A Triple Paradox, Part 3

A Triple Paradox · Part 3

p. 39Poverty is more profitable than Riches.

ANother Black-Guard hath beleagur'd me,

That, ſeems to be the worſt of all the three

For, therewith, whoſoever hath to do,

Still is in danger of theſe other two,

p. 40Impriſonment and Slander, who attend

On Poverty unto her latter end.

Yet, whatſoever in her ſelf ſhe ſeem,

She merits not a total diſ-eſteem:

For, 'tis an inſtrument of good and evil,

Oft-times imploy'd againſt us by the Devil,

And, oft by GOD himſelf, to ſuch effects

As may prevent the miſchief he projects,

By tempting to thoſe manifold abuſes

Which Riches being miſ-employ'd produces.

There are two ſorts of Poverty, that ſpring

From diffring Roots; effects they likewiſe bring

Both diffring and alike: for, providence

Maugre all humane wit and diligence,

Makes many poor, and all their induſtries

Rendreth ſucceſſeleſs by Contingencies,

VVhichWhich no man can fore-ſee, or wholly ſhun

VVho ſhall be thereby outwardly undone.

This Poverty, afflicts, at firſt, as much

As any, but, diſparages not ſuch

As bear it well; and though it grieveth many,

(Except by their own fault) deſtroyes not any.

The other ſort, is ſordid, vile, and baſe,

Yet, draws her Pedigree, from ſuch a Race,

As doth in Country, City, and in Court

Still bear an extraordinary port:

For, by the Fathers, or the Mothers ſide,

It ſprung from Prodigality or Pride,

Or, from Improvidence or Idleneſs,

And, is indeed, near kin to all Exceſs,

Though her Alliance, theſe, now ſcorn and wave,

Becauſe, that ſhe is ragged, and they brave.

She, at this preſent time, both againſt me

And others is employ'd: But, though ſhe be

Made uſe of by the world; yet, I well know

The World it ſelf abhors her as a foe,

p. 41And, with a ſlaviſh dreadfulneſs doth fear her,

On whatſoere occaſion, ſhee comes near her.

Yea, till this Bug-bear, was more known to mee,

I, dreaded her almoſt as much as ſhee,

And, did the beſt I could, to keep her from

That nearneſs whereunto ſhe now is come.

For, he that would diſgrace, and bring us to

That State, which queſtionleſs might us undo,

Let him but juſtly ſay that wee are poor,

And, to deſtroy us, hee need ſay no more.

VVhereas diſgrac'd thereby we ſhall be much

If, we continue to be very rich,

Of whatſoever crime or crimes, we ſtand

Convicted by the known Laws, of this Land.

For, VVealth cannot alone our Pardons buy

And blot out every former Infamy;

But, in a ſhort time alſo, make us capable

Of Truſts or places that be honourable;

Yea though they be thoſe places which diſpence

To all the people, Law and Conſcience;

And marry Ladies (neither nor poor, nor painted)

As if our bloods had with no crimes been tainted.

But, to be poor, implieth every whit,

As if we had nor honeſty, nor wit,

And, every thing, which ſince our lives begun,

VVee honeſtly, nor prudently have done,

Shall ſo traduced be as if that nought

Had e're by us, been well done, ſpoke, or thought.

There, where we have been kindly entertain'd,

A civil uſage, hardly ſhall be daign'd.

There, where we have been honour'd in times paſt,

Neighbours and Kinſmen will their doors make faſt;

Our old familiars will our perſons ſhun,

Like Rats, our Servants from the houſe will run,

Which, then, will be a place of deſolation,

And few thenceforth approach our habitation,

p. 42But, Serjeants, Shreeves, or Bayliffs (beaſts of prey)

That little, which is left, to fetch a way:

And, when there doth remain nor ſticks nor ſtones,

Dead or alive, they'l take our Fleſh and Bones.

If all I ſhould expreſſe, that might be ſaid

In this kind, you would think mee ſtill afraid

Of Poverty; and, that which I ſhould ſpeak,

In ſome, perhaps, would ſuch impreſſions make

That, they with difficulty would beleeve

What benefits I now thereby receive:

Forbearing therefore, that which I might add

I'le tell what profits may thereby be had;

That, others (who can think I do not lye)

May be no more afraid thereof than I:

That, alſo, they who thereby grieved are,

May in my Conſolations have a ſhare,

To bear thoſe burchens without diſcontent,

Which are now on them, or ſeem imminent:

For, little I will mention which was brought

By reading, or by hearſay to my thought;

But, that Philoſophy, which Reaſon teaches,

(Experience hath confirm'd, and GOD's Grace

Unto my heart; that, it may ſympathize

With their hearts, who the ſame ſhall not deſpiſe: preaches

Which, though expreſt in language rude and plain,

Will, peradventure, to good uſe remain,

When they, who of their Elegancies boaſt,

Are, with their Kickſhaws, in oblivion loſt.

When moſt are alſo, quite forgot, whom they

Now dream, ſhall by their Poems, live for aye;

And, when, that, which they deſpicable deem,

VVith wiſe and honeſt men, ſhall finde eſteem.

In my Reſtraint, I therefore, do not whine;

At my Reproaches, I do not repine,

Nor murmure at my loſſes; nor want ſenſe

Of that is in them, which may give offence.

p. 43My ſeeming-friends, I muſt confeſs, are fewer,

But, they whom now God gives mee are much truer;

For, theſe that now I have, I finde more willing

To give a pound, than thoſe to pay a ſhilling.

Yet, ſome of theſe are ſo poor, that, I'm fain

Them, from their free Donations to reſtrain,

Becauſe, that of my Sufferings they are grown

More ſenſible, than they are of their own.

And this, an evidence of that doth give,

VVhichWhich pleaſeth better than what I receive;

Since it demonſtrates, GOD, hath in this Nation

A people, capable of his compaſsion.

I am not ignorant how much diſgrace

Is thrown on Poverty, nor in what baſe

Account they are, who, thereby are conſtrain'd

Meerly, by Charity, to bee maintain'd:

Yet nought aſhamed am of that eſtate

VVhichWhich moſt ſo ſcorn, and ſo abominate.

For without loſs of honour, men of merit,

This Portion very many times inherit.

Great Conſuls, and renowned Generals

(In ſuch an exigent as oft befalls

To very many thouſands in this Nation)

Have had relief without diſ-reputation

By Common Charity: and, Antient Story

Hath kept memorials of it to their glory.

But, I refer that which I might expreſs

(To take this Blur off) to another place.

To have ſubſiſtance by meer Charity

Is, to ſubſiſt by GOD, immediately,

And, they are wicked, or, vain fools, at leaſt,

By whom thoſe Exhibitions are diſgrac't.

