THE SCHOLARS PURGATORY, Discovered In the Stationer's Commonwealth, And Described in a Discourse Apologetical, aswell for the public advantage of the Church, the State &, whole Commonwealth of England, as for the remedy of private injuries.  
By GEO: WITHER.  Pro: 18. 13. He that answers his matter before he hear him, it is shame and folly unto him. Suffer him then that he may speak; and when he hath spoken, mock on, job. 21. 2. 
IMPRINTED For the Honest Stationers.   

The occasion and contents of this Apology.  
THe Author of this ensuing Apology having the Kings Grant, concerning his book (called the Hymns & Songs of the Church) unjustly & maliciously opposed by the Stationers, who unchristianly vilify & scandalise also, the said Book, to the contempt of his Majesty's power, the hindrance of devotion, the prejudice of the Author's estate, & the disparagement of his best endeavours: He doth here Apologise both for his Book & Privilege, showing the true grounds of their spiteful opposition▪ discovering the Progress of it, answering such frivolous objections as they have dispersed, & discovering how injurious also, they are even to the whole Commonwealth in many other particulars. It hath been offered to the Press, because it was otherwise impossible to divulge the same so universally as they have spread their scandals; And it was directed also to the most reverend Convocation, that the said Book might be corrected or approved of as the wisdom of that grave Assembly shall find cause: & that the representative body of the Church of England, beholding a glimpse of the Stationer's barbarous dispositions in misusing this Author, might from thence take occasion to be informed, What other insolencyes & abuses they are guilty of, both to the disturbance of Christian unity, & to the Common prejudice.  
If the Printers haste, shall occasion any slips, he desires that if his work be legible he may be ex▪ cused▪ So, doth our Author likewise, if in the method or language, any over sight be committed. For, having many other employments, and being constrained to write it in haste (that it might be imprinted before this present Session of Parliament were expired) there may be somewhat overseen perhaps, which needeth pardon. But as it is, he humbly offers to consideration▪ the said Apology; whose particulars are these that follow.  

1. First, an Induction; after which the Author having briefly touched upon those troubles, Imprisonments & expenses, which compelled him to make some benefit of his own books, showeth why he got his Hymns confirmed unto him by his Majesty's Letters Patents, & what honest Course he took in procuring his Grant: Pag. 1, etc.  
2. He sheweth how unjustly & ingratefully the Stationers thereupon opposed him; how uncivelly they abused him; how unchristianly they vilified his Hymns, rather as Censurers than sellers of Books: And a little toucheth upon the particular usur pations, In sinuations, Insolencyes, Avarice, & abuses of Bookesellers, Pag. 6, etc.  
3. He declareth why he exercised his Muse in Divinity: What reason he had to translate the Canonical Hymns into Lyric verse; & that some of the Clergy mooned him thereunto▪ He showeth also, to what end he composed the Spiritual Songs for the observable times: Of what nature that Book is, which the Stationers oppose: And what they do in particular, rail & object against the said Book. Pag. 11, etc.  
4. He proveth by divers Arguments that the said Hymns are necessary, & not impertinent as the Stationer's object: Then toucheth again upon the abuses & gross partiality of the Stationers, acquitteth himself of seeking his own profit (to the public prejudice,) as his Adversaries untruly affirm: and demonstrateth his Patent to be neither Monopoly, as the Stationers allege (& as some of their Patents are) but rather a benefit. Pag. 24, etc.  
5. He setteth down the Stationer's peremptery claim to all Author's labours: refuting a Lawyers foolish judgement passed on their behalves. Instanceth in what particulars they usurp larger Prerogatives than they will allow the King: And then (having just occasion) pointeth at their fraudulent & unsufferable abusing of the people in their Mystery of Book selling. Pag. 29, etc.  
6. He particularizeth în what uncivell terms the Stationers vilify his Hymns: How unjustly they disparage his expressions: And how impudently they usually prefer & divulge those pernicious & impertinent things, whereby they themselves may receive profit. Pag. 33, etc.  
7. He justifies his expressions: Protesteth with what mind, what preparation, and with what Caveats he proceeded in that work. And there withal mentioneth some of those difficulties which are in such a task & speaketh somewhat concerning the metrical version of David's Psalms now in use. Pag. 35, etc.  
8. He maintains the lawfulness of undertaking a work of that nature, notwithstanding he is no professed Divine, against those who object he hath intruded upon the Divine calling; & glanceth at the ignorance and envy of those Obiectors. P: 39,  
9 He discovereth how presumptuously they have countenanced their detraction and opposition, by pretending that the Lo: Archb: of Cant: andothers are all affected to the said Hymns & Grant. And it is made evident that they have impudently abused the Lo: Archb: therein. Pag. 45▪ etc.  
10. He giveth reason; for his translating and publishing the song of Solomon▪ in Lyric verse. Sets down the Stationer's impious and scurrilous manner of traducing it. Expresseth somewhat of that Songs comfortable use, with what may be said in answer to them who think it ought to be restrained, for fear of being misapplyed. And having spoken somewhat concerning his own proceedings, submitteth all to censure. Pag 49, etc.  
11. He displays the Stationer's demeanour toward those who come to ask for his Book. Sets forth the quality of those whom they have drawn to pass their censures against it. Shows how wilfully the King's injunction, & his pious intent therein hath been rejected: And what inconveniences are likely to follow their insolencyes, if order be not taken. Pag 63, etc.  
12. He upholds his Hymns for the observable times, against the Stationers & those whom they have stirred up to oppose them: Offers them to strictest examination▪ Shows his Christian simplicity in composing them; that they tend to the glory of God, and the furtherance of uniformity: That they were lawfully Authorized: That they are consanant to the word of God, the Doctrine of the Catholic Church, and to all the laws and ecclesiastical Ordinances of this Realm. Pag. 66, etc.  
13. He intimates that it is probable his Hymns are scandalised by none but such as are ill affected to the government of our Church. Shows that his prefaces hath vindicated all our Solemnities from those imputations of popery, Schismatics hath cast upon them: Toucheth upon the pious usefulness of the Church's Discipline: Illustrateth their impiety who seek to disparage or abolish it, And specifieth in what places, & in what ridiculous manner the Stationers pass their virdicts upon his book. Pag. 69, &c:  
14. He setteth down how barbarously the Stationers seek to disparage all his Hymns by reason of that for S. George's day: How unchristianly they misinterpreted his pious & warrantable intention in composing that Hymn; & thereupon taketh occasion to speak somewhat of the pious use of that solemnity; of the most noble & most Christian order of S. George & the Patron thereof; to the honour of that institution, & in reproof of the vulgar & ignorant misconceits of his Reproovers. Pa. 76.  
15. He humbly entreats that neither his youth, his calling, nor the unjust scandals of his Adversaries may prejudice what he hath well done: Shewes why his writings & Actions are exposed to more scandals than vaniest inventions bring on their Authors; protesteth what it is that made him thus endeavour to maintain his reputation; & professeth some what of his hopes & Resolutions. p: 84.  
16. He displays the true condition of his adversaries▪ by showing how ne'er they parallel David's enemies, & that they have given him just occasion to take up in a literal sense almost every bitter complain whereby the Psalmist hath expressed the cruelty of a malicious multitude. P. 87  
17. He expostulatheth concerning that unequal dealing the world hath hitherto used towards him: And (taking it a little unkindly that any of those who ought to cherish men in good employements, should do him injury by a rash censure) Toucheth upon some others who together with the Stationers have injuriously & causelessly detracted from his labours. Pag. 89.  
18. He nominateth many of those particular injuries offered him by the Stationers. He describeth also the power, policy, & true condition of his opposers, with many of those dangers, disadvantages, & inconveniences which their malice portend▪ And then shows both how much he contemneth all they can bring to pass, & how he hopeth to convert all their hate, mischiefs, & slanders; to his future profit & commendation in their despite▪ Pag. 94.  
19 He gives the reason of his hopes of prevailing; cōcicture●… God's good purpose in suffering him to be afflicted by these Adversaries, & his other troubles; apologizeth for that overmuch sharpness▪ which he hath seemed to use; & makes it probable, that he hath no uncharitable intention in any thing which he hath expressed in this book. p. 103.  
20. He renounceth to have any purpose to Disparage or defame either the whole Corporation of Stationers, or any particular member thereof, & that no other may abuse this Discourse to that end; he shows also, how all the reprehensions therein expressed, may be applied to those only who are guilty, & how every man that is innocent, or sorry for his oversight, may, if he himself please, be freed from all personal blame or scandal. Pag. 108.  
21. To prevent their malice likewise, who would perhaps apply this Discourse to the general disparagement of the Stationer's Mystery; he hath added the definition of an honest Stationer; & the true Character of his contrary, whom he calleth a mere Stationer, & against whom, only, this book is intended. Pag. 116.  
22. He reckoneth up, some of those many inconveniences which the Universities, the State, the whole Commonwealth, & the Church of God suffers, by the Disorders among those whom he calleth mere Stationers; but reserveth their amplification to another Discourse, which he intendeth to publish if there be cause. Page 127.  
23. And lastly (to show he ha●…h not aimed at the shame or ruin of any, but at their reformation only) he offers to discover a profitable remedy for what he hath found to be amis●…e; to the glory of God, the content of the King, the quiet of the State, the honour of learning, & to the credit & profit of the Stationers themselves. And these, among some other accidental passages, are the contents of this Apology, p. 130.    

To the most Reverend Father in God. the Lo: Archb: o Canterbury etc. and to the Reverend LLs. Bishops, & others; in the Convocation house assembled.  
