses of our saluation: but giuen occasion also, that many vnsound professors hauehave corrupted them; euen to the bringing in of diuers Iewish and Talmudicall fancies, to the fearefull distraction of weake people.

But, were not those Hymnes necessary in respect of the variety of their arguments, yet the variety of expression, were somwhat needful, although the matter were the same. For, as the seuerall dressings of one sort of meate, maks it diuersly agreeable to the pallats, and stomackes of men: so the various manner of things p. 21de…uered in holy Scripturs, makes them applicable to our vnderstandings; and what in one kind of deliuery seems harsh, or obscure, in another kind is acceptable, and more easily apprehended. That which is easie to you, is hard parhapps to me: and what may be thought an impropriety to some great iudgments, doth many times most properly insinuate the speakers meaning vntounto them of weaker capacityes.

In obseruing the seeming differences amonge▪ Interpreters in their trāslatiōs of these words: NASSECHV BAR, (part of y^e last verse of the secōd psalme) I conceiued thereby, that the profitable vse of variety, was very apparant. For, the translation most agreeable to the original Hebrew renders y^e words: OSCVLEMINI FILIVM. the Septuagint, APPREHENDITE DISCIPLINAM and Saint-Hierome, ADORATE PVRE: which beeing all orthodoxe Interpretations, and agreeable both to the scope of the Psalme, and that which the wordes originally beare, and all standing well together also with the Analogie of fayth: this variety made me conceiue in my meditations therevpon, that the holy ghost had deliuered his meaning in these triple Equivokes, that they might the more properly▪ bee accomodated to the seuerall States, and ages of his Church.

For (pardon me if I erre) me thought in saying, OSCVLEMINI FILIVM (which was according to the genuin, & most cōmon vnderstāding of y^• original words among the Hebrewes) I apprehended that the Holy …host exhorted his Church among the Iewes to homage and worshipp that Sonne of God, whoe p. 18was diuers wais made māifest vntounto thē to be their true King. And APPREHENDITE DISCIPLINAM, (being according to that Translation, which I am perswaded God himselfe extraordinarily prouided to reueale his truth by vntounto y^e Heathen) I conceiued that y^e Holy Ghost perswaded his Church among the Gentiles. (who yet knew not Christ their Kinge) to imbrace the knowledge of him. And ADORATE PVRE (beeing the first trans…ation that in latine the Church publikly receiued, and about that tyme the true worship of Iesus Christ begining to be adulterated) my mynd gaue me (that psalme being a manifest prophecie concerning the kingedome of Christ to the worlds end) it might be, that God did by that interpretation perswad those peruerters of his Truth to repentance, who should disturbe the peace and quiet of his kingdome in these later tymes.

But I stand not so thereupon as if I could not submitt to better iudgments: Sure I am this meditation is no way repugnant to the Catholike verity; and howsoeuer it shalbe approoued, it serues wel enough to my purpose for demonstratinge, that the variety, or different expressions of sacred things, are not needles, but do afford aduantage vntounto those of meane capacityes, if they meditate vponupon them with reuerence and humility.

If it be but to awaken our dullnes, and take away our wearisomenesse in holy duties, variety is needful. For, flesh and bloud (as we finde by daily experience) loaths those things, wherwithal they are naturally best p. 19plesed, if they be to frequēt: how much more tedious then will those things be vntounto vsus, which are perpetually iterated in the same words, being naturally vnpleasing to a carnall eare? Since god in merciemercy hath prouided and permitted vsus meanes to assist our weaknesses, let not such as are strong enough to be without them, condemne the vse of such helpes in those, whoe beeing not so able, must hauehave their affections weaned by degrees from their childish inclynations.

We see the Flesh and the Deuill, hauing for their seruice thousands of vaine Songes, and prophane ballads stored vp in y^e Stationers warhouses, hauehave neuerthelesse, many Muses perpetually ymployed for the composing of new Straynes; And that many hundred pounds are yearely consumed vponupon them, to the inriching of those marchants; to the shame of our profession, to the corruption of youth, and to the building vp of the kingdome of sinne, and Satan: as it is well knowne, and obserued by many of good note in this reuerend assembly. Yet there haueing been for diuers ages together, but so many Hymnes composed, and published, as make in some impressiōs not aboue two sheets and a halfe of paper (for the reuerence and practice of Deuotion vntounto the honour of god) they are censured impertinent; malitiously exclaymed on; violentely opposed; and the Author of them seeking for the needefull hyre of his labour, (but his due, and what strangers should hauehave been suffered to make thereof) is publikely accused as a man coueteously hunting after p. 24the world, and an iniurious oppressor of the common-wealth.