For, very many of GOD's favourites

Have been oft, thereby, from the worlds deſpights

Preſerv'd: yea, to the World, it would appear

If ſhee would heed it, that, her Minions are

p. 44Expoſ'd to ſuch a Lot, and (without ſhame)

Have been by Alms preſerved as I am:

And, not in thoſe neceſſities alone,

VVhichWhich by miſ-accidents are undergone,

Are they reliev'd; but, very many be

Thereby likewiſe upheld, in that degree,

VVhichWhich much is honour'd; yea, ev'n to Exceſſe,

In outward ſplendor, and vain pompouſneſſe.

For, this way, not alone are Monks and Friers

Maintained, with their Abbots and their Priors,

But, even the great Prelates, all their lives,

By Charities abuſed Donatives;

And, yet as loftily advance their creſt

As if they had been Barons born, at leaſt,

Precedency uſurping above thoſe,

By whom, they from obſcurity aroſe.

By moſt men, Poverty is thought ſo baſe,

That, they repute it for the great'ſt diſgrace

VVhichWhich can betide them, by what way ſoever

It comes; or howſoere they ſhall indeavour

To keep it off; and think it not their leaſt

Diſhonour, when enforced to ſubſiſt

By Charity, although it ſhall be uſed

VVith thankfulneſs, and in no wiſe abuſed.

And, many ſeek to turn it to my ſhame

That I now brought to this condition am.

Yet, what's to mee befallen worſe or more

Than to good, wiſe, and great men heretofore?

Renowned Princes in preceding ages,

Have ſought, and had Supplies and Patronages.

From Forein Kings and States, in their diſtreſſes

VVithout reproach: yea, he that now poſſeſſes

Theſe three great Kingdomes was by indigence

Conſtrained (not a very long time ſince)

p. 45By Charity, to be both cloath'd and fed;

To ſlake his hunger with a poor mans bread,

And, to accept it, not alone from thoſe

Who were his friends, but alſo from his ſoes,

(Whoſe gifts were baits, whoſe Table was a ſnare,

And, of whom, if hee do not well beware,

More miſchief, and, diſhonour will be done him

Than by the Poverty then brought upon him.)

Some other perſons alſo, of great birth,

From place to place have wandr'd through the earth

Maintain'd by the Charity alone,

Sometime by many, and ſometimes by one;

And other while, have ſeem'd ſo left by all,

That they into great poverty did fall.

Yet n'eretheleſs, whilſt they have Preſervation

Retain ſtill in the world ſome Reputation.

They are meer fools, or worſe, who do beleeve

That, more diſgrace, than theſe I can receive

From ſuch an In-come: for (by what I gather

From thence) it is a real honour rather,

That, GOD ſupplieth (as it were) from Heaven,

When earthly wealth and honours are bereaven.

When Iſrael had been Captiv'd ſev'nty year,

Hee made, even thoſe, by whom inſlav'd they were

Them, from their tedious thraldome to redeem,

VVhen there was none to help or pity them.

It was their honour, that their preſervation

Should be vouchſafed, ſo to admiration,

That Nations all, might in all times to come,

By heeding it, conſider well, from whom

They muſt in ſuch like caſes aid expect;

And, that, though by a long delay'd effect

They ſeem forgot, and outward hopes quite paſt,

There will bee a Deliverer at laſt,

p. 46By whom, thoſe wants for which they have been ſcorn'd

Shall, to their honour, certainly be turn'd.

What is it more to my Diſ-reputation

That GOD provideth for my preſervation

By Charity, than 'tis diſgrace to thoſe

Who their Eſtates by Fire or Water loſe

And, thereupon the State vouchſafes a Breef,

Whereby to ask, and to receive releef?

Nay, what ſupply can be ſo honourable

As that, which from hearts, by hands charitable

Is raiſed and conferr'd, (unaskt, unſought)

By them, of whom I never heard, or thought?

This way (which without ſhame I do confeſs)

GOD hath vouchſaf'd releef in my diſtreſs,

To mee, as hee to men in like eſtate,

Hath done in former times, and now of late.

E're while at Piedmont in their perſecutions

Our Brethren hee reliev'd by contributions;

And, ſhould I think it my diſgrace can be

That, hee doth for my family and mee

Provide, as for a Nation? I beleeve

It blame deſerv'd, if ſo I ſhould conceive.

Though I had ask'd; what without asking came,

None could impute it juſtly to my blame

All things conſider'd: for, a Publick Score,

Demonſtrates, that this Nation owes mee more

Than Food and Rayment; and that, in the fine

My Want, will more be their diſgrace than mine.

My beggarly condition, is a Portion

More noble, than Wealth gotten by Extortion,

Bribes, projects, and thoſe cheats whereby ſome bee

Advanced to great wealth, and high degree,

Thought honourable: yea Benevolences,

And forced Loans, which otherwhile by Princes

p. 47Exacted be, much more diſgraceful are

Than what my Benefactors do confer;

For, at my need, it giveth mee releef,

And, to the Givers, is no wrong or grief.

I hear that is diſgracefully objected

VVhichWhich by my Poverty is now effected:

My houſe, they ſay, is deſolate become,

And, I confin'd am to a ſingle room;

My wife is of her Dowry quite deſpoil'd;

I cannot give the portion of a childe

To Son or Daughter, which a while ago

I offred, and was able to beſtow:

And, that, where lately we had good reſpect

Scoffs, flouts and jeers, are added to neglect;

And, though theſe hardſhips poſſibly I may

VVith patience bear, yet, certainly, ſay they,

Theſe his Relations cannot: yes, they can

And have done, ever ſince the ſtorm began:

For, we fore-ſaw it, and we did prepare

A ſtock of Patience, thoſe events to bear.

My Spouſe is CHRIST's Spouſe, by a Law Divine,

More his, than ſhe by Humane Law is mine.

Our Children (though the world uſurps a power

O're them) are likewiſe, much more his than our;

And, of her ſcorn, though ſhe an Object makes them

He neither helpleſs leaves them, or forſakes them.

He made this Globe, with all that therein is;

All things that are in Heav'n and Earth are his;

VVe know it, and therefore do not deſpair

That here on Earth; our loſs hee will repair,

Or, give us better Portions, where, they never

Shall be impair'd, but injoy'd for ever.

Yea, I am confident, that, if it may

But add unto GOD's glory any way,

p. 48Or, make for their Advancement in that path

VVhichWhich, to Eternity, a tendance hath,

He'l either keep them Virgins to attend

The LAMB, when he brings Babel to an end,

Or, marry them ere long, without my coſt,

And, give them better Portions than they loſt,

Or, at the worſt, they ſhall content be made

VVith (be it more or leſs) what may be had.

This, without wavering, beleeve I do,

And, others will perhaps, beleeve it too,

VVhen they conſider Marriages in Heaven

By GOD himſelf are made, and Portions given,

In Love and Vertue, without prepoſſeſſing

Of any other Medium, but his bleſſing.