MOst Reverend Fathers; Notwithstanding I acknowledge myself unworthy, that this Reverend Assembly should from their more w●…ighty affairs, turn their eyes, or incline their ears to my private Fortunes: Yet if those testimonies, which I have already given of my true affection to the peace & prosperity of that Church and Commonwealth, of which you are members: or my promise of future indea●…ours, or your own pious inclinations may deserve▪ so much for me▪ I humbly beseech your Reverences, to receive this following declaration, into your serious and christian considerations, and to ●…ouchsafe respect thereunto, according to the piety becoming this Reverend Assembly, and that rule of charity, which commandeth all men (without exception) to be so inclined towards others, as they desire others should be affected towards them in the like necessities.  
For▪ most Reverend Fathers, I am not ashamed to confess that an extraordinary necessity hath invited me to interrupt you in this unusual manner. And yet mistake me not, I am not so necessitated, as be in doubt of falling into base want●… or to fear I can be overtaken with any inconvenience, from which I could not be delivered without your commiseration, but perhaps rather, God hath laid his hand on me by some affliction, that I might be constrained to offer that unto your considerations for my private ease, which I should never have found opportunity to present for the public good, if oppressions had not prepared me thereunto. Cammomile thrives not unless it be trodden on; the plate must to the hammer before it willbe in fashion: and such is our natural corruption, and self love, that till the sparks touch our own houses, we can sleep though the city be on a flame. Nay, even those who are grapes of the mystical vine jesus Christ, must be crushed in the winepress, or bruised on the tongue, at the least, before they yield any profitable nourishment. If it be so with me, though my particular smart hath given the occasion of this narration, somewhat may ere the conclusion, be delivered not impertinent to more general consideration. And once again therefore I beseech your patience.  
About the time of the last Convocation, I composed a little Poem, well known throughout this kingdom; wherein having to conscionable purposes, expressed such resolutions, as every reasonable man should endeavour to entertain. And having as opportunity was offered, glanced also in general terms at the reproof of a few things of such nature as I feared might disparage or prejudice the Commonwealth; some particulars, not then in season to be meddled withal, were at unawares so nearly touched upon, that I unhappily fell into the displeasure of the State: and all my apparent good intentions were so mistaken by the aggravations of some ill affected towards my endeavours, that I was shut up from the society of mankind. And as one unworthy the compassion vouchsafed to thieves and murderers, was neither permitted the use of my pen, the access or sight of acquaintance, the allowance usually afforded other close prisoners, nor means to send for necessaries beefitting my present condition. By which means I was for many days compelled to feed on nothing but the coursest bread, and sometimes locked up four and twenty hours together, without so much as a drop of water to cool my tongue. And being at the same time in one of the greatest extremityes of sickness that was ever inflicted upon my body, the help both of Physician, and Apothecary was uncivilly denied me. So that if God, had not by resolutions of the mind which he infused into me, extraordinarily enabled me to wrestle with those, & such other aflictions as I was then exercised withal, I had been dangerously and everlastingly overcome.  
But, of these usages I complain not; for, they are passed: & He that made me, made me strong enough to despise them. Nor do I here mention them as accusing the State of injustice: God forbid. For I assure myself my restraint was just until such time as I had acquitted myself of what was laid to my charge; Yea I assure myself the severity of my sufferings was un known to that most honourable counsel which ommitted me; and that more favour should have been showed, if means had been afforded me to complain●…; Because as soon as I had opportunity to justify my honest intentions, and to give reasons for my questionable expressions▪ I was restored to the common liberty; (as I persuade myself) both with the good favour of the King, and of all those that restrained me. For, the greatest fault which over I committed, confessed, or others could discover in those writings; was this, that they favoured a little more of Honesty than discretion. And verily should every man publicly 〈◊〉 for his indiscretions as I have done, our prisons must be made larger than our streets.  
The reason then why I thus begin this discourse with relation of my past indurances, is to sharpen the dulness of my oratory on the remembrance of those things, and to beget in your hearts the more feeling of that christian compun●…tion which they must entertain before this declaration, that I now intent willbe of any force. And lest I have not yet delivered enough in that kind, to stir up your regard, I will (under your favours) proceed a little further in the discovery of my outward fortunes, before I propose what principally I do desire this reverend Ass●…mbly should please to take notice of.  
May it please you then to understand, that my punishment ended not with my imprisonment. For, before I had licence to come abroad again into the world, I was forced to expenses so far beyond my ability, that ere I could be clearly discharged, I was left many pounds worse than nothing: And to enjoy but the name of liberty, was cast into a greater bondage than before.  
Whereupon, coming abroad again into the world accompanied thither with those affections which are natural to most men, I was loath (if it might conveniently be prevented) either to sink below my rank, or to live at the mercy of a creditor. And therefore (having none of those helps, or trades, or shifts, which many others have to relieve themselves withal) I humbly peticioned the Kings most excellent Majesty (not to be supplied at his charge, or by any proiectment to the oppression of his people) but that according to the laws of nature, I might enjoy the benefit of some part of mine own labours, by virtue of his Royal privilege. For, by an unjust custom (as most of your Reverences well know) the Stationers have so usurped upon the labours of all writers, that when they have consumed their youth and fortunes in perfiting some laborious work, those cruel B●…e-masters burn the poor Athenian bees for their honey, or else drive them from the best part thereof by their long practised cunning. Which to prevent, his Majesty vouchsafed my reasonable request, with addition of voluntary favour, 〈◊〉 mine own desire. For, before his warrant to Master Attorney, he graciously expressed his royal comm●…ndatory allowance of my Book, which I had presented him withal, peticioning his privilege for printing thereof. And both in the procur●…ing of it, and in the passing of his Grant, I took no other course, than what I have hitherto used, and purpose to use for ever in all mine affairs: that is; neither directly, nor indirectly to solicit any man to favour me, otherwise than he shallbe moved by his own conscience, and the justness of my cause, when I have made means to discover the true state thereof to his understanding.  
Nor was this manner of proceeding any hindrance unto me; for my Grant nevertheless passed his Majesty's hand and every office after (where many times le's are cast in the way) with so much unusual favour, and such good wishes, besides expedition, that I was greatly encouraged to engage my credit almost three hundred pounds further thereupon; to imprint, and divoulge my Book, according to his Majesty's Letters Patents. All which expense, together with my painful endeavours, are now in danger to be lost, to the overthrow of my new hopes; and (which is my greater grief) to the hindrance of those my friends, who have adventured their goods in my sinking vessel.  
For, some of the Booksellers (who like the Silver Smiths of Ephesus, prefer their unjust gain before conscience, or piety) though their Corporation hath much profited, and is daily enriched by my former labours, though they may have benefit by this in question; though they are not ignorant of the great troubles, and hindrances I have received by that which did the more advantage them; though they are privy to my large expense in this work, and how much it willbe my undoing to the world-ward, if it succeed not; though they know it favoured both by his Majesty and those also who are esteemed among the most devout, and learned of the Clergy; though their own consciences (whatsoever they pretend) tell them it tends to the glory of God, and the furtherance of true devotion, without prejudice to any particular man; yea, though I have orderly proceeded in receiving the benefit of mine own labours, without taking away the least part, either of their, or of any other man's just profit: I say, notwithstanding all this, they endeavoured, without all compassion, or honest consideration, not only to procure the overthrow of my Grant, and with it (so far as in them lies) my ruin also, because I would not let them have the benefit thereof at their own rates: But have publicly, and unjustly slandered me, as one that had projected, and procured a privilege to the general grievance of the subject; which thing I utterly abhor.  
Nor have they thought it sufficient ingratefully to seek the compass of their own ends, by the ruin both of his state and good name, whose former studies have been a means to help the raising of them; But they will disparage the King's power and judgement, rather than fail. Nay, to show themselves suparlatively daring to attempt any thing to further their designs, there be of that generation, (I beseech your patience, if passion may seem to carry me away: 'tis in the cause of God) I say there be some of them, who spare not God himself, and his religion: but (AUDAX OMNIA PERPETI) have blasphemed the sacred expressions of the holy Spirit, and unchristianly vilified that Book which supreme Authority hath commanded to be published for the reverence and practice of devotion. And because in doing this, they would not seem so profane, as to make their gain, the cause of their opposition, nor be thought so heathenish as to call out for Diana with their types at Ephesus, they cry, TEMPLUM DOMINI, the Temple of the Lord; and craftily colour their aim with the cloak of sanctity, and zeal of true religion. Yea they are grown so malapert, and arrogant, that being but the pedlars of Books, and for the most part ignorant fellows (acquainted with nothing concerning them, but their names, and pryses) they nevertheless dare take upon them the miscensuring of any man's labours though allowed by authority.  
In this kind, among diverse others, I at this present suffer their inisusag in a high measure. And in me they have abused the King, the State, and the whole Hierarchy; Yea God, and religion. Having therefore propoposed their injuries of other natures, to the consideration of them, unto whom properly they belong: I am bold to appeal yet hither, that I may obtain the censure of this most reverend Convocation, concerning those particulars which are most genuine to be determined of in this place  
I do protest unfeignedly, that I will deliver nothing in my relation, which proceeds from spleen or malice: nor express myself in more sharp terms, than my conscience shall witness charitable, and necessary, to let your Reverences understand the height of those iniuries, that I am to complain on; and the lively character of those fellows, whose in●…ignityes the whole commonwealth of learning suffers under. For they have by their sly insinuations, and honest pretences so far screwed themselves into the good opinion of many Reverend, and Honourable parsonages, and so strengthened themselves through the abuse of their favours; that my fingers will not serve, and therefore pardon me if in a case of necessity, I sometime use my teeth to pluck those rusty nails, forth of the fair table of their ill deserved esteem.  