Oh god! how partiall are all men bewitched with selfe-louelove, in the prosecution of their base ends! and how vncharitable in their censunes! For the Stationers hauehave not onelyonly labored to depriue me of the benefit due to my labours, but also to make me appeare without Christianity in my intentions▪ by affirming that I sought myne owne benyfit onelyonly, in composing my booke of Hymns, & in publishing it according to the kinges commaund. My Poem… last deuulged was sayd to hauehave been written in myne own prayse▪ & the Hymnes for my priuate profit; I wonder to what purpose, y^• next booke I write shalbe cōposed. Verily, if I be not altogether forgetful of myne owne thoughtes, o… too apt to beleeue ouerwell of my selfe (as parhaps I am) my principall ayme was the glory of God in both those vndertakinges. Neuerthelesse, truth is, I am so inclyned to the corruptions of other men, that although I did what I was able, yet was I not altogether soe free from outward hopes (as I ought to hauehave been) in those works.

My weake fortunes, my troubles, and the chargablenesse of a studie that bringes with it no outward supplie, put me vntounto a kinde of necessity to cast my thoughts a side vntounto wo…ldly respects but I hauehave siu…e been sory for it vponupon better consideration. And as a iust reward for my too earnest lookeing after vaine ho…, I doe now accept of my present trouble, that outwardly is like to impouerish me. And the tyme p. 25thereof, drawes me the more heedfully to consider it, being iust about that season, wherein I expected to reape some contentment in the fruition of my labors and expences. God graunt this experience may inrich me another way, and settle my hopes vponupon more certaine thinges and that those who accuse mee of this imperfection, may examine their owne heartes, and (if they finde them guilty of the like infirmity) learne by myne example to confesse their errour. And my prayer shalbe, that we both may more directly seeke gods glory in our vndertakings.

But why should I be the man more accused, the… all others, for seekeing after the iust hyre of my labours? am I the only One guilty of studyinge myne owne profit…, in the course of my paynefull endeuours for religious ende? I would to god I were, and that no man liuing saue I, were so wicked, as to make his owne glory, and inriching, the end and scope of his christian diligence. For doubtles, such an vniuersall pietie, would be a powerfull meanes of drawing me to repentance. But I beleeue, there be so fewe, who can with the Apostle cleare himselfe herein, that if none might be permitted to throwe at me the stone of reproofe, but only they who are free from this weaknes, I may walke from Saint Michaels Mount in Cornwal to Douer… & from thence euē through our mitropolitan Churches, to the farthest Northeren Isles without touch of exception.

And whereas they obiect I hauehave compassed a priveledge to the publike greeuance; your Reuerences shal p. 30ceiue how innocent I am from giuing cause of such an imputation, if you please to consider the circumstances of his Maiesties Grant with his pyous intention, and my carriage in the procuring and execution of it. For, I did not, as some of the Stationers hauehave done, in the name of many, and by pretending the reliefe of the poore (whome they may be prooued therby to oppresse) monopolize the principall bookes of Sale within this Realme (euen those wherein the whole cō monwealth hauehave a inst interest) which is really one of those Monopo…es that our State abhores. But hauing composed a new Booke, which no man could claime a share in, while it remayned myne owne, and in mine owne power to make publike or no; & proposing the same to his Maiestie, briefly and plainely, without pretēce of any by-respect) I obtayned a free and gratious graunt to make such benifit thereof as vsually heretofore in like cases, his Maiestie hath vouchsafed vntounto others: yea such as the Stationers would hauehave made of it without a priueledge if so be I had left it in their power.

Nor can any disaduantage come to the Commonwealth thereby, seeing the price is lymited to be such as▪ themselues sell bookes for, like chargeable of the same kind. Besides, no mans trade or ymployment, is therby vsurped vponupon, hindred, or taken away: but many are rather sett on worke in seuerall professions, more then before. Insomuch that there can be no publike grieuance truely named or probably pretended which that priuiledge is cause of: except it bee a p. 31griefe to some fewe Idle drones, to behould the laborious lyving vponupon the sweate of their owne browes.