Wealth, in itſelf, is neither good nor bad,

Nor Poverty, nor takes from, nor doth add

To Happineſs Eſſential, but, as they

Are ſanctifi'd, and as our games wee play:

And, of the two, in that, leaſt danger lies,

VVhichWhich we moſt ſeek to ſhun, and moſt deſpiſe.

Wealth, makes men waſteful, diſſolute and lazy,

In manners rude, in Mind and Body crazy;

Makes bold-men cowards, Free-men doth inſlave;

Many, to loſe themſelves, their wealth to ſave.

It ſo befools them, that Aſſe-like, ſome bear

Their golden-load, till, meat for worms they are,

Enjoying no more profit by their Treaſure,

Save meerly, an imaginary pleaſure

VVhilſt here they live; and, as if hope it gave

It would be uſeful to them in the grave

They hugg it, hoard it, and do lock it faſt,

(As long as living breath in them doth laſt)

Not ſenſible of any detriment

VVhichWhich they do thereby cauſe, or might prevent.

p. 49And, I beleeve, three Families, for one,

That thereby thrive, by Riches are undone,

Through thoſe debauchments whereto they allure,

Till, ſoul or bodies ruine, they procure.

Contrariwiſe, deſpiſed Poverty,

Incites to courage, and to induſtry,

Breaks thraldoms Yoaks; cures often, thoſe diſeaſes

VVhichWhich Luxury ingenders, or increaſes;

For, 'tis an Antidote againſt the Gout,

And helps to purge all thoſe ill humours out,

That, ſend men to their graves, by an exceſs

Either in gluttony, or drunkenneſs.

Exorbitant deſires it doth reſtrain,

An empty belly makes a witful brain:

A croſſeleſs purſe, to him ſmall danger brings

VVho bears it; for, before the Theef hee ſings.

And, when he dies, that which makes thoſe men ſad,

VVho, whilſt they liv'd, things in abundance had,

Afflicts not him that's poor; for he's depriv'd

Of nought, but what oppreſt him whilſt he liv'd.

A very poor man alſo, ſcapes their fates,

VVho are belov'd, or hang'd for their Eſtates,

And, ſome at this time, (I beleeve) will judge

The laſt of theſe, to be a priviledge.

Though many, not a little do rejoyce

In that rude, loud, and everlaſting noiſe

VVhichWhich, in moſt rich mens houſes you ſhall hear,

VVhere every Room is made a thorow-fare;

Or, where, ſo many ſervants help to do

Their works, as make one Buſ'neſs, more than two;

VVhere, for each man who faithfully obeyes him,

The Maſter feeds another, who betrayes him

And, thrice as many, who, by night or day

Do ſteal, perhaps, or ſpoil, or waſte away

p. 50More (oftentimes) than would the charges bear

Of paying twice their wages, for that year:

Though many like this; 'tis to me an eaſe

That Poverty hath freed me quite from theſe.

I, now, finde much more joy, than in much pelf,

That, I have learned how to ſerve my ſelf;

To bruſh my Cloak, my garments to unlooſe,

Put on and off, my ſtockings and my ſhooes,

And, that, without my Servants, I can bee

As well content, as they are without mee;

I know both how to want, and to abound;

And much more pleaſure, I, in this have found,

Than in choyce meats, that in a time of need,

On bread alone, I ſavourly can ſeed,

Or; on as ſcanty, and as homely fare

(In my old age) as men that pooreſt are:

Yet, be both more in health, and no leſſe able,

Than when GOD gave a fully furniſh'd table,

With meat ſo well cook't, that it did invite

At every meal, a double-Appetite.

And, I, whoſe worſt apparel uſ'd to be

As good as any mans of my degree,

Can in thoſe garments, without ſhame, appear

Which, I, but lately was aſham'd to wear;

Unto which confidence, till want had brought mee,

Philoſophy, that leſſon never taught mee.

I, muſt likewiſe, ingenuouſly confeſs

That, my diſtractions have been ten times leſs

Since I had nothing left, than whil'ſt I had

VVhat, in opinion, mee a rich man made:

And, this is gain'd by loſing what is gone,

That, now, 'twixt having wealth, and having none,

I know the difference to be ſo ſmall,

That, upon neither of them, dote I ſhall:

p. 51For, as much certainty, I do perceive

In that uncertainty, at which I live

As is in any temporal eſtate

Of Goods or Lands (eſpecially of late)

Now, therefore, I deſire not to be Rich,

Or to be Poor, becauſe (not knowing which

Will beſt advantage mee) I to his pleaſure

Have left it, who, knows what Eſtate, and Meaſure

Of Wealth and Poverty, beſt fit mee ſhall

To do that, whereto hee vouchſafes a Call.

I neither Wealth nor Poverty will chuſe;

Nor, which ſoere he gives will I refuſe.

But, moſt men would have ſomewhat of their own,

As if ſupplies by Charity beſtown,

Would ſooner fail them; yea, although their Father

Well cloaths and feeds them, they deſire much rather

To finger their whole Portion, that they might

Purſue their own deſires, out of his ſight.

Some other, altogether do rely

On their own prudence, and ſelf-induſtry,

And, of Contingencies, are ſo afraid

That, thus within themſelves their hearts have ſaid;

We poſſibly, into ſuch wants may fall,

And, ſo deſerted likewiſe be of all

By whom we have been harbour'd, cloath'd and ſed,

(Some of them being ruin'd, and ſome dead)

That, unleſs wee can ſome Reſerve provide,

Whereby, what e're haps, wee may be ſupply'd,

Wee may become exceeding miſerable;

Eſpecially, if us to diſ-enable,

Old Age, Reſtraint, and Sickneſs ſhould increaſe,

And, to Neceſſities, add Helpleſneſs.

Should this befall (as poſſibly it may)

Our Poverty would be too great, they'l ſay,

p. 52VVith patience to be born: Alas! poor men,

I'le grant all this may happen: but, what then?

Did ever you yet know, or ſee, or hear,

That Lands or goods freed any from this fear?

If not, how can you hope to bring to paſs

That, which by no man, yet effected was?

Have you not ſtill a GOD? and, is not hee,

A Refuge, though all other failing be?

Your Truſt was never plac'd on him alone,

If him, you cannot truſt, when all is gone.

VVhile ſomewhat's left, whereby ſubſiſt we may,

As David ſaid, wee boaſt of him all day,

But, bee aſſur'd, that e're from hence yee go,

Hee'l make proof, whether it be thus or no.

Him, and our own Cauſe, wee do much miſtake,

VVhen 'tis at beſt, the ſame at worſt, wee make,

And, ſo much on his Gifts our hearts are ſet,

That, him, who did beſtow them, we forget.