Nevertheless conceive me not, I pray you, that I go about to lay a general ymputation up ●…n all S●…tioners. For, to disparage the whole profession, were an act neither becoming an honest m●…n to do, no●… a prudent Auditory to suffer. Their mystery (as th●…y not untruly term it) consists of diverse Trades incorporated together: as Printers, Booke-bin●…s▪ Clas●…makers, Bookesellers. etc. And of all these b●… some honest men, who to my knowledge are so grieved being overborne by the notorious oppressions and proceedings of the rest, that they have wished themselves of some other calling. The Printers mystery, is ingenious, painful, and profitable: the Booke-bin●…●…cessary; the Claspemakers useful. And in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 r●…tailer of books, commonly 〈◊〉 a Bookseller, is a Trade, which being well governed▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…in certain bounds, might become somewhat serviceable to the rest. But as it is now (for the most part abused) the Bookeseller hath not only made the Printer, the Hinder, and the Claspmaker a slave to him: but hath brought Authors, yea the whole Commonwealth, and all the liberal Sciences into bondage. For he makes all professers of Art, labour for his profit, at his own price, and utters it to the Commonwealth in such fashion, and at those rates, which please himself.  
In-somuch, that I wonder so insupportable, and so impertinent a thing, as a mere Bookseller (considering what the profession is become now) was ever permitted to grow up in the Commonwealth. For, many of our modern booksellers, are but needless excrements, or rather vermin, who being engendered by the sweat of scholars, Printers, and bookbinders, do (as worms in timber, or like the generation of vipers) devour those that bred them. While they did like fleas, but suck now and then a drop of the writer's blood from him, and skipp off when he found himself diseased, it was somewhat tolerable: but since they began to feed on him, like the third plague of EGYPT without removing, and to lay claim to each Author's labours, as if they had been purposely brought up to study for their maintenance. Yea, since they take upon them to publish books contrived, altered, and mangled at their own pleasures, without consent of the writers: nay and to change the name someyms, both of book and Author (after they have been ymprinted) and all for their own private lucre; like traders in stuffs, who under new names, many times shift off their old wares. And yet further also, to disparage, or censure maliciously, both writers, and their labours, and so usurp unto themselves the high authority of the Church and State. I say these things considered, it is high time to seek a remedy, and a remedy (I hope) will shortly be provided in due place.  
In the mean time I humbly beseech this reverend Assembly, to take an assay of them in my particular cause, and in their manner of dealing with me touching that book before mentioned, & lately privileged by his Majesty. For, they having very unchristianlik traduced both myself, and it, I will (according to my duty) give unto your Reverences, a true account of all my principal proceedings, and intentions, and my reasons against their feigned objections; together with what was by authority determined by that work. And then leave myself, and it, unto your Reverences, to approve, alter, amend, or condemn, as you shall think fit. wherein I will rest satisfied, although it be to th●… overthrowing both of my credit and estate.  
First then, may it please you to understand, that being from my childhood in love with the study of Divinity (though I have yet, neither knowledge, nor opinion in myself worthy of so high a calling) I ymployed that natural faculty which God had given me upon such expressions, as savouring of honesty, and religion, won me the general good opinion of honest men. And though I was so young every way, that, I first began to write, and then to learn (as the childishness, and indiscretions of my Poems discover) yet they procured me much respect, and applause. which well con sidering on, and weighing my known insufficiencies, the slenderness of my performances, and my little means of knowledge, together with what base entertainment lines of that nature usually find in the world: I began to parswade myself, that God had extraordinarily given me this unlooked for esteem to some better purpose, then either that I should despise the same, or glory in it to a vain end. And that which made me give most faith to such an apprehension, was this: I observed, that the good repute which I had attained unto, never got me any outward profit, nor ever be fryended me in the compass of any thing for my pleasure.  
Whereupon, lest God should turn his blessing to a curse, and my reputation to my shame, if I sought not what way to ymploy it, unto his praise: and observing withal, that we make use of the most excellent expressions of the holy ghost in rude, and barbarous Numbers, whilst our own wanton fancies were painted, & trymed out in the most moving languag. Me thought it fared with us, as with those against whom the Prophet Hosea complained, that dwelled in sieled houses themselves, whilst the Temple of God lay waste And therefore seeing no other to undertake the same, I spent about three years, to prepare myself▪ for such a I ask, and then proceeded with the translation of the Psalms according to that ability God had given me. But before I had half ended them I heard that one of much better sufficiency had made a long, and happy progress into that work: and thereupon in expectation of his more able performance delayed to proceed with what I had begun, until such time as I was informed that the other was by the multiplicity of weighty Affairs compelled to give over his laborious Attempt. And then▪ I thought myself engaged again, to proceed.  
Now, dureing the time of intermission as aforesaid, that I might not want an employment answerable 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 Hymns dispersed▪ throughout the Canonical Scriptures. Which I embraced with much readiness, & persoi●…d willingly; adding unto them such other par●…ds of Holy-writt, Creeds and Songs, as I conceived proper and necessary to be sung.  
And, because some can well enough allow an endlesse●… variety of foolish Songs and ballads, ●…ending to the 〈◊〉 of the flesh and the devil, yet be apt to say, we 〈◊〉 Psalms, and Songs enough in this kind already. And so 〈◊〉 also, as I haué heard others (who●… presume much on their own fo●…ndnes in 〈◊〉) in norant by demand, what the Songs of Mo●…s, Deb●…rah, 〈◊〉 & s●…ch like, are perti●…ēt unto us. To let those, & 〈◊〉 unlearned, & ignorant men know, that the Holy Ghost 〈◊〉 none of the Canonical Scriptures till these times of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 have in a short Proem (●…ding to the opinion of the true Church) declared: that those Scriptures, are every whitt as useful and necessary for us, as for them in whose times, and for whose particular occasions they were first written. And before each Hymn, I have presixed also a brief preface, to show in what sense the congregation, or men may privately, and aught to repeat them.  
Moreover, having with grief observed, how the Church of England (like jesus Christ crucified between two thieves) is traduced, and abused between Papists, and schismatics: the one falsely charging her with want of order, and christian discipline; the other as unjustly upbraiding her with popish and superstitious observations. And having experience, that there are great multitudes of well affected people, easy to be led aside for company into the later oversight, through want of some to inform them better, who would with small ado be conformable, if they had means of instruction concerning their particular mistake. Yea, many of these being well inclined towards me; and I not knowing which way to use that affection better, then to make it a means of increasing christian unity and devotion. I resolved to publish some what, to stir up in them that obedience and reverence, which they ought to express towards the pious ordinances of the Church: and if I lost any man's esteem for so conscionable an attempt; I assured myself I lost nothing but what was never worth the saving.  
To that end therefore (having received encouragement and taken advice, from some of the most devout, and learned of our Divines) I composed certain Hymns, and Songs, appropriated to the ordinary public occasions of our Congregations, and to those times observable by command of the Church, and by the authority of the State; that so God might be glorified in every solemnity, and those times not so much profaned and contemned, as heretofore.  
And, because I had heard some Teachers in Israel profess themselves ignorant concerning the use of the holidays observed in our Church, I took the more pains (though not presuming to teach them) to express before the proper Song of every observable Time or other occasion, their religious use; briefly, & in such a manner, as I hope every reasonable capacity may thereby understand, our Church's discipline in that point, to be far from a needles, popish, or superstitious Tradition.  
Moreover, that I might not trouble any man's charity or devotion in the use of these Hymns, I was as watchful, as possible I could be, to make all my expressions free from bitterness, or touches of those controversies, which might give offence to the weak members of our Church. And God so prosper me, as I was and am clear, from meaning to grieve, offend, or discontent the souls, or consciences of any.  
Thus with a good purpose, I began and finished those Hymns and Songs, which make up the Book, called the HYMNS and SONGS OF THE CHURCH. So named, not for that I would have them accounted part of our liturgy (as I have delivered to his Majesty in my Epistle) but because they do for the most part, treat of such particulars▪ as concern the whole Church of God. And this is that book▪ for which his Majesty vouchsafed me the privilege before mentioned, and which he pyously & graciously commanded to be annexed to the singing Psalms, that it might be the more generally & the more conveniently divulg●…d among his subjects for their instruction.  
And indeed, by that means, those poor people (whose Pastors suffer them or cause them to be misinformed concerning that point) shall carry about with them in their most usesual book, what may at one time or other open their understandings to perceive their error.  
This is that Book, for which I (was ever worst used for my best intentions) suffer more, then for all my former in discretions; & for which, I have received those afronts▪ that may well be ranked among my greatest injuries; notwithstanding it had beside the ordinary allowance of Authority▪ the particular approbation, and commendation both of the King himself, and of many the members of this most reverend Convocation.  
Yea, this is that Book, for which the Common wealth of Stationers (●… Tyrrany unheard of in former ages) desire to make me as odious▪ as if I had ympolyed my whole study to the oppression of this weal public, or to the subuertion of religion and for which they have pursued me with such violence and clamour as hath seldom or never been exampled in any cause.  
Hear therefore (I humbly beseech you) their particular objections; and for his sake (who hath honoured you with high places, and holy callings) be you judges between me and them. For though in regard of myself, I should take no more notice of their malicious wrongs, than the Nightingale in a Summer's night, doth of the barking of dogs, & whooping of Owls: but sing on without distemper, to the contentment of mine own soul. Yet since their clamorous noise hinders others from hearing the voice of the Charmer, and through my sides, wounds the credit of Authority, and may parhapps hereafter encourage them presumptuously, for the bringing in of greater inconveniences: I desire their dealing with me, may be taken notice of by this most Reverend Assembly. To which end, I have here set down, what they cry out, to the disparagement of me, and my book, instead of dispersing it abroad according to his Majesty's royal command.  