Indeed The Booke-sellers do peremptorily challeng an interest in eueryevery mans labour of this kind; and a worshipfull Lawyer was lately pleased on their behalfe to say, that the benifite arisinge from the sale of bookes, was their ancient, and lawfull birthright. But if his Masterships Iudgement be noe better in other cases, I hope to blesse my selfe from his opinions. For vnlesse he can proue, the Author hath sould them his birth-right (as often he doth, for lesse then a messe of pottage) he being the elder brother, the right first (by his owne lawe that he professes) falleth vntounto him. And there are other heires (but of a collaterall lyne) the Printer, and Booke-binder that clayme iust title beefore the booke-seller: at least-wise may in Gauilekind be coheires with him; yea indeed, the meanest of them doubly deserues the better right. But it may bee our learned Counseller, was a kentish man, where in some place, the yongest brother inherites by custome of Borough English, and so thought perhapps that the like teneur might be peculier vntounto the Booke-sellers trade. Therefore as I am willing, his ignorance should excuse him, so I hope, all Authors shalbe excused, and and vnblame worthy, if hauing their proper rightes incroched vponupon, they seeke repossession by the royall power.

To that purpose is my priueledge; which the Sationers hauehave not onelyonly called in question before the p. 28high Court of Parlament (whose Censure I shall bee ready to abide with good contentment) but by many clamors, and by a multytud of papers in print also, scandalized the Kinges Grauntas, an oppression; and cast vponupon me the vniust imputation of a base Monopolist: wheras I doubt not but I shalbe able to proue that his Maiestie hath vouchsafed me nothing, but what was, IVS REGALE, and in his Lawfull power to conferr; and that I enioy nothing by vertue of the Priueledge he graunted me, but what I am honestly capable to receiue. For, yf his Maiestie hath not a legall power to confirme vntounto me that which is naturally myne own, By what right then, doe they and others enioy priueledges for those books wherein eueryevery mā hath as good property as they▪ Or if his Maiesty hath not Authority to commaund the addition of a fewe leaues (for Gods glory, and the peoples edification) to such a booke, as hath allowance from the Prerogatiue Royall onelyonly; Then, either the Stationers are very presumptious, in anexing the singing Psalmes and Robert Wisdomes Songs to the Bible and booke of Common prayer, at their owne pleasures, and for their owne profit: Or els their Prerogatiue is more absolute then the Kings.

For, the Stationers doe not onelyonly reape the Benefit of diuers books by vertue of his Maiesties Graunts, in such wise as the same is vouchsafed vntounto me, but in a farr larger manner, and (acording as they execut thē) to the publkie iniury many waies. Yea, by the lawes and Orders of their Corporation, they can and do setle p. 29vponupon the particuler members thereof, a prpetuall interest in such Bookes as are Registred by them at their Hall, in their seueral Names: and are secured in taking the ful benefit of those books, better then any Author can be by vertue of the Kings Grant, notwithstanding their first Coppies were purloyned from the true owner, or imprinted without his leaue.

Moreouer, they annexe Additions to bookes formerly imprinted, and increase the pryses of them accordingly, though y^• matter be altogither impertinēt. And yet if the King do but conferr vponupon some Author the sole printing of a tenth part of his owne labours, (which he might stil hauehave reserued in his owne power) Or but please (for the Reuerence and practise of deuotion) to commaund the addition of a fewe leaues to some booke authorized by the State onelyonly: they immediately breake out into an vproare, as if the Kinge had dealt vniustly with them; As if the Author had cō mitted Sacriledge: and as if the Common-wealth had beene ready to sinke vnderunder the weight of that burthen.

Good God! how many dung-botes full of fruitles Volumnes doe they yearely foyst vponupon his Maiesties subiectes, by lying Titles, insinuations, and disparaging of more profitable Books! how many hundred reames of foolish prophane and sensles Ballads do they quarterly disperse abroade? And howe many thousande poundes doe they yearely picke out of the purses of ignorant people, who refer the Choyce of their books to the discreations and honesties of these men! by that p. 26meanes ridding their warehouses from heapes of trasla and refuse, which might els hauehave layne by the walles till the Ratts had eaten it? how vnconscionably is the Subiect by these vsages robbed both of his mony and tyme? how often in stead of being bettered, are their manners corrupted and their affections drawne away by lewd and wanton Poemes? how vnchristianly is their loyalty somtyme shakē by seditious Pamphlets? Yea, how dāgerously is their faith & religiō peruerted by those many hereticall and schismaticall Treatises, which they from tyme to time secretly or openly disperse through his Maiesties Dominyons.