To GOD, be therefore, praiſe, who, by this trial

Gives mee both proof and means of Self-denial.

I, am as worthleſs as the worſt of you,

I, nothing know by mine own merits due,

But, that which now I ſuffer, and much worſe,

(The wages of an everlaſting curſe)

My frailties are as great, my ſins as many

As yours; worſe than my ſelf I know not any,

Though ſome ſo ſeem: and, yet, GOD's promiſes

Make way through all theſe diſadvantages,

So well to know him, that I do beleeve

My truſt in him, hee never will deceive;

And, that it would for my advantage be

If all that may be fear'd, ſhould fall on mee.

VVere that condition (as it may bee) mine,

I, then, ſhould have no more cauſe to repine

p. 53Than any other man, who to the doom

Of Death ſubmitteth, when his time is come:

For, he who feels this day nor want nor ſorrow,

May be in worſe eſtate than I to morrow.

So long, as I, have any work to do,

I ſhall have what is needfull thereunto.

And when 'tis at an end, no matter whether

The ſtroke of Death ſhall be received, either

By Axe or Halter, (ſo I merit not,

What is by Law the Malefactors Lot.)

Or, ſtarving, or, by one of thoſe diſeaſes

Which, ordinarily, the body ceizes.

For, that ſhame, which men fear, whilſt they have breath

By ſuffring, what they count a ſhameful death

Is ſhar'd among mankind, and every one

Bears part thereof with mee, when I am gone.

And, whilſt I live, what e're can ſuffred be,

May fall as well to any, as to mee.

Upon my death-bed, or, upon a Rack,

When fleſh and bones, and all my ſinews crack,

I may be therewithall, as blithe and frolick,

As, when a burning Feaver, or, the Collick

Age, or Conſumptions, or the Peſtilence

Shall be the means to carry mee from hence.

The pains of theſe, are oftentimes as ſtrong,

They do continue ev'ry whit, as long;

And, at a Rich mans door, a Lazar dies

Sometimes as eaſily, as he that lyes

Upon a bed of Down, and who till death

All neceſſaries in abundance hath.

This, being well obſerv'd, it may appear

That, we are fooled with falſe hope, or fear,

When we ſhall dream to be ſecured more

From all events, by being rich, than poor,

p. 54Or, that, there any ſtate on earth can be,

VVhichWhich may not have the ſame Cataſtrophe.

VVhen GOD vouchſafes to make mens Poverties

To glorifie him, he doth ſend ſupplies,

Ev'n by unlikely means; and makes that nouriſh

VVhereby, they, who are fed with dainties periſh.

Them, on whom Tyrants no compaſſion have,

He, in the fiery furnaces can ſave;

When they are caſt into a Lions den,

He maketh beaſts more merciful than men.

He, (when to manifeſt his Power Divine

It pleaſeth him) turns Water into Wine

Which, at a poor mans wedding once was done

More to his honour, than when Conduits run

With Sack and Claret; which magnificence

Adds honour to the marriage of a Prince.

He, when men hungring after Righteouſneſs

Wait on him in a hungry Wilderneſs,

Feeds thouſands with a few loaves, and two fiſhes,

As full, as if they had ten thouſand diſhes.

The bottome of a Barrel, and a Cruſe

Shall Meal and Oyl ſufficiently produce,

To keep a family in time of Dearth,

Until he ſends a Plenty upon earth.

He, when the Creditor, for payment asks

(With rigor) doth fill many empty Casks,

Out of one pot of Oyle, until there be

A competence, to ſet the Debter free,

And, for his livelihood, in time to come.

Yea, by devourers, he doth nouriſh ſome:

For, daily, that Elias might be fed

The Ravens brought unto him fleſh and bread.

This hath been; and ſome things I can aver

Of this kind, in mine own particular.

p. 55Once, twice, nay, oftner I have been diſtreſt

As, I now am; and three times at the leaſt,

Have had repair vouchſafed mee by GOD,

In ſuch an extraordinary mode,

That, many did admire, at my ſupply;

As very well they might; for, ſo did I.

And, when it ſeaſonably may be ſhown,

The manner of it will perhaps be known.

At, this time, that, which many did ſuppoſe

Would mee, ere now, have ruin'd; on my foes

Hath caſt a bridle, and will keep mee from

What they intend, until my hour is come;

And, peradventure, then, reſtrain them too,

From acting all, that they intend to do.

That, which both my Eſtate and Reputation

Should have deſtroyed, is my preſervation

Another away; and an advantage brings,

In better and more profitable things.

For, Slanders, gain mee credit; that, doth glad mee

Which was intended to deject and ſad mee;

That, which purſued, is, to make mee poor

Makes my wants leſs, and my contentments more.

And, as if GOD had purpoſ'd to beſtow

A ſign upon mee, plainly to fore-ſhow

That, thoſe Afflictions, and abhorred places,

Which add to others, torments and diſgraces,

Should comfort mee, when common comforts fail,

NEW GATE, ſuppoſ'd an ignomineous Jaile

To mee, hath (as it were a Patroneſs)

Contributed releef in my diſtreſs,

Perhaps, from ſome of them, whoſe preſſures were

Either as great, or greater, than, mine are:

Which (as I am obliged) to GOD's praiſe

I do, and ſhall acknowledge all my daies

p. 56To be an action, which doth ſignifie

A greater Mercy, than that bare ſupply;

For, it informs, and well aſſureth mee

A Priſon, ſhall no dammage bring to mee,

And, that thoſe places, which, make many poor,

Will make mee richer than I was before.

Theſe things, I thus expreſs, that others may

Perſwaded be, I do not write or ſay

What I have read or heard, or whereof I

Have no more in mee, ſave the Theory;

And, knowing, this, which into words I ſpin

Flows forth from what is really, within,

And, by experience learn'd, it might effect

That operation which I do expect.

Moſt men, ſuppoſe them ſigns they are beloved

Of GOD, and all their waies by him approved,

(How negligent ſoe're of his commands)

When outward things do proſper in their hands.

They count them marks of his eſpecial Grace

If their Cows caſts not Calf; if he doth bleſs

Their Oxen; if their flocks of Sheep increaſe;

If none doth in their perſons them oppreſs;

If their new-purchaſ'd Titles be made good;

If, by their Trades and Rents, they to their Brood

May leave great Portions; if, they may at Court

Finde favour; and, if bleſſings of this ſort

Be multiply'd upon them, they ſuppoſe

God is their Friend, and foe unto their foes.