Some give out that my book contains nothing but a few needle's Songs: which I composed, and got privileged by Patent, merely for my private benefit, to the oppression of the Commonwealth.  
Some discourage those that come to buy the book: other while denying that it is to be had, & other while peremptorily protesting against the selling of it, or disgracefully telling such as inquire after the same, that the work is Ridiculous, and that it better be●…itted me to meddle with my poetry, then to be ●…ampering with divinity. with such like other words of contempt. Other some there be, who dare aver that my▪ Lords Grace of Canterbury, with many of the bishops, and best Divines, do much dislike and oppose the said Hymns.  
Others again buzz in the people's ears that the Hymns for the Observable times are popish, and tending to the maintenance of superstition.  
And some there be among them, who (in such terms of ribaldry, as no Stews can go beyond them) blasphemingly affirm, that the CANTICLES are obscene, and not fit to be divulged in Song, or Verse.  
Yea, many other objections they make, and cast out diverse aspersions, aswell upon the Author, as on his book, to bring both into contempt.  
The maliciousness, and superfluity of wickedness, appearing in these their evil speakeinges, your Reverences can easily perceive: Nevertheless, forasmuch as there lie Padds in the straw, which the best judgements cannot discern at the first sight. And seeing I have been openly traduced, as unbeseemingly intruding upon the divine calling, and stand now accused as one that hath hatched and brought forth such things for my temporal advantage, which are offensive, and scandalous to the Church, and consciences of good men; which I would not willingly be guilty, of for all the world (by your patience) I do hereby give an account of my action now in question, hoping that it shallbe to the satisfying of this reverend Assembly, the contentment of such as have upon misreport been offended, & to the shame of mine opposers. And I trust also it shall discover, that although there may be found indiscretions, or oversights in my undertaking, yet I have deserved fairer usage, my adversaries less credit, and my studies better entertainment than heretofore they have found.  
To keep myself the closer to that which shallbe pertinent to this Apology, I will make these particular objections my Themes, which I have repeated: nor will I bring any other authorities to make good my defence, than the true relations, of what hath been done, and such plain arguments as mine own reason shallbe able to frame. For, if this discourse come to the view of your Reverences only, you well enough know, what the Records of Antiquity can afford to these purposes. And if it happen among those only of mean capacity such plain expressions, as I purpose to use, will acquire most credit among them.  
And first, whereas they give out, that my Hymns are needles; they do not only thereby contemn, and slight my pains but lay an imputation of vanity upon the wisdom of the Holy Ghost also. For a great part of them are parcels of the Canonical Scriptures: originally Song. And, to say any fragment thereof, were needless, is in effect, to diminish from God's words, upon which follows a heavy curse.  
God deserves every day to be praised of us for delivering his Church, by the overthrow of Pharaoh in the red Sea, as much as he did in the very moment of their deliverance. And the song of Moses then used, doth in each particular, as properly concern every christian Congregation, as it did the jews themselves upon that occasion. For, God's mercy showed to v●… in our baptism, (and the spiritual overthrow of the devil, pursuing us with an host of sins, and temptations,) is in mine opinion more effectually expressed to a spiritual understanding, by apprehending the actions and circumstances of that temporal deliverance, them it could be by the power of any words, or by any other ordinary means; except by contemplating of that most excellent material object, the Sacrament of Baptism itself, of which the other was but a type.  
In like manner, all the other Canonical Hymns do admyrablie help towards God's everlasting mercies, and for illustrating those particular Mysteries of our christian faith, which they did typically and prophetically foreshow. Yea, they are part of the prophetical witness, as the Hymns of the new Testament are patt of the evangelical witness, of our interest in Christ jesus. And verily, the late neglect of their application, in our christian mysteries, hath not only much injured, one of the two great witnesses of our salvation: but given occasion also, that many unsound professors have corrupted them; even to the bringing in of diverse jewish and talmudical fancies, to the fearful distraction of weak people.  
But, were not those Hymns necessary in respect of the variety of their arguments, yet the variety of expression, were somewhat needful, although the matter were the same. For, as the several dress of one sort of meat, makes it diversely agreeable to the palates, and stomaches of men: so the various manner of things de●…uered in holy Scriptures, makes them applicable to our understandings; and what in one kind of delivery seems harsh, or obscure, in another kind is acceptable, and more easily apprehended. That which is easy to you, is hard parhapps to me: and what may be thought an impropriety to some great judgements, doth many times most properly insinuate the speakers meaning unto them of weaker capacities.  
In observing the seeming differences among▪ Interpreters in their translations of these words: NASSECHV BAR, (part of the last verse of the second psalm) I conceived thereby, that the profitable use of variety, was very apparent. For, the translation most agreeable to the original Hebrew renders the words: OSCULEMINI FILIUM. the Septuagint, APPREHENDITE DISCIPLINAM and Saint-Hierome, ADORATE PURE: which being all orthodox Interpretations, and agreeable both to the scope of the Psalm, and that which the words originally bear, and all standing well together also with the Analogy of faith: this variety made me conceive in my meditations thereupon, that the holy ghost had delivered his meaning in these triple Equivokes, that they might the more properly▪ be accommodated to the several States, and ages of his Church.  
For (pardon me if I err) me thought in saying, OSCULEMINI FILIUM (which was according to the genuine, & most common understanding of the original words among the Hebrews) I apprehended that the Holy ●…host exhorted his Church among the jews to homage and worship that Son of God, who was diverse ways made manifest unto them to be their true King. And APPREHENDITE DISCIPLINAM, (being according to that Translation, which I am persuaded God himself extraordinarily provided to reveal his truth by unto the Heathen) I conceived that the Holy Ghost persuaded his Church among the Gentiles. (who yet knew not Christ their King) to embrace the knowledge of him. And ADORATE PURE (being the first trans●…ation that in latin the Church publicly received, and about that time the true worship of jesus Christ beginning to be adulterated) my mind gave me (that psalm being a manifest prophecy concerning the kingdom of Christ to the world's end) it might be, that God did by that interpretation persuade those perverters of his Truth to repentance, who should disturb the peace and quiet of his kingdom in these later times.  
But I stand not so thereupon as if I could not submit to better judgements: Sure I am this meditation is no way repugnant to the Catholic verity; and howsoever it shallbe approved, it serves well enough to my purpose for demonstratinge, that the variety, or different expressions of sacred things, are not needles, but do afford advantage unto those of mean capacities, if they meditate upon them with reverence and humility.  
If it be but to awaken our dullness, and take away our wearisomeness in holy duties, variety is needful. For, flesh and blood (as we find by daily experience) loathes those things, wherwithal they are naturally best pleased, if they be to frequent: how much more tedious than will those things be unto us, which are perpetually iterated in the same words, being naturally unpleasing to a carnal ear? Since god in mercy hath provided and permitted us means to assist our weaknesses, let not such as are strong enough to be without them, condemn the use of such helps in those, who being not so able, must have their affections weaned by degrees from their childish inclinations.  
We see the Flesh and the Devil, having for their service thousands of vain Songs, and profane ballads stored up in the Stationer's warhouses, have nevertheless, many Muses perpetually ymployed for the composing of new Strains; And that many hundred pounds are yearly consumed upon them, to the enriching of those merchants; to the shame of our profession, to the corruption of youth, and to the building up of the kingdom of sin, and Satan: as it is well known, and observed by many of good note in this reverend assembly. Yet there having been for diverse ages together, but so many Hymns composed, and published, as make in some impressions not above two sheets and a half of paper (for the reverence and practice of Devotion unto the honour of god) they are censured impertinent; maliciously exclaimed on; violently opposed; and the Author of them seeking for the needful hire of his labour, (but his due, and what strangers should have been suffered to make thereof) is publicly accused as a man coveteously hunting after the world, and an injurious oppressor of the commonwealth.  
Oh god! how partial are all men bewitched with self-love, in the prosecution of their base ends! and how uncharitable in their censunes! For the Stationers have not only laboured to deprive me of the benefit due to my labours, but also to make me appear without Christianity in my intentions▪ by affirming that I sought mine own benyfit only, in composing my book of Hymns, & in publishing it according to the king's command. My Poem●… last dewlged was said to have been written in mine own praise▪ & the Hymns for my private profit; I wonder to what purpose, the next book I write shallbe composed. Verily, if I be not altogether forgetful of mine own thoughts, o●… too apt to believe overwell of myself (as perhaps I am) my principal aim was the glory of God in both those undertakinges. Nevertheless, truth is, I am so inclined to the corruptions of other men, that although I did what I was able, yet was I not altogether so free from outward hopes (as I ought to have been) in those works.  
My weak fortunes, my troubles, and the chargablenesse of a study that brings with it no outward supply, put me unto a kind of necessity to cast my thoughts a side unto wo●…ldly respects but I have siu●…e been sorry for it upon better consideration. And as a just reward for my too earnest looking after vain ho●…, I do now accept of my present trouble, that outwardly is like to impoverish me. And the time thereof, draws me the more heedfully to consider it, being just about that season, wherein I expected to reap some contentment in the fruition of my labours and expenses. God grant this experience may enrich me another way, and settle my hopes upon more certain things and that those who accuse me of this imperfection, may examine their own hearts, and (if they find them guilty of the like infirmity) learn by mine example to confess their error. And my prayer shallbe, that we both may more directly seek god's glory in our undertake.  