How vnfortunate am I (as some thinke) that haueing performed a good worke; doe neuertheles heare it exclaimed vponupon as a friuelous labour, and stand accused for oppressing the people (because a fewe Hymnes contayning the prayses of God are commaunded to bee divulged the most conuenient way) whilst such abuses as these afore mentioned, and many of a higher nature, may be winked at in my Accusers: Yet, I say rather, how happy am I & how much bound to praise Gods merciemercy, who couers the multitudes of my transgressions and still bringes me into publike question for such Actions onelyonly, as shall vponupon Tryall become myne honor, and to the shame of my Traducers. For, I am confident that I shal in due time be deliuered from that, and from all other scandalous imputations which the world hath layd to my charg. And therefore whether it be now or hereafter, I am indifferent; and place such assurance in gods louelove that p. 27I can stay his leasure.

I procured the Kinges Graunt (being the possibility of a temporall blessing) by moouing for it, where I ought, and as I ought to seeke the same, without entreating any mans furtherāce; and if it be not in eueryevery perticuler iust and conuenient, that I should enioy the same; yt shall goe, and I wil venture an vtter vndoeing rather then make vse of any mans friendship to detain it. For, God (who hath hitherro prouided for me in such a manner as best befitted both my temporall and spirituall Condition) will I knowe, continue his prouident care of me; while I can hauehave grace to be thankfull, and retayne the resolution to doe my lawfull endeauour. Howsoeuer (let the worlde conceit of mee as it pleaseth) I scorne to enioy my lyfe, much more any priueledge to the common preiudice: and am able to demonstrate (as shall hereafter appeare) that my booke and the Kinges Graunt hauehave beene malitiously traduced without cause.

Yet, the Stationers hauehave not only scandalized the sayde graunt vniustly, and layde the imputation of impertinencie to the Booke of Hymnes without cause; but feareing (as it seems) lest their publication would discōuer their false dealing, and gayne me and my labour some good approbation in spight of their mallice; They hauehave (as I sayd before) practised also, or rather conspired, as much as in them lyes, to hinder the lawful sale of my Booke. For, they prouide them not in their shoppes as they are commaunded by Authority, nor furnish themselues with those as with other p. 32books, notwithstanding they may take them vponupon trust, and make profitt of them before payment is required at their hands, being content somewhat to hinder themselues that they may disaduantage me. And to excuse this iniury they giuegive out, contrary to their owne knowledges, that if they take my bookes from me, none will fetch them out of their handes, which they falsly pretend, meerely to dispariage that which I hope they shall neuer be able to bring out of credit, tyl they hauehave lost their owne. For, they are daily so much enquired after, that had the Booke-sellers preferred them to sale as they would hauehave done if the coppie had been their owne, twenty thousand might hauehave been dispersed, long ere this tyme. Yea if they had either any loyal respect to the Kings pyous commaund; or louelove to the practise of Deuotion, or but that humanity which is to be found among Infidells; they might hauehave deulged a hundred in place of eueryevery ten… which are yet dispersed. For, though fewe knowe where to get the sayd Hymnes, because they are seldome to be had amonge the Booke-sellers; yet thousandes of them hauehave beene bought vp by gentlemen and others, whoe (hauing enquired out, with much difficulty, where to finde them) report to mee howe much I am abused amonge the Stationers, and how hardly they cann forbeare from vsing them vnciuilly that come to aske for my Booke: with diuers other particular Discourtesies.

But because those vsages doe demonstrate their owne euill disposition rather then disparage the said p. 33Booke; I wil omitt to perticularize those many discourtesies which I am that way offered, and proceed to answere such other obiections as they and their abetters hauehave framed to bring both my Hymnes and me, into contempt.