Indeed, theſe, bleſſings are; But ſigns to mee

Of GOD's eſpecial Grace, theſe, rather be;

That, when of Land and Goods I am bereft,

And, no external comfort ſeemeth left,

I can depend on him, and be more glad,

In his love, than in all that e're I had:

p. 57That, I am freely juſtifi'd by him

In that, for which the world doth mee condemn:

That, I perceive, he deigneth mee releef,

By that, which uſually augmenteth grief;

And, that, when moſt inrag'd oppreſſors are,

Of their diſpleaſure, I am leaſt in fear:

That, things which threaten troubles to prolong

(Till they are helpleſs) make my faith more ſtrong,

My fear as little, whilſt the Fight doth laſt,

As at the Triumph, when all danger's paſt;

And, that, their waies, who do moſt malice mee,

Neither the waies of GOD, or good men be.

Theſe things, are of GOD's love a truer ſign

Than an increaſe of Corn, of Oyl and Wine,

And, I do ſmile to think, how like poor ſlaves

They will e're long, ſneak down into their graves,

Who, make falſe boaſt of GOD, when they with ſhame

Shall know, that, by their ſpight I better'd am.

And, when my Country hears the next Age tell

How, mee they uſ'd, who alwaies lov'd it well;

What, better men have ſuffer'd; what, in vain

Was ſaid; what done, undone, and done again;

How, Truth's bely'd; how Lies upheld for Truth;

How much the heart diſſented from the mouth;

Their Deeds from what they ſeem to think and ſay;

And, how, at faſt and looſe, we now do play;

It will be thought, perhaps, this Generation

Had loſt Faith, Reaſon, Iuſtice, and Compaſſion,

And, they, who ſhall by ſtrict examination,

Search out the cauſe of this prevarication

Will finde an hypocritical Devotion

Sprung from the love of Riches and Promotion,

(Diſ-robing Piety of her plain Dreſſe,

To be diſ-figur'd with that pompouſneſs

p. 58Which is affected by the Man of Sin)

Of all that is amiſs, chief cauſe hath been.

I muſt not ſcribble all that might be pend

Upon this Subject, leſt I more offend

Than profit, or, leſt, for want of ſpeed,

Be hindred, in my purpoſe to proceed.

But, one more Argument, I'le therefore add

Whereby, it out of queſtion may be made,

That, to be very Rich, indangers more

A real Happineſs, than to be poor;

And, prov'd it ſhall be by a Demonſtration,

That, will admit no future confutation.

Becauſe, it ſhews that Wealth hath not alone

More hurt to many ſingle perſons done

Than Poverty, but, alſo to the Race

Of all mankind; and unto GOD's Free-Grace

Injurious been; diſhonour brought to CHRIST,

And, ſet up his oppoſers Intereſt.

Obſerve it, for, I, nothing will alledge

But, that, whereof, the meaneſt wit may judge.

I need not tell you, wee more eaſily

May drive a Camel through a needles eye,

Or, thread it with a Cable, than, to heaven

Rich men aſcend, or thither may be driven.

For, moſt have heard, he ſpake to that effect

Whoſe judgement none have reaſon to ſuſpect;

Yet, I will ſhew to you what way he went,

And how, by his example to prevent

That difficulty; For, he did not ſay,

One thing to us, and walk another way

As many do, and did, who would be thought

To follow him, and teach us what he taught.

In plain expreſſion I will let you ſee

Who, thoſe Impoſtors and Apoſtates be

p. 59Who ſpeak ſometimes his words, and do profeſs

His Truth, yet are in practice nothing leſs.

CHRIST, knowing well, that, Avarice, Ambition,

Wealth and Preferments ripen to perdition,

And, that, they ſo inſenſibly deprave

The beſt and wiſeſt men, if way they give

To their Allurements; that, although he were

The Son of GOD, and needed not to fear

The frailties of his fleſh, he, to the Law

Conformed, and preſerved it in awe

By true obedience; mortifi'd that nature

Which he aſſumed from the Humane-creature.

Both by an unconſtrain'd Humility,

And, by a voluntary Poverty:

And, did for our example, and our ſake

Forbear, of things indifferent to partake,

Leſt, we, who know not how aright to uſe

Our Liberty, things lawful might abuſe

By taking that for food, which was provided

For Phyſick rather, when a Cure we needed.

When, firſt, from Heav'n he came (though Lord of all

In Heav'n and Earth he was) within a ſtall

He took up his firſt Lodging; paſſed on

Throughout his Childe-hood, as he had begun;

And, to the world, no better did appear

Than Son to Joſeph, a poor Carpenter.

When to mans age he came (for ought we know)

He liv'd by labour, as ſuch poor men do.

And, when he did begin to manifeſt

Himſelf to be the Saviour JESUS CHRIST,

His Royalty was furniſh'd out no more

With Earthly Riches, than it was before;

He had nor Lands, nor Goods, to finde him bread,

Nor any Houſe, wherein to reſt his head.

p. 60He had, for what was needful, no ſupplies

But, pious men and womens Charities.

Poor deſpicable Fiſher-men (or ſuch)

And, thoſe, who neither Noble were, nor Rich

He thoſe for his Diſciples; and when theſe

… … abroad on his Ambaſſages,

They were forbidden either to take care

Wher… with they might be fed, or what to wear,

Or, m…y to provide for their expence,

But, le…ve thoſe things unto GOD's providence.

To them his Goſpel-principles he gave,

And, taught them how themſelves they ſhould behave

In their Diſcipleſhip, both where neglect

They found, and alſo where they had reſpect.

… them injoyned, to be meek and humble,

… likeli'ſt block to make them ſtumble

…, to Precedency, not to aſpire,

… Lordly Attributes deſire:

… Diſciples in their low'ſt condition

Began to be infected with Ambition.

The Sons of Zebede, when they were poor,

Were tainted therewithall; And, how much more

It doth deprave men when they wealthy grow

CHRIST did fore-ſee, and we have liv'd to know

By that, wherein the Prelacy hath varied

From his Example; and, by him who carried

The Bag in his time, we have learned too,

What Avarice may make a Biſhop do.

Moreover, when by publick Acclamation

CHRIST had a viſible inauguration

Into that Kingdome, whereto he was born,

No rich or Royal Robes by him were worn;

Nor ſought he to be honour'd with ſuch things

As are affected by terreſtrial Kings,

p. 61But, meekly, through Jeruſalem did paſs

Not on a barbed Steed, but, on an Aſſe,

(Which none had backt before) & which nor Pad,

Nor ſaddle, trappings, or a foot-cloth had,

Save what the people on his back had thrown,

And, to that purpoſe taken from their own.

When he was crown'd, no golden Crown he wore

Lin'd with ſoft Fur, but, one much worſe than poor:

A Wreath of Thorns, he wore upon his head;

He, had no better Scepter than a Reed;

A Purple Robe, was caſt on him in ſcorn,

To be at that ſad Coronation worn.

For him, there was prepar'd no other Throne,

Except a Croſs, to be advanc'd upon.