But why should I be the man more accused, the●… all others, for seekeing after the just hire of my labours? am I the only One guilty of studying mine own profit●…, in the course of my painful endeavours for religious end? I would to god I were, and that no man living save I, were so wicked, as to make his own glory, and enriching, the end and scope of his christian diligence. For doubtless, such an universal piety, would be a powerful means of drawing me to repentance. But I believe, there be so few, who can with the Apostle clear himself herein, that if none might be permitted to throw at me the stone of reproof, but only they who are free from this weakness, I may walk from Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall to Douer●… & from thence even through our mitropolitan Churches, to the farthest Northerens Isles without touch of exception.  
And whereas they object I have compassed a privilege to the public grievance; your Reverences shall ceiue how innocent I am from giving cause of such an imputation, if you please to consider the circumstances of his Majesties Grant with his pious intention, and my carriage in the procuring and execution of it. For, I did not, as some of the Stationers have done, in the name of many, and by pretending the relief of the poor (whom they may be proved thereby to oppress) monopolise the principal books of Sale within this Realm (even those wherein the whole commonwealth have a inst interest) which is really one of those Monopo●…es that our State abhores. But having composed a new Book, which no man could claim a share in, while it remained mine own, and in mine own power to make public or no; & proposing the same to his Majesty, briefly and plainly, without pretence of any by-respect) I obtained a free and gracious grant to make such benefit thereof as usually heretofore in like cases, his Majesty hath vouchsafed unto others: yea such as the Stationers would have made of it without a privilege if so be I had left it in their power.  
Nor can any disadvantage come to the Commonwealth thereby, seeing the price is limited to be such as▪ themselves sell books for, like chargeable of the same kind. Besides, no man's trade or ymployment, is thereby usurped upon, hindered, or taken away: but many are rather set on work in several professions, more than before. Insomuch that there can be no public grievance truly named or probably pretended which that privilege is cause of: except it be a grief to some few Idle drones, to behold the laborious lyving upon the sweat of their own brows.  
Indeed The Booksellers do peremptorily challenge an interest in every man's labour of this kind; and a worshipful Lawyer was lately pleased on their behalf to say, that the benefit arising from the sale of books, was their ancient, and lawful birthright. But if his Mastership's judgement be no better in other cases, I hope to bless myself from his opinions. For unless he can prove, the Author hath sold them his birthright (as often he doth, for less than a mess of pottage) he being the elder brother, the right first (by his own law that he professes) falleth unto him. And there are other heirs (but of a collateral line) the Printer, and Bookebinder that claim just title before the bookseller: at leastwise may in Gavilekind be coheirs with him; yea indeed, the meanest of them doubly deserves the better right. But it may be our learned Counsellor, was a kentish man, where in some place, the youngest brother inherits by custom of Borough English, and so thought perhaps that the like teneur might be peculiar unto the Booksellers trade. Therefore as I am willing, his ignorance should excuse him, so I hope, all Authors shallbe excused, and and unblame worthy, if having their proper rights encroached upon, they seek repossession by the royal power.  
To that purpose is my privilege; which the Sationers have not only called in question before the high Court of Parliament (whose Censure I shall be ready to abide with good contentment) but by many clamours, and by a multytud of papers in print also, scandalised the King's Grauntas, an oppression; and cast upon me the unjust imputation of a base Monopolist: whereas I doubt not but I shallbe able to prove that his Majesty hath vouchsafed me nothing, but what was, IUS REGALE, and in his Lawful power to confer; and that I enjoy nothing by virtue of the Privilege he granted me, but what I am honestly capable to receive. For, if his Majesty hath not a legal power to confirm unto me that which is naturally mine own, By what right then, do they and others enjoy privileges for those books wherein every man hath as good property as they▪ Or if his Majesty hath not Authority to command the addition of a few leaves (for God's glory, and the people's edification) to such a book, as hath allowance from the Prerogative Royal only; Then, either the Stationers are very presumptuous, in anexing the singing Psalms and Robert Wisdoms Songs to the Bible and book of Common prayer, at their own pleasures, and for their own profit: Or else their Prerogative is more absolute than the Kings.  
For, the Stationers do not only reap the Benefit of diverse books by virtue of his Majesty's Grants, in such wise as the same is vouchsafed unto me, but in a far larger manner, and (according as they execute them) to the publkie injury many ways. Yea, by the laws and Orders of their Corporation, they can and do settle upon the particular members thereof, a prpetuall interest in such Books as are Registered by them at their Hall, in their several Names: and are secured in taking the full benefit of those books, better than any Author can be by virtue of the Kings Grant, notwithstanding their first Copies were purloined from the true owner, or imprinted without his leave.  
Moreover, they annex Additions to books formerly imprinted, and increase the pryses of them accordingly, though the matter be altogether impertinent. And yet if the King do but confer upon some Author the sole printing of a tenth part of his own labours, (which he might still have reserved in his own power) Or but please (for the Reverence and practice of devotion) to command the addition of a few leaves to some book authorized by the State only: they immediately break out into an uproar, as if the King had dealt unjustly with them; As if the Author had committed Sacrilege: and as if the Commonwealth had been ready to sink under the weight of that burden.  
Good God how many dung-botes full of fruitless Volumes do they yearly foist upon his Majesty's subjects, by lying Titles, insinuations, and disparaging of more profitable Books! how many hundred reams of foolish profane and senseless Ballads do they quarterly disperse abroad? And how many thousand pounds do they yearly pick out of the purses of ignorant people, who refer the Choice of their books to the discretion's and honesties of these men! by that means ridding their warehouses from heaps of trasla and refuse, which might else have laid by the walls till the Rats had eaten it? how unconscionably is the Subject by these usages robbed both of his money and time? how often in stead of being bettered, are their manners corrupted and their affections drawn away by lewd and wanton Poems? how unchristianly is their loyalty sometime shaken by seditious Pamphlets? Yea, how dangerously is their faith & religion perverted by those many heretical and schismatical Treatises, which they from time to time secretly or openly disperse through his Majesty's dominions.  
How unfortunate am I (as some think) that having performed a good work; do nevertheless hear it exclaimed upon as a frivolous labour, and stand accused for oppressing the people (because a few Hymns containing the praises of God are commanded to be divulged the most convenient 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 God's mercy, who covers the multitudes of my transgressions and still brings me into public question for such Actions only, as shall upon Trial become mine honour, and to the shame of my Traducers. For, I am confident that I shall in due time be delivered from that, and from all other scandalous imputations which the world hath laid to my charge. And therefore whether it be now or hereafter, I am indifferent; and place such assurance in gods love that I can stay his leisure.  
I procured the Kings Grant (being the possibility of a temporal blessing) by moving for it, where I ought, and as I ought to seek the same, without entreating any man's furtherance; and if it be not in every particular just and convenient, that I should enjoy the same; it shall go, and I will venture an utter undoeing rather then make use of any man's friendship to detain it. For, God (who hath hitherro provided for me in such a manner as best befitted both my temporal and spiritual Condition) will I know, continue his provident care of me; while I can have grace to be thankful, and retain the resolution to do my lawful endeavour. Howsoever (let the world conceit of me as it pleaseth) I scorn to enjoy my life, much more any privilege to the common prejudice: and am able to demonstrate (as shall hereafter appear) that my book and the Kings Grant have been maliciously traduced without cause.  
Yet, the Stationers have not only scandalised the said grant unjustly, and laid the imputation of impertinency to the Book of Hymns without cause; but feareing (as it seems) lest their publication would disconuer their false dealing, and gain me and my labour some good approbation in spite of their malice; They have (as I said before) practised also, or rather conspired, as much as in them lies, to hinder the lawful sale of my Book. For, they provide them not in their shops as they are commanded by Authority, nor furnish themselves with those as with other books, notwithstanding they may take them upon trust, and make profit of them before payment is required at their hands, being content somewhat to hinder themselves that they may disadvantage me. And to excuse this injury they give out, contrary to their own knowledges, that if they take my books from me, none will fetch them out of their hands, which they falsely pretend, merely to dispariage that which I hope they shall never be able to bring out of credit, till they have lost their own. For, they are daily so much enquired after, that had the Booksellers preferred them to sale as they would have done if the copy had been their own, twenty thousand might have been dispersed, long ere this tyme. Yea if they had either any loyal respect to the King's pious command; or love to the practice of Devotion, or but that humanity which is to be found among Infidels; they might have deulged a hundred in place of every ten●… which are yet dispersed. For, though few know where to get the said Hymns, because they are seldom to be had among the Booksellers; yet thousand of them have been bought up by gentlemen and others, who (having enquired out, with much difficulty, where to find them) report to me how much I am abused among the Stationers, and how hardly they cann forbear from using them uncivilly that come to ask for my Book: with diverse other particular Discourtesies.  
But because those usages do demonstrate their own evil disposition rather than disparage the said Book; I will omit to perticularize those many discourtesies which I am that way offered, and proceed to answer such other objections as they and their abetters have framed to bring both my Hymns and me, into contempt.  