And first, they obiect (forsooth) that they are not worthy to be annexed with their Psalmes in meeter, in respect of that insufficiency which they hauehave discouered in my expressions. For, so harsh and improper do my lynes appeare to these iuditious censurers, and their chaplins; that some compare them to DOD the fillkemans late ridiculous translation of the Psalmes, which was by authority worthily condemned to the fire. Some tearme them in scorne▪ WITHERS SONNETS; and some, among them, the better to expresse what opinion they hauehave of their pious vse, are pleased to promise that they wil procure the …aring Ballett singer with one legg, to sing and self them about the Citie▪ which base speeches proceeding from those skoffing Is…alites, I could well enough brooke in respect of mine owne person▪ o… me…t▪ For, there is soe much euill, euen in the best of my actions, that contempt is the fayrest reward, which they can iustly challenge: Yet, when I call to minde with what Christian intentions I was emploie… … those Hymnes, and howe many howers at …ight I spent about them, whilst, it may be▪ my Traducers, were either sleeping out their ty…, o… … employed▪ when I consider also how… many … & religious men hauehave approoued thē, & how p. 34much their pious vse might further the reuerence and practise of Deuotion to the prayse of God; it greeues me that there should bee in this nation any so wicked as to oppose so Christian a worke, to so friuelous an end. But, when I remember, by whome, and by what Authority that booke was allowed, and commaunded to be made publik; and withall, what mistery of iniquity it is that hath conspired against the sāe; me thinkes it is an Iniurie not to be tollerated▪

Is it reason, they who liue by bookes, should bee permitted to abuse the Authors of their liuelyhood? Or is it seemely that those whoe (as I sayd before) are but the pedlers of books, should become their censurers; and by consequent, both the censurers and deprauers of that Authority which allowed them? If this be tollerated, the fayrest draughts of Apelles, shalbe daily subiect to the foolish critiscismes of those arrogant coblers; and the State shall not be able …re long to publish any thing, but what they hauehave a fancie to approoue. For, to this passe it is already come, that whatsoeuer the State dislykes shalbe imprinted and devulged by them (though both absurd and scā dalous) with twice more seriousnes, then any booke lawfully commaunded: but, let it tend to schisme▪ and they will disperse more vnderunder-hand in one weeke, then the Royall Authority shalbe able to divulge in a yeare, toward the setling of vnity in the Church.

I know not what it is which should make my booke of Hymnes appeare soe ridiculus vntounto the… ▪ p. 35or so vnworthy to be annexed to the English Psalmbook, as they pretend. In respect of the matter it cannot iustly be excepted against▪ for, a great part therof, is canonicall Scripture; and the rest also, is both agreeable therunto in eueryevery perticuler, and consonant to the most approoued Discipline of the Church of England. Soe that (how sque…ishly soeuer some of their stomackes brooke it) they being allowed by Authority, are as fitt, I trust, to keepe company▪ with Dauids Psalmes, as Robert Wisdomes TVRK… and POPE; and those other apocryphall Songs and praiers, which, the stationers add to the Psalmebooke for their more aduantage: Sure I am, that if their additions shalbe allowed of by the most voices, yet mine shalbe approoued of before those, by the best Iudgments.

Now, as for the manner of expression which I hauehave vsed, I hope it is such as no iust exception cann be taken therunto; seeing I hauehave (aswel in that which is of my owne Inuention, as in the Translations) vsed that simplicity of speech which (best) becommeth y^• subiect, without affectatiō to those poetical phrases and fancies, which (being commendable in other things) would hauehave obscured the maiesty of those inventions. To this I had so much regard (especially in my translations of the Canonicall Hymnes) that, if I mistake not, I hauehave as naturally, and as playuely exprest the sence of them, as most prose Translations hauehave done. And if those indifferent men, who know the Poesy and power of the English tongue may be p. 36my Iudges, they will censure my expressions to bee such, as shall neither be obscure to the meanest capacityes, nor contemptible to the best Iudgments, but (obseruing a middle way) best becomming that purpose, for which they were intended.