Nor Fun'ral Rites, nor Monument, nor Grave,

Had he when dead, but, what ſome lent or gave.

Thus, poorly was his Kingdome here begun;

Thus, his Affairs of State were carried on.

So long, as he a life on earth retaind,

Like no terreſtriall Monarch, here he reign'd;

But, glorifi'd his Kingdom in this mode:

And, when that he aſcended up to GOD,

Hee, by his Holy Spirit, ſo did minde,

(And ſo inſpire thoſe whom he left behinde)

To propagate the ſame, that they purſu'd

The Diſcipline and Paterne, which he ſhew'd.

From SATANS Kingdoms, to diſtinguiſh it,

He added whatſoever did befit

A Righteous Government, in every thing

Which might advance the Throne of ſuch a King,

Without thoſe Baubles which do more oppreſs

Their Subjects, than promote the Common Peace.

To this end, and preſerve with purity

The Church and Saints in their integrity,

p. 62They left behinde them precepts, counſels, cautions,

And, many (not ambiguous) declarations,

Both to inform us of the mind of CHRIST,

And, of the wiles of that great Antichriſt

Which was to come, and ſhould foundationslay

To ſet a Kingdome up, another way;

That, might (if poſſible) be thought to be

CHRIST's Kingdome, as now thouſands live to ſee

The world reputes what they erected have,

And, with her Ornaments, made rich and brave.

Moreover, that CHRIST's Vineyard and Cornfield,

Might fruits both nouriſhing and pleaſant yeeld,

No needful diligence, at firſt was wanting,

In digging, dreſſing, ſowing, or in planting;

Or, ſo to beautifie it, that none might

Deſpiſe it, or not therein take delight.

And, that, none ſhould by Pride, or Avarice

Intrude upon their Brethrens Legacies,

They, truly, his Laſt Tſtament recorded;

The ſame into a Goſpel-Law they worded,

Which hath ſufficiency, without additions

By humane policies, or new Traditions,

To conſtitute his Kingdome, and prevent

Prevarications, by miſ-government.

To bar out Innovations, they by Deed

Confirmed, what they had in words decreed.

From no true principles of Faith they ſwerved,

Devotions reverence they well preſerved,

With ut new-ſangles, and thoſe trincketings,

That Superſtition to adorn it brings.

The Sacrament (by which the death of Chriſt

Should be remembred) they made not the Teſt

Of things, no way relating to that end,

For which, that Mystery he did intend,

p. 63Or, rendring, what ſhould be by his intention,

The Band of Love, a means to breed diſſention:

Nor was the Bread or Wine, then Idoliz'd;

But, that Love-feaſt, was duly ſolemniz'd,

In decency, without vain pomp of State;

Altars, Court-cubbord like, beſet with Plate;

Waxe-lights at noon, in Silver-Candleſticks,

Or, any other of thoſe needleſs tricks,

Which were firſt introduced, in thoſe daies

When Wooden-Prieſts, got ſilver Chalices.

They uſ'd no ſuperſtitious Adorations,

Cringings, ridiculous geſticulations,

Or mimick Actions: nor theſe, or thoſe, poſtures

Of Body; neither places, times, or veſtures,

Were ſo eſſential made, or neceſſary

To holy Duties, that, none ought to vary

From thoſe Formalities: nor, painted walls,

Nor Pictures had they, Supplices, nor Palls,

Chimers, hoods, Rochets, nor rich Copes, nor Tippets,

Nor was their Service cut out into ſippets,

For, ſuch toyes (then unknown) did not begin

Till Ancichriſt aroſe and brought them in;

And, till with Wealth and Dignities inricht

The Presbyters, and Biſhops were bewitcht.

To have prevented this (as I have ſaid)

A good Foundation CHRIST himſelf had laid,

And, at the firſt, that Structure was begun,

Which, he intended ſhould be built thereon.

Such as were then, by ſacred Ordination,

Call'd Biſhops, watchful were, and took occaſion

From ev'ry ſlip, to travel, preach, and write,

That, errours and miſ-deeds prevent they might.

As ſoon as Demas and Diotrephes,

With ſuch like, were obſerved in their daies

p. 64To innovate, and labour to begin

That Prelacy which, afterward crept in,

They ſo oppoſ'd it, that, till from his chain,

The Devil (then confin'd) was loos'd again,

None could ſetup what a faction begun,

Though many were then working thereupon;

For, CHRIST's Apoſtles, and their true ſucceſſors

(In ſpight of Innovators, of Oppreſſors

And Hereticks) by that ſimplicity

Of Truth, which was profeſt in Poverty,

Did ſo diſtinguiſh it, from what by thoſe

Advanc'd would be, when Antichriſt aroſe,

That, they inviolate maintaind thereby

Her honour, and her native purity,

Without that carnal Pomp, and coſtly Pride

With wch, the STRUMPET, now ſeems glorifi'd.

And wherewith, ſhee hath half the world inchanted,

Since Heatheniſh Deities, were firſt ſupplanted.

That Miracle, was wrought by GOD, through them

Whoſe Poverty the world did then contemn:

Ev'n when their Worſhippers were in full power,

And, when inrag'd at height, ſought to devour

Their ſcorn'd Oppoſers, they withall that odds

Were not then able to ſupport their Gods.

But, when the Saints were as diſtreſt and poor,

As they, who ſeek their bread from door to door,

When, they broke through a tenfold perſecution,

To put their Maſters will in execution;

When in deſpiſed habits through each Nation

They preach'd the bleſſed means of our ſalvation;

Were counted Fools, and as much diſ-eſteem'd

As any, who are now Phanaticks deem'd;

When, they had neither Academick Halls,

Schools, Colledges, or ſumptuous Cathedrals,

p. 65Nor Univerſities, nor Deans, nor Doctors,

Prebends, Archdeacons, Chancellours or Proctors,

Nor Rents, nor Tythes, nor Penſions, nor Oblations,

Excepting onelyonly good mens free-donations;

When they, nor Biſhops had, nor Presbyters,

Save, ſuch as holy Scripture characters,

(Who claimed no Precedence, or Submiſſion,

From thoſe, authoriz'd by the ſame Commiſſion;

When, they were meek and lowly, in their places,

Poor in their Temporalties, and rich in Graces;

When, they (as neceſſary to ſalvation)

On no man, did impoſe an Obſervation

Of daies, times, forms, or Ceremonious Rite,

But, as to edifying, tend it might;

And, left them to be practiſ'd, or omitted,

As, either they might, or might not be fitted

To holy Duties, without juſt offences,

To other mens, or their own conſciences:

(In which caſe, none that hath Sobriety,

Will bar another of his Liberty.)