And first, they object (forsooth) that they are not worthy to be annexed with their Psalms in meeter, in respect of that insufficiency which they have discovered in my expressions. For, so harsh and improper do my lines appear to these judicious censurers, and their chaplains; that some compare them to DOD the fillkemans' late ridiculous translation of the Psalms, which was by authority worthily condemned to the fire. Some term them in scorn▪ WITHERS SONNETS; and some, among them, the better to express what opinion they have of their pious use, are pleased to promise that they will procure the ●…aring Ballett singer with one leg, to sing and self them about the City▪ which base speeches proceeding from those skoffing Is●…alites, I could well enough brook in respect of mine own person▪ o●… me●…t▪ For, there is so much evil, even in the best of my actions, that contempt is the fairest reward, which they can justly challenge: Yet, when I call to mind with what Christian intentions I was emploie●… 〈◊〉 those Hymns, and how many hours 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 have approved them, & how much their pious use might further the reverence and practise of Devotion to the praise of God; it grieves me that there should be in this nation any so wicked as to oppose so Christian a work, to so frivolous an end. But, when I remember, by whom, and by what Authority that book was allowed, and commanded to be made public; and withal, what mystery of iniquity it is that hath conspired against the sane; me thinks it is an Injury not to be tolerated▪  
Is it reason, they who live by books, should be permitted to abuse the Authors of their livelihood? Or is it seemly that those who (as I said before) are but the pedlars of books, should become their censurers; and by consequent, both the censurers and depravers of that Authority which allowed them? If this be tolerated, the fairest draughts of Apelles, shallbe daily subject to the foolish criticisms of those arrogant cobblers; and the State shall not be able ●…re long to publish any thing, but what they have a fancy to approve. For, to this pass it is already come, that whatsoever the State dislykes shallbe imprinted and devulged by them (though both absurd and scandalous) with twice more seriousness, than any book lawfully commanded: but, let it tend to schism▪ and they will disperse more underhand in one week, than the Royal Authority shallbe able to divulge in a year, toward the settling of unity in the Church.  
I know not what it is which should make my book of Hymns appear so ridiculus unto the●…▪ or so unworthy to be annexed to the English Psalm-book, as they pretend. In respect of the matter it cannot justly be excepted against▪ for, a great part thereof, is canonical Scripture; and the rest also, is both agreeable thereunto in every particular, and consonant to the most approved Discipline of the Church of England. So that (how sque●…ishly soever some of their stomaches brook it) they being allowed by Authority, are as fit, I trust, to keep company▪ with David's Psalms, as Robert Wisdoms TVRK●… and POPE; and those other apocryphal Songs and prayers, which, the stationer's add to the Psalmebooke for their more advantage: Sure I am, that if their additions shallbe allowed of by the most voices, yet mine shallbe approved of before those, by the best judgements.  
Now, as for the manner of expression which I have used, I hope it is such as no just exception cann be taken thereunto; seeing I have (aswel in that which is of my own Invention, as in the Translations) used that simplicity of speech which (best) becometh the subject, without affectation to those poetical phrases and fancies, which (being commendable in other things) would have obscured the majesty of those inventions. To this I had so much regard (especially in my translations of the Canonical Hymns) that, if I mistake not, I have as naturally, and as playvely expressed the sense of them, as most prose Translations have done. And if those indifferent men, who know the Poesy and power of the English tongue may be my judges, they will censure my expressions to be such, as shall neither be obscure to the meanest capacities, nor contemptible to the best judgements, but (observing a middle way) best becoming that purpose, for which they were intended.  
I did not leap on a sudden, or irreverently into this employment▪ but, having consumed almost the years' of an Apprentishipp, in studies of this kind, I entered thereinto conscionably & in the fear of God: nor have I proceeded without his assistance, as the difficulties and discouragments which I have passed through, do witness unto me. For, if it be well weighed, how full of short sentences, and sudden break off, those scriptures are; how frequently, these Particles, FOR, BUT, & such like, (which are graceful in the Original Text) will seem to obscure the dependency of Sense, in the English phrase, if the power of their signification be not heedfully observed in those places: How ha●…sh the music will be, if the chief Pauses be not▪ carefully reduced unto the same place in the line throughout the whole Hymn, which they have in the first Stanza; how many differences must be observed between Lyricke-verse and that which is composed for reading only: How the Translater is tied, not to make choice of those fashion Stanza's which are easiest, to express the matter in, but to keep that with which he first begun: how he is bound, not only to the sense (according to the liberty used in other Translationes) but to the very words, or words of the same power with those used in our allowed Interpretations: Lastly, how prec●…se he must be, when he is forced to express any sentence by circumlocution, to labour still to retain 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 up every Stanza with a period, or some such point that the voice may decently pause there) I am persuaded a work of this nature could not have been persisted in, to this conclusion, by a man having somany weaknesses, and discouragments as I have had; unless the Almighty had been with me. Nor can I believe that the devil would have raised up so many maliciously to oppose the same, if it had not tended to God's honour.  
But sure, no man will grudge the annexing of the Book of Hymns to our metrical Psalms now used, in regard of any faultiness in their expression, if they consider the meanness of that Translation. For, though some (of no mean degree) are very violent for the maintenance and continuance of their old Version, pleading (as the papists do for many of their trumperyes) a long prescription, in steed of better arguments: yet I know it to be so much to blame, that no man of understanding can sing many of those Psalms, but with trouble to his devotion. And I dare undertake to demonstrate, that they are not only full of absurdityes, s●…oeloscismes, improprietyes, nonsense, and impertinent circumlocutions (to more than twice the length of their originals in some places) but that there are in them many expressions also▪ ●…uite beside if not quite contrary, to the meaning of the Text. Which I would not thus openly have declared, but that even school boys perceive it, though some (that would be thought wiser) do ignorantly or wilfully, protest against an alteration of our singing Psalms. Excuse me I beseech you, if I seem a little too plain in discovering the faultiness of that whereof so many are overweening: for, I do it not to disparage the pious endeavours of those who took pains in that Translation; but rather, commending their laborious and Christian intention, do acknowledge, that (considering the times they lived in, and of what quality they were) they made so worthy an attempt; as may justly shame us who came after, to see it no better seconded during all the flourishing times which have followed their troublesome Age: especially, seeing how curiously our language and expressiones are refined in our trivial Discourses.  
This hath given the papist, the Atheist and the Libertyne occasion to skoffe at our christian exercises, and troubles the devotion of many a religious man, who being desirous to sing with his understanding in the congregations, doth often (before he is aware) lose the sense of the Prophet: yea and sometimes fall upon direct nonsense, among those many impertynent circumlocutions, and independancies which he is (for Rymes sake) compelled to wander through in that Translation.  
Nevertheless, some I know will be obstinate in defence of their old Meeter▪ and I shall seem to them, as one that had presumptuously laid an imputation upon our Church, and unreverently taxed what her Authority had commanded; which, I thank God, I am not guilty of. For, I well enough know (and your Reverences can witness it) that those metrical Psalms were never commanded to be used in Divine service, or in our public congregations, by any Canon or Ecclesiastical constitution, though many of the vulgar be of that opinion: But (whatsoever the stationer's do in their Title page pretend to that purpose) they being first allowed for private devotion only, ●…ept into public use, by toleration rather than command. Yea, custom hath been hitherto their chief Authority: and therefore we may not only lay open their defects to a good purpose (without just blame to ourselves or scandal to the Church) but I hope change them also without offence, when a better translation shall come to light. In the mean time there will be no reason, I am sure, why those should condemn my expressiones while they approve those measures we have hitherto made use of, in our Devotions.  
But, lest the work should be able to justify itself, in spite of their detraction, my Aduersaries do pick personal quarrels also: alleging that I have undecently intruded upon the Divine calling; and that my performances being but the fruits of a private spirit are therefore vain & unwarrantable. Yea (if we may believe the stationer's) many zealous Ministers have taxed me for meddling with a work of that nature, affirming that it was a task fitter for a Divine then for me: and so bitterly have many of them (as I hear) censured me for it, in their private conferences, that I have good cause to suspect, it was rather envy, than any thing else which induced most of them to be of that opinion. If it be a work so proper to a Divine, that no man else aught to have meddled with it, I would some of them had taken it in hand, who give me so little thanks for my labour, that we might have seen with what spirit they are guided. I wonder what divine calling HOPKINS and STERNHOLD had more than I have, that their metrical Psalms may be allowed of rather than my Hymns. Surely, if to have been Grooms, of the privy Chamber, were sufficient to qualify them; that profession which I am of, may as well fit me for what I have undertaken; who having first laid the foundation of my studies in one of our famous Vniversityes, have ever since builded thereon, towards the erecting of such fabrics, as I have now in hand.  
But, I would gladly know by what rule those men discern of spirits, who condemn my endeavour as the work of a private spirit. The time was, men did judge the tree by his fruit, but now they will judge the friute by the Tree. If I have expressed any thing repugnant to the Analogy of the Christian Faith; or irreverently opposed the orderly and allowed Discipline; or ●…issented in any point from that spirit of Verity which breathes through the holy Catholic Church; then let that which I have done be taxed for the work of a private spirit. Or if it may appear, that I have undecently intruded myself to intermeddle with those mysteries of our Christian Sanctuary, which the God of Order hath by his divine Law reserved for those who have, according to his Ordinance, a special calling thereunto; Then indeed let me be taxed as deserving both punishment & reproof.  
But, if making Conscience of my Actions, I observed that seemly distance which may make it appear, I intruded not upon aught appropriated to the outward ministry; If, like an honest hearted Gibeonit I have but a little extraordinarily laboured, to how wood and draw water, for the spiritual sacrifices; If, according to the art of the Apothecary, I have composed a sweet perfume to offer up to God, in such manner as is proper to my own Faculty only, and then brought it to those unto whom the consecration thereof belongs; If, keeping my own place, I have laboured for the building up of God's house as I am bound to do, in offering up of that which God hath given me, and making use with modesty of those gifts which were bestowed on me to that purpose: If I say, the case be so, what blame worthy have I done? why should those disciples which follow Christ in a nearer place, forbid us (from doing good in his name) who follow him, farther off? why should they with joshuah forbid Eldad and Medad from prophesying, seeing every good Christian wisheth with Moses, that all God's people were prophets, and that he would give his spirit to them all.  