I did not leape on a suddaine, or irreuerently into this employment▪ but, haueing consumed almost y^• yeares of an Apprentishipp, in studies of this kinde, I entred therinto conscionably & in the feare of God: nor hauehave I proceeded without his assistance, as the difficulties and discouragments which I hauehave passed through, do witnes vntounto me. For, if it be well weighed, how full of short sentences, and suddaine breakings off, those scriptures are; how frequently, these Particles, FOR, BVT, & such lik, (which are graceful in the Originall Text) will seeme to obscure the dependancy of Sense, in the English phrase, if the power of their signification be not heedfully obserued in those places: How ha…sh the musicke will be, if the chiefe Pauses be not▪carefully reduced vntounto the same place in the lyne throughout the whole Hymne, which they hauehave in the first Stanza; how many differences must be obserued betweene Lyricke-verse and that which is composed for reading only: Howe the Translater is tyed, not to make choise of those fashion Stanzaes which are easiest, to expres the matter in, but to keep that with which he first begā: how he is bound, not only to the sence (according to the liberty vsed in other Translationes) but to the very words, or words of the same power with those vsed p. 37in our allowed Interpretations: Lastly, how prec…se he must be, when he is forced to expresse any sentence by circumlocution, to labor stil to retayne a relish of the holy phrase in his expressions: I say, if all these circumstances be well considered, (and how difficult they make it to close vp eueryevery Stanza with a period, or some such point that the voice may decently pause there) I am parswaded a worke of this nature coulde not hauehave ben persisted in, to this conclusion, by a man haueing somany weaknesses, and discouragments as I hauehave had; vnlesse the Almighty had beene with mee. Nor can I beleeue that the deuill would hauehave raysed vp soe many malitiously to oppose the same, if it had not tended to Gods honor.

But sure, no man will grudge the annexing of the Booke of Hymnes to our metricall Psalmes now vsed, in regard of any faultinesse in their expression, yf they consider the meannesse of that Translation. For, though some (of no meane degree) are very violent for the mayntenance and continuance of their olde Version, pleading (as the papists do for many of their trumperyes) a long prescription, in steed of better argumentes: yet I know it to be soe much to blame, that no man of vnderstanding can sing many of those Psalmes, but with trouble to his deuotion. And I dare vndertake to demonstrate, that they are not onelyonly full of absurdityes, s…oeloscismes, improprietyes, non-sēce, and impertinent circumlocutions (to more then twice the length of their originalles in some places) but that there are in thē many expressiōs also▪ …uite beside if not quite contrary, to the meaning of p. 38the Text. Which I would not thus openly hauehave declared, but that euen schoole boys perceiue it, though some (that would be thought wiser) do ignorantly or wilfully, protest against an alteration of our singing Psalmes. Excuse me I beseech you, if I seeme a litle too playne in discouering the faultines of that wherof so many are ouerweening: for, I doe it not to disparage the pious endeauours of those whoe tooke paynes in that Translation; but rather, commending their laborious and Christian intention, do acknowledg, that (considering the tymes they liued in, and of what quallity they were) they made soe worthye an attempt; as may iustly shame vsus whoe came after, to see it no better seconded during all the flourishing tymes which hauehave followed their troublesome Age: especially, seeing howe curiously our language and expressiones are refined in our triuiall Discourses.

This hath giuen the papist, the Atheist and the Libertyne occasion to skoffe at our christian exercises, and troubles the deuotion of many a religious man, who being desirous to sing with his vnderstanding in the congregations, doth often (before he is aware) loose the sence of the Prophet: yea and sometymes fall vponupon direct nonsence, among those many impertynent circumlocutions, and independancies which he is (for Rymes sake) compelled to wander through in that Translation.

Neuerthelesse, some I knowe will be obstinate in defence of their oulde Meeter▪ and I shall seeme to p. 39thē, as one that had presumpteously layd an imputation vponupon our Church, and vnreuerently taxed what her Authority had commaunded; which, I thanke God, I am not guiltye of. For, I well enough knowe (and your Reuerences can witnesse it) that those metrical Psalmes were neuer commaunded to bee vsed in Diuine seruice, or in our publike congregations, by any Canon or Ecclesiastical constitutiō, though many of the vulger be of that opinion: But (whatsoeuer the stationers do in their Tytle page pretend to that purpose) they being first allowed for priuate deuotion only, …ept into publik vse, by toleratiō rather thē commaund. Yea, custome hath beene hitherto their cheife Authority: and therefore wee may not onelyonly lay open their defects to a good purpose (without iust blame to our selues or scandal to the Church) but I hope chang them also without offence, when a better translation shal come to light. In the meane time there will be no reason, I am sure, why those shoulde condemne my expressiones while they approoue those measures we hauehave hitherto made vse of, in our Devotions.