When Paſtors medled not at all, or little,

With Soveraigns, whether they themſelves, or Title

Were good or bad; excepting in thoſe caſes

Which did concern the duties of their places;

But, in the fear of GOD, obedient were

To that Power, which did viſibly appear

Impowered to protect them (whilſt it ſtood

With that obedience, which they owe to GOD;

And, did by ſuffring, render ſatisfaction,

For what they dared not perform in action.)

When, Emperours nor Kings did them eſteem,

Nor flatter'd were, or fawn'd upon, by them;

Ev'n then by theſe, mens Doctrines and Examples,

Were all the Gentiles great and glorious Temples

p. 66Throughout the world deſtroy'd: their Superſtitions

(From which New Rome retrived her Traditions)

Were then by thoſe expell'd: Their Oracles,

Then ſilenc'd were; Their jugling Miracles

Were prov'd Impoſtures: Then, the Sophiſtries

Of thoſe whom former ages thought moſt wiſe,

Were found but fallacies; their wiſdome folly;

Unſound their Manners, their beleef unholy;

Their books of Curious Arts, whereby great fame

They had acquir'd, were caſt into the flame;

And, then, their Flamins, and Archflamins too,

(Who domineered as the Prelates do)

Were (as theſe, in the time appointed ſhall)

Brought to thoſe dooms, which on Impoſtors fall.

The Worſhip alſo, wherewithall the Jews,

The worlds credulity ſought to abuſe,

As well as her Philoſophy, was foil'd

At their own weapons; of that glory ſpoil'd

Whereof they boaſted; and all this was done,

Without the Outward Pomp, now doted on.

And, if the Prelates, can with all the glory,

Which they have gotten by things Tranſitory,

And, by the help of all the Kings on earth,

To ſuch another Miracle give birth,

Ile think, that they as great Impoſtors are,

As Jannes, and as Jambres long ſince, were;

Yet, ſtill beleeve, that, maugre all their power,

The Rods of theſe, will their charm'd Rods devour.

That, which the Prelates take to be a ſign

Of Sanctity, the moſt becoming ſhrine

Of ſacred Piety, and true Devotion,

I mean, that Pomp, whereby (for ſelf promotion)

They ſeek to trim and paint it, forth hath brought

(Compar'd to this) not any thing worth ought

p. 67But meer contempt: for, by the zeal of thoſe,

Who, made ſuch poor, and deſpicable ſhows,

More honour to the Church of Chriſt is done,

Than all their wealth and honours, have thereon

Conferr'd, in more than fifteen hundred years,

By all their great and potent Favourers.

They, whom the Churches Poverty brought forth,

Though poor externally, had inward worth;

Good life was practiſ'd, ſacred Truth profeſt

Religion, with ſincerity imbrac't,

In her poor Driſs, by many an humble Saint,

Without the fucus of a Whoriſh paint;

And, till men leaving their plain ſober way,

Sought by external wealth, to make her gay,

The Church, in Piety, did ſtill increaſe

Though outward perſecutions did not ceaſe.

But, what hath followed ſince her Poverties,

Are chang'd for temporal wealth and dignities?

Since Princely Prelates ſought for carnal things,

Had learn'd to flatter Emperours and Kings,

And, cheat them with a ſeeming Loyalty,

Made credible by fained Piety?

Since they, an Ambodexters part could play,

Had got two Maſters, and a double pay,

Topt wreathes Imperial with a Triple crown,

Made Rebels Martyrs, trod Allegiance down

And, had on ſo much wealth and honour ceaſ'd,

That they could turn the ſcale wch way they pleaſ'd,

What, hath er'e ſince that time, proceeded thence

But, products of Deſtructive conſequence?

And thoſe Confuſions, for which (without ſhame)

Some, to the Saints of GOD, impute the blame,

As heretofore, the Heathen Tyrants did

To them, whoſe blood they innocently ſhed?

p. 68And, though that in their publick declamations,

(As alſo, in their private exultation.)

The Prelates, to a joy tranſported ſeem,

Like (as they ſay themſelves) men in a dream,

To ſee that Wealth, and Pomp reſtor'd again,

Whereof, ſmall hope they did erewhile retain;

Though, of a golden Hierarchie dreaming,

They (ſtill the Poverty of CHRIST blaſpheming)

Do think, the Angels are as glad as they

Of that, wherein they triumph at this day;

And, ſay (which I conceive to be a lye)

That, they, could well content have been to dye,

The next day after they reſtor'd had been

To that condition, which they now are in;

Yet, I beleeve, it will not, in the cloze,

Make them ſo happy, as they now ſuppoſe;

Or, give much cauſe unto this Generation,

To be well pleaſed in their reſtauration.

For, to theſe Nations, or unto our King,

What, can I think, theſe golden Calves will bring

Save, at the laſt, what followed upon that,

Which Ieroboams policy of State

Produc'd in Iſr'el, when he (as it were

Inſpight of GOD) ſet golden Calves up there?

And, his Succeſſors walkt on in that way,

VVhat er'e thoſe Prophets, from thenceforth, could ſay

VVhom GOD, in Juſtice, or in Mercy, ſent

Their threatned deſolation to prevent?

VVhat, is more likely, if th' abominations

Of, almoſt ev'ry Good-man, in theſe Nations

Shall be indulg'd? (and, though it ever ſince

It firſt begun, produc'd nought but offence?)

For, Obſervation daily finds it plain,

That, fear of loſſes, or the hope of gain,

p. 69Or, of Promotion, will root out apace

The ſeeds and plants, of Piety and Grace.

And, ſince, already, it ſo multiplies

Apoſtates, and augments Hypocriſies,

What can be thought, but, that, thoſe daies, we ſee

Wherein, th' Elect ſhall hardly ſaved be,

Unleſs GOD ſhorten them for, whatſoere

Men ſay, or do, they fall into a ſnare;

And, thoſe Deceivers, whereof laſt I ſpoke,

To blinde mens eyes, have raiſed ſuch a ſmoak,

That, few, know which way ſafely turn they may;

Or, what to think, beleeve, hope, do, or ſay.

Such Hiſtories, as are approv'd by thoſe,

Who never did the Prelacy oppoſe,

Affirm, that when the Churches Augmentation

Of wealth and honour, by the free donation

Of Conſtantine, was firſt on them conferr'd,

A voice, was in the Air diſtinctly heard,

Which did theſe words, articulately ſay,

Into the Church is poiſon pour'd this day:

And, thereupon, that, quickly did enſue,

Which, manifeſts the Saying to he true:

For, they, who read Hiſtorical Relations,

Of what hath been in former Generations,

(As alſo, in their times) diſcreetly heeding

What, their Experience addeth to their reading,

Will finde, that, here, and, almoſt ev'ry where,

The Prelates cauſe of many miſchieves were.

Yea, that the greateſt troubles on the earth,

Sprung indirectly, or directly, forth

From their Ambition, Avarice and Pride.

