Hath power to dry the torrent of these streams. Tell him I would say more, but cannot well: Oppressed minds abruptest tales do tell. Now post with double speed, mark what I say; By all our loves conjure him not to stay. MICHAEL WIGGLESWORTH (1631-1705) From THE DAY OF DOOM TO THE CHRISTIAN READER Reader, I am a fool, And have adventurèd 40 10 Wallowing in all kind of sin, vile wretches lay secure; The best of men had scarcely then their lamps kept in good ure.1 Virgins unwise, who through disguise amongst the best were number'd, 14 Had clos'd their eyes; yea, and the wise through sloth and fraility slumber'd. Like as of old, when men grew bold God's threatnings to contemn, Who stopt their ear and would not hear when mercy warned them, But took their course, without remorse, till God began to powre Destruction the world upon in a tempestuous showre; Who put away the evil day, 20 25 To play the fool this once for Christ, Till drown'd were they, and swept away The more his fame to spread. If this my foolishness Help thee to be more wise, I have attainèd what I seek And what I only prize. * The God of Heaven grant These lines so well to speed 5 10 Thus with great joy and melody to Heav'n they all ascend, Him there to praise with sweetest lays and Hymns that never end; Where with long rest they shall be blest, and nought shall them annoy; Where they shall see as seen they be, and whom they love enjoy. O glorious place! where face to face By such as were sinners while here, O blessed state of the renate! 286 290 295 To which they're brought, beyond what thought 300 Grief's water-course and sorrow's source can reach or words express! are turn'd to joyful streams; Their old distress and heaviness are vanished like dreams. For God above in arms of love 305 doth dearly them embrace, And fills their sprights with such delights and pleasures in his grace, As shall not fail, nor yet grow stale through frequency of use; Nor do they fear God's favor there to forfeit by abuse. 310 |