If I could have believed that for me to enter into Orders would have made me either the more profitable instrument of God's glory, or caused my labours to have been the more holy or the more edifying; what had letted me to procure that advantag? No man living more honours that calling (or would think himself more honoured) by being admitted thereinto, them I. yea, often have I been urged unto it, & my possibillityes of outward preferments that way, are not the least. nevertheless, I am not only privy to much unworthiness, and many insufficiencies in myself, justly disenabling me of that function; but my mind persuades me also, that God hath apppointed me to serve him in some other course. There are diverse gifts, and diversities of callings; and by the gift God hath given him, every man may guess at his calling, as the soldier may know in what part of the battle to range himself, by those Arms his Captain appointed him unto: and that place he ought to make good, until he find himself furnished and authorized for another Station.  
I will, as the Apostle counsels me, strive and coue●… for the best gifts so far as God shall enable me: but in what place soever I make use of them (I think) I may be indifferent. For, every good gift of God may be employed with advantage in any vocation, one time or other. A common soldier having the experience of a commander, may by advising and directing his fellows in familiarity, and by keep●…ing his place with them as a companion; find opportunity perhaps, to instruct them better in some military discipline, than the office of a Captain will permit. And so fares it in the christian warfarr. Yea, even I myself have many times found occasion by means of my habit and outward fashion of life, to effect some good which I should hardly have brought to pass by a more strict profession. And as some cheerful labourer, by carrying stones & mortar (by encouraging his fellows, and giving now and then a word of direction) may further the building of a house more than many others, and win great commendation in that employment; who would be rather a let (if not the ruin of it) if he should take upon him to lay the stones; So, I that have as a common labourer seriously and some way profitably endeavoured; presuming into the place of a master workman, may become less ●…eruiceable, and peradventure a trouble to the business which I thought to further.  
Let it not therefore, I beseech you, be an imputation unto me, that I have performed a better work than my calling seems to oblige me unto. For, though some have taxed me for meddling with that which seems more properly to belong to their profession; it is odds but they are other while as busy in some employments which would better have beseemed a man of my quality, than one of their cote; and therefore, let us excuse & forgive one another. That which I have done, when it was my own; was subject to any man's censure: but, now Authority hath consecrated it, and delivered the same forth for public use; it is no more mine, but the work of Authority which they deprave.  
Let all my writings privately or publicly dispersed, be examined from the first Epygran that ever I composed, until the publishing of these Hymns now traduced by my adversaries; and if there can be found out one line savouring of such a mind, as may give cause to suspect I undertook that task, without that true Christian aim which I ought to have had; or if the performance itself shall make it appear that I proceeded without due preparation; or if you can have any probable testimony that throughout the course of my life, or by any one samndalous act, I have given that cause of offence as may disparage my studis, or trouble their devotions to whose use my Hymns are tendered; let those things be laid to my charge, until I find means to disprove or wash away such imputations. Sure I am, no man can attempt such a work with a heart more desireous to be rectified, or more fearful to offend by a negligent performance; and therefore if I wanted an outward calling thereunto, (which this Reverend Assembly may supply) yet I hope I had that inward calling which is beyond the power of any to confer.  
But, observe the malice of the Stationers; they are not content to smother my book as much as may be, by denying to give it utterance according as the King hath commanded, and as by their trade they ought to do; or to disparage it, by striving to make me seem unfitting or insufficient for a work of that nature: but, to countenance their detractions, they pretend, as I said before, that the Lo: Archb: with other of your Lloes: have disliked my Hymns, & that my Lo: of Canterbury would this Parliament take order to suppress them. I cannot but wonder at the boldness and impudence of these fellows, that dare publish such improbable untruths, to the disparagement of honourable personages. For, many of your Reverences have received those Hymns at my hands, and returned me that good respect, which hath been my encouragement; and I cannot think, any possessing those reverend places, would have so much forgotten humanity as to have condemned my labours in such fashi●… as those give out. It cannot be thought, they censured them upon the Stationer's reports; seeing that were an inexcusable levity; and if they examined it, me thinks my pains, my pious intention, and the good use which may be made of that book, would have moved them to counsel me how to amend that which was found amiss, rather than to disparage my whole work, for a few oversights.  
Can I suppose they who should encourage men in their pious studies, (and be glad to see that we are able in any measure to exercise our faculties towards the setting forth of God's praise) would be so harsh, to give me hard censures for my pains; because, forsooth, I have not answered their expectations, in some one t●…iuiall point? Sure, this were not that tenderness which might be expected in the Fathers of the Church; nor do I believe that any of your LL●…s: would use that severity towards me: for then, if I had no●… better comforts than such critescisme affords, those who w●… their time altogether in idleness, and abuse their faculties to vainest purposes, are in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…n I.  
Now, that they have abused my Lo: Grace of 〈◊〉, by 〈◊〉 his dislike of my book, (to the disparagement thereof) I shall make it very apparent. For, his Grace took notice that my book was perused and allowed by his Majesty himself; and worthily approved his Royal judgement both in Divinity and Poetry, the Stationer's being present: he was informed likewise, concerning every particular circumstance in the Grant, and how it was his Majesty's pleasure my book should be annexed to the metrical Psalms; and thereupon both illustrated the reasonableness thereof to the said stationer's, and gave them and me encouragement to proceed to composition touching the same: moreover, the Canonical Hymns having been allowed by the Lo: Bp: of London (& part of them imprinted for an assay) I delivered to my L: Archbs: own hands a copy of them almost four year ago; since when (about two years after) they, being imprinted altogether, passed without contradiction, even to the divulging of a full impression: and lastly having an addition of spiritual Songs, for the observable times, they came forth altogether, authorised as well by the King's particular approbation, as by the common allowance apppointed by the State. Yea my Lo: of Canterbury himself, received one of those books from me upon Michaelmas day last, and, giving me order to alter one word only, hath permitted all the rest to have free passage without control.  
Is it likely then, that my Lord will so injure the King's judgement and his own, as to disparage in private, what they have publicly allowed; or secretly combine with the stationer's to oppose the King's royal command, in that which he himself, hath approved reasonable? Is it likely his Grace would so dishonour the reverend Authority of his place, as to make the stationer's or bookebinders' his instruments of suppressing my book, in such a scandalous fashion; considering what power he hath given him, to take order and reform in matters of that nature? or is it likely that his Lp: had so little compassion and respect, as not to consider what faultiness might be in my Hymns, or what inconvenience might arise by my Grant, until I had bestowed (besides my pains) so much cost in printing them, that he might at one blow, make frustrate my studies, and quite overthrow my estate both together? Whilst there was hope of a composition between me and the stationer's▪ the Privilege was no Greevamce, neither was there any fault found with my Hymns; and is it likely that since our disgreement, malice and detraction should find out those escapes, which the eye of Authority could not discover? Is it likely my Lo: would ●…e so partial as to pass over all my pains, and unquestionable expressions without regard; & finding but one place doubtful, (as easy to be amended as found fault withal) that he would have sought to cast away my whole endeavour for that oversight which I was able and ready, with all humility to reform? Or is it likely he reputed of so little consequence, what the King was pleased to peruse & grant a privilege for; that neither his private devotion, nor his public care, would move him to consider what good or inconvenience might succeed upon the publication thereof, until the stationer's had for their own ends awakened him? Or if it were considered; can I think he would have been silent until it might be objected to my public disgrace?  
It cannot be, but that they have abused my Lds: Grace and diverse other reverend personages in their reports. For, such usage of me were not answerable to the reverence & piety of their callings; & if religious endeavours should ever find such encouragmentes; there were more hope of thrift (to the worldward) by making Ballads for the company of stationer's, then could be by composing of Hymns and spiritual Songs for the honour of God. I hope no man in authority envies me the honour of my employment▪ nor grudges me that poor profit which my labours may honestly bring in. For, though it be no●… mean content to a christian, (whose soul is touched with the understanding of spiritual comforts) to be an instrument of God's glory; yet, that which I have attempted, mak●… me in regard of one of you, no better than the meanest servant attending on the outward ceremonies, is in comparison of him, that hath the most holy mysteries of the Church committed to his dispensation. And as for the benefit likely to arise unto me from that I have done; I know not what it may prove hereafter, but hitherto I have been acquainted with nothing save the privation of it; and have been so preposterously rewarded for my best labours, that if all those who are thought to censure me, had met with such discouragments as I have done; it is ten to one, but some of them now (flourishing in eminent places) had sat as low as I do at this day.  
But, if it shall please my Lo: of Canterbury: to pardon them for abusing his name in the disparagement of my Hymns; I shall also forgive them. For, being warrantable in themselves, no man's Authority shallbe able to dishonour them: nor cann his eminence excuse them, if they be not iustifyable in their own nature. I will therefore proceed to answer those two particulars, which are principally objected against my book of Hymns, by the Stationers, and their Abet●…ers.  
First; they impudently give out, that the Song of Solomon is not fit to be expressed in Lyric verse: and that my expression thereof, is in some places obscene. Which, as I persuade myself, I shallbe able to disprove; & show that (upon due examination) the modesty of my Version, with the conveniency of publishing that Song shall appear so evident, as will make them ashamed of their malice and ignorance▪ who oppose it.  
For, whatsoever I am in my outward appearance, I neither consulted with flesh and blood nor with mine own fancy. when I meddled with that sacred Mystery: and therefore (seeing there be those who do not only cavil against the publycation of the Canticles in Lyticke Verse, but uncivelly censure also, with what mind I was employed on that subject) I could wish that, before they pass further in their judgements upon that book, or me; they would a little judge themselves, & impartially examine their own hearts, whether it be not spleen or envy which hath moved them, to carp at my labours. If it had not been so, I should have been timely and Christianly admonished, rather than so inhumanly traduced, as I have been, where I was not to make answer for myself: yea, I having professed so much willingness to hearken to instruction, some of them would have thought me worthy the speaking unto in a matter of that consequence; and there would have been used such sweet mildness in the reproof, with such respect of my labour and expenses, and such care to have preserved my credit and Christian patience in the remedy of my oversight, as would have witnessed from what good spirit it proceeded. And, thus I shall expect to be dealt withal, if: Authority shall please to call into question my Performances.  