When Gold and Silver they had multipli'd.

How many troubles, have been here of late,

Occaſion'd by what they did innovate?

p. 70How many thouſand Families undone

In theſe three Kingdomes are, ſince they begun,

Thoſe Whimzies, which the prime occaſion were

Of all the Civil Wars and diſcords here?

And, what more will enſue, GOD only knows,

For, wee, already ſee ill boding ſhows.

Their Avarice, and matchleſs greedineſs,

Of hoarding Treaſure up, to an exceſs

At ſuch a time as this, wherein the State

Is ſtraitned; (and when much it doth abate

That, Trading, whereby, our neceſſities

Publick, and Private, ſhould have their ſupplies)

Produceth ill effects; and how by theſe

Both in their Civil Peace, and Conſciences,

Men may diſturbed be, there's cauſe of fear,

By what in their deportments doth appear.

And, I obſerv'd this (which Ile now record)

That, when they firſt begun to be reſtor'd,

With them, return'd, (God grant there come no

May-poles, Maid-marian, & the hobby-horſe, (worſe)

Beſide, ſome other heatheniſh Prophanations,

Maugre the Kings late pious Proclamations.

It would fill many volumes to collect

What Prelacy did heretofore effect;

How troubleſome in other Common-weals,

And Kingdomes, it hath to GOD's Iſraels,

And, other people been: how oft have they

Endeavoured their Soveraigns to betray,

Unto the See of Rome? how oft, to bring

The People into bondage to their King,

That, when their purpoſe they had wrought on him

Both King and people, might be ſlaves to them?

How inſolent and impudent a power,

Was then uſurped when an Emperour

p. 71Did hold the Stirrup? when an Engliſh king

They to ſo great a ſlavery did bring,

(And foolery to boot) as to decline

His Royal Perſon, at Tom Beckets ſhrine?

Do pennance there, and be ſo much befoold,

That, ſchool-boy-like, he was with Rods there ſchool'd,

By Canterbury Monks? when, he, that trod

Upon his Leige Lords neck (blaſpheming GOD)

That piece of ſcripture, to himſelf applide

Which could in none, but CHRIST, be verifide?

Intolerable was his arrogance,

But, ſuch are oft effects of their advance;

And, thus, have Kings and Emperors been rewarded,

Who, their lean Gammons, had with fat inlarded.

Theſe, are the bleſſed and the holy fruits,

Of their great wealth, and Lordly Attributes;

Yet, theſe are not the worſt; for Kings and Princes,

Were not alone by Prelates inſolencies,

Abuſ'd like other men, in what relates

Unto their lives, their honours and eſtates;

But, GOD, is alſo, thruſt out of his Throne:

Ev'n his Peculiars are uſurp'd upon;

And, ſuch Intruſions are now made, by theſe

Upon mens Faiths, and on their Conſciences,

That, they make many Proſtites for the Devil,

Expoſe them to an everlaſting evil,

And, cauſes are of miſchiefs and offence,

VVhichWhich all the world can never recompence:

For, Bonds they lay, where GOD doth none impoſe;

Unbinde, from what he never will unloſe;

And, whatſoere he ſpeaks, his words, by theſe,

Are made to mean, what ever they ſhall pleaſe.

But, let the Saints in patience perſevere;

For, though theſe arrogantly domineer,

p. 72And in their hopes grow every day more ſtrong,

Their time of ſtanding, will not now be long:

The Kings, who with the Cup of Fornications

Have been made Drunk, for many Generations,

Will at the laſt grow ſober, or elſe mad,

To ſee what power on them, theſe Juglers had,

And, help to bring that fatal Iudgement on,

Which muſt reward them for what they have done:

Great Babylon it ſelf, will ſhortly fall,

And, they ſhall have their Portion therewithall.

To do us harm, they had not been ſo able,

If in thoſe Principles, men had been ſtable

Which conſtitute CHRIST's Church; nor to aſſiſt

As they have done, the Throne of Antichriſt.

Had theſe been ſtill content to ſeek no more

(As Biſhops were in ages heretofore)

Than might ſupply things needful in their place,

For Nature to promote the works of Grace,

(Nor ſtretched their Precedency ought further,

Than did conduce to Decency, and Order)

It had not ſuch ill conſequents produc'd:

And, could they but, yet, timely be reduc'd,

To that Bound; Diſcords, would ere long be ended,

And, much, that is amiſs would be amended.

(GOD Bleſs the King, and open ſo his eyes,

That, he may ſee in what his ſafetie lies;

And proſper mee, as I deſire hee may

Walke and continue, in that bleſſed way,

Which truly to his glory doth redound;

Whom he ſo kind, and merciful hath found.

My prayers are, that GOD would make him ſtrong

Againſt the Charms of every gloſing Tongue;

In Grace and Vertues, daily ſo improve him,

That, GOD and Men, for ever more may love him:

p. 73And, that, I may finde favour in his ſight,

According as I am in heart, upright:

For, whatſoever, hee ſhall bee to mee;

To him, I'm true, and ſo will ever be.

GOD, pardon all that I have done amiſs,

And, ſo, I finiſh this Parentheſis.)

Here, I have ſhown you, by plain demonſtration,

Which (as I ſaid) admits no confutation,

That, Poverty (though much deſpiſ'd) is better

Than Riches; and, that, I thereto am debter

Much more, for what concerns my happineſs,

Than, by what can be got by an exceſs

In Wealth and Honour: And, what's here rehearſt,

Will bee approv'd, when Synods have reverſt

Their Votes; and be by Wiſeſt men upheld

VVhen Acts of Parliament ſhall be repeal'd,

That, were confirm'd, by Commons, Lords & King,

VVhen, GOD, ſhall to effect, his purpoſe bring,

And, thoſe men to their wits, who, little heeded,

VVhat, would enſue that, wherein they proceeded.

Now I have done. If this you can beleeve,

And, GOD, his bleſſing thereunto ſhall give,

I have what, I deſired for my paine;

And, what's here writ, ſhall not be writ in vain:

for, all that's in my words, is in my heart,

In every circumſtance, and every part.

Perhaps, this deſpicable Barly-cake,

May tumble, till a fatal breach it make

Into the Tents of Midian: but, thereon

VVhat ere elſe follows, let GOD's will be done.

Though no man living, ſhould the ſame regard,

A good work, to it ſelf gives full reward;

And, there is nothing, that can make it leſs,

Than what it is, or, bar it from increaſe:

For, though ſuch Accidents, may oft befall,

As, that, it will not ſo appear to all,

Nor Poverty, Impriſonment, Diſgrace,

Life, death, good, bad condition, time nor place,

Praiſes, Privations, nor ought that hath name,

Makes real Vertue, not to be the ſame.

Glory be to GOD.