But, lest the worke should bee able to iustifie it selfe, in spight of their detraction, my Aduersarys do picke personall quarrells also: alleaging that I hauehave vndecently intruded vponupon the Diuine calling; and that my performances being but the fruites of a priuate spirit are therfore vayne & vnwarrantable. Yea (yf we may beleeue the stationers) many zealous Ministers hauehave taxed me for medling with a worke p. 40of that nature, affyrming that it was a taske fitter for a Diuine then for me: and so bitterly hauehave many of them (as I heare) censured me for it, in their priuate conferences, that I hauehave good cause to suspect, it was rather enuie, then any thing else which induced most of them to be of that opinion. If it be a worke soe proper to a Diuine, that noe man else ought to hauehave medled with it, I would some of them had taken it in hand, who giuegive me so little thankes for my labor, that we might hauehave seene with what spirit they are guided. I wonder what diuine calling HOPKINS and STERNHOLD had more then I hauehave, that their metricall Psalmes may be allowed of rather then my Hymnes. Surely, yf to hauehave been Groomes, of the priuie Chamber, were sufficient to quallify them; that profession which I am of, may as wel fitt me for what I hauehave vndertaken; whoe haueing first layd the foundation of my studies in one of our famous Vniuersityes, hauehave euer since builded thereon, towards the erecting of such fabricks, as I hauehave nowe in hand.

But, I would gladly know by what rule those men discerne of spirites, who condemne my endeauour as the worke of a priuate spirit. The tyme was, men did iudge the tree by his fruite, but now they will iudge the friute by the Tree. If I hauehave expressed any thing repugnāt to the Analogy of y^• Christian Fayth; or irreuerently opposed the orderly and allowed Discipline; or …issented in any poynt from that spirit of Verity which breathes through the holy Catholicke p. 41Church; then let that which I hauehave done be taxed for the worke of a priuat spirit. Or if it may appeare, that I hauehave vndecently intruded my selfe to intermedle with those mysteryes of our Christian Sanctuarye, which the God of Order hath by his deuine Lawe reserued for those whoe hauehave, according to his Ordinance, a speciall calling therunto; Then indeed let me be taxed as deseruing both punishment & reproofe.

But, if makeing Conscience of my Actions, I obserued that seemely distance which may make yt apeare, I intruded not vponupon ought appropriated to y^• outward ministry; If, like an honest harted Gibeonit I hauehave but a litle extraordinarily laboured, to howe wood and drawe water, for the spirituall Sacrifizes; If, according to the art of the Apothecary, I hauehave cō posed a sweete perfume to offer vp to God, in such manner as is proper to my owne Faculty onelyonly, and then brought yt to those vntounto whome the consecration thereof belonges; If, keeping my owne place, I hauehave labored for the building vp of Gods house as I am bound to do, in offering vp of that which God hath giuen mee, and makeing vse with modestie of those gyfts which were bestowed on me to that purpose: If I say, the case be so, what blame worthy hauehave I done? why should those disciples which followe Christ in a nearer place, forbid vsus (frō doeing good in his name) who follow him, farther off? why shoulde they with Ioshuah forbid Eldad and Medad from prophesying, seeing eueryevery good Christian wisheth with Moses, that all Gods people were prophets, and p. 40duplicate page p. 41duplicate page p. 42that he would giuegive his spirit to them all.

If I could hauehave beleeued that for me to enter into Orders would hauehave made me either the more profitable instrument of Gods glory, or caused my labors to hauehave been the more holie or the more edifyinge; what had letted me to procure that aduantag? Noe man liuing more honors that calling (or would think himselfe more honord) by being admitted therinto, thē I. yea, often hauehave I been vrged vntounto it, & my possibillityes of outward preferments that way, are not y^• least. neuertheles, I ā not ōly priuie to much vnworthines, and many insufficiencies in my selfe, iustly disenabling me of that function; but my mind perswads me also, that God hath appoynted me to serue him in some other course. There are diuers guyftes, and diuersitys of callings; and by the guift God hath giuē him, eueryevery man may guesse at his calling, as the souldier may know in what part of the battell to range himselfe, by those Arms his Captayne appoynted him vntounto: and that place he ought to make good, vntyll he finde himselfe furnished and authorized for another Station.