But, from my Traducers what good usage can I expect, seeing they have not spared God, but blasphemously termed the expressions of his holy spirit Obscene? For, this some of the most eminent of the stationer's have not blushed in public to affirm, in the most immodest terms; whereupon many of the inferiors of their fraternity, do (instead of using my book to that Christian use for which it was published) carry the same about them purposely to disparage it. Yea, at their Tavern tiplings, and in all companies whereinto they can thrust themselves, they seek occasion to possess their hearers, that my book is unworthy to be received among good people: And the place (which to their understanding is so offensive) is in the ninth Canticle, where I render, THE KNITTING OF THE THIGHS, what the Latin translates, JUNCTURAE FEMORUM. and our English Version, THE JOINTS of the Thighs.  
I beseech you, what Obscenity is in that, more than in the holy Ghosts own words? To the clean all things are clean. And I protest before God (at whose throne I shall be judged for it, if I lie) I do not remember that I had one immodest thought (so much as cast into me) by means of any expression in that holy Song, during the time I was busied thereabout. But, with those clean thoughts, I contemplated the loveliness of God's workemanshipp, in the several parts of the body; and there withal, so temperately meditated those passions and passages, which are incident to an honest natural affection; that, by contemplating those material objects, I raised my understanding to more than usual apprehensions of that unspeakable love, which is between the Divine and human nature in general; and between jesus Christ and my own soul in particular. And, as I have been, more than ordinarily apprehensive of the contentments & discontentments incident to a natural love, (limited within the bounds of Chastity) So; that heavenly Song, hitherto undiscreetly neglected (and by the malice of the Devil judged dangerous to be made common) taught me to be much the more affected with those kindnesses, & unkindnesses, which I felt between God and myself. Yea, so was I moved thereby, as it cann neither be expressed by me, nor conceived by those, who have irreverent opinions of the means God hath prepared to beget those apprehensions in their souls.  
Those that acquire their Divinity, merely by reading books, will persuade us, out of some few weak Authorityes, perhaps, that the Song of Solomon is not to be read of young men; but by those only, in whom the carnal affections are quit mortified. which (the scope of the holyghost being well considered) is just as if they should tell us, Fire were to be made, rather with Ashes then with wood. But, he that hath gained his humble knowledge, both by hearing the Church, & observing the power which Gods word hath shown upon him, in his own affections; is persuaded that heavenly Poem was composed & preserved for the pious use of all men; & principally for young lovers, inflamed with a natural love: that by their carnal affections they might ascend, & be made capable of that which is spiritual. So, other Allegories, are chiefly intended to stir up those who are subject to other Affections. For, little would it prevail with an old man, whose heart is settled upon riches, and such like, to illustrat the pleasure he might receive in his communion with God, by setting before him the mutual contentments interchanged between two affectionate Lovers; seeing those passages are usually derided by the elder sort. And less would it move that young man who is delighted in beauty, and the perfections of his beloved, to express unto him the spiritual happiness, by Titles, Treasures, or the profits and pleasures of a vineyard; which he meanly regards.  
I humbly desire your RRces, that my Christian labour in prepareing that Song for a more frequent use, may not be made void, or become despised by those who speak evil of that they understand not. The dispisednesse of my person and quality, may at first appearance, easily draw a rash censure upon my actions (before due consideration) as it hath often done: And their opinion who oppose the publication of the Canticles in Lyric Verse, carries such a formal show of reverence to that holy Poem, and hath, at first sight, such a shadow of pious respect (by reason of the spareing use which the Church hath heretofore seemed to make of those Hymns) that it may, at a blush, deceive the understandings of good and learned men. But if they take leisure to examine the true state of the Question, they willbe able to satisfy both themselves and others, against that fruitleesst opinion; which being maintained will open passage again or their heresy, who deny unto the lay people the free use of holy Scripture.  
Those who please to observe with good purpose my general preface to that Song, and my Arguments before each particular Canto, shall find how necessary it is to be presented to an universal consideration; and perceive whether I have spiritually, or carnally meditated thereon, and whether I have been guided by the interpretations of the Catholic Church, or by mine own fancy. If I have any way ●…rred, I am heartily sorry for it, and (humbly desiring pardon) am ready to give satisfaction, both by public acknowledgement, of my oversight, and in takeinge away, or reforming what is amiss. If I have done well; God forgive them whose fleshly understandings have abused my good intentions; and I wish them the spirit of true charity, that they may become more capable of that celestial Love Song. For, the sweet contentmentes which I tasted in contemplateinge the mysteries therein contained, were somewhat interrupted, through the care I had of them, whose ignorance, or wilful blindness would deprive both themselves and others of those comforts. And I pray God those that speak irreverently of that Song, or hinder the publycation thereof (in such wise as may best rouse up the spiritual affections) may repent themselues thereof, lest they come within danger of that curse those are lieable unto, who add, or take away from the book of God. For, though some foolish Verse-haters (who are wise men in their own opinions) have undiscreetly passed their censures against translating the Canonical Hymns into our English Numbers; I shall be able not only to make proof, upon good occasion, that they may be as truly converted into our meeter as into Prose; and that our English measures are capable of expressing them with as much power, and gravity; but to demonstrat also, that Verse was first invented and used altogether in setting forth the praises of God▪ and that those things which were originally penned in measured word●…s▪ cannot be so properly nor so usefully expressed in Prose, as in our Verse.  
It would too much ●…nlarge this hasty discourse if I should deliver here all I could infer to that purpose; or insist upon all the reasons which I could give in defence of giving way to the free use of the Song of Solomon in our English meeter. But, under correction, and submitting my opinions▪ to your better judgements, I will in brief, answer some of those reasons which I have heard brought against the common use thereof; that it may appear I am not altogether without consideration, in what I have done.  
The principal causes objected for restraining of that Song, are three. First, lest it should be abused by profane or indis●…reet people; Secondly, because the jewish Rabbins have restrained it from their Laicty, as unfit for the vulgar; and lastly, by reason the Christian Church (as they think) hath neither by command nor by practice, warranted the same.  
It is true, that the Canticles, may be, and are often abused, (yea and the rest of the holy scriptures) even by those who by restraining them, seek to prevent their abuse, as well as by others. But God forbid, that such as would rightly apply them, should be deprived of their most comfortable use, because sensual men will turn that grace of God into wantonness. By that rule, the use of most things should be taken away: for, many men abuse their liberty in that which is most lawful: yea, the whole book of holy scriptures should be sealed up, because many have heritically applied them; seeing the same may be alleged for denying the use of both Testaments, which is objected for restraining the Canticles.  
The word of God looseth no worth, by any man's abusing of it; but he that abuseth the same, harmeth himself only, and them whose own corruptions have made that the savour of death unto them, which is life in it own nature: and whose power, if it be hidden, is hidden to those only that perish. seeing we permit the rest of God's book to be read of all without exception, and even this song in the Prose; why should it be more offensive in the meeter? since Divinity and the praises of God, may be proved (as I have said before) to be the most ancient and most proper subjects of Verse. If I have not expressed the meaning of the Original so truly, or so gravely, as the prose hath done; let it be declared in what pertituler, and I cann amend the oversight, as easily as it may be found. For, whatsoever sense is given me in prose, I can as fully and as plainly express, again in measured words. Yea, I doubt not, but I shall be able to justify that my metrical Version of the Canticles, is as proper, as modest, and as perspicuous as most prose Translations; and that those who accuse it of Obscenity (having unclean thoughts themselves) do rather accuse God then me, and blasphemously disparage the wisdom of the holy ghost. But, no wonder: to the filthy all things are filthy; even the purity of God seems uncleanness to them; and their preposterous discretion is ashamed of his prudence.  
But, some object it is unfitting that Mystery should be exposed to the view and perusal of children; and I say also that it is as unseemly the children's bread should be devoured of dogs, or that pearls should be cast before swine Nevertheless these things do often fall out so, without remedy: and pity it were that bread should be kept altogether from the children, because they sometime spoil or play childishly with that, which should feed and norrish them. The story of the incest of that Lot, of Thamer, & diverse other passages in holy scripture, are more subject to abuse then the Canticles; yet clildrens are permitted to read them, because we know not by what warrant we may divide them from the book of God. The best course therefore, is to instruct them with what mind to peruse them, or to prefix such warnings before those places, as I set before my Version of Solomon's song. For, there I have adjured all Readers, under pain of God's heavy indignation, to be wary with what mind and to what end, they shall make use of those excellent Hymns: which I am persuaded, will be a means to make them less abused hereafter. The truth is, they cannot be more profaned by children, than the whole Book of God is by those that peruse it negligently; nor so much as the most easy and most useful passages thereof, are, by those presumptuous Libertynes, and scoffing Atheists, who make application of them according to their own humours. For, though an ignorant simplicity, makes children sometime misunderstand such things as they read▪ or frutlesly pass them over, yet they do not wilfully pervert them to wicked purposes; And therefore, God doth many times give such a blessing even to that which in their childhood they perused without understanding, as that many times it is a means of bringing it the better into memory (to their great profit and comfort) in riper years.  
No holy scripture, or canon of our Church, hath commanded the keeping of this, or that part of God's Book, from public use: and therefore why should any disallow free passage to those Hymns in their proper kind? seeing no man knoweth by what portion of his word, the Divine providence shall please to call his children unto a true understanding of their duties? who can tell, but that which is restrained, may be with held from such as would receive needful comforts thereby, as well as from those who will▪ abuse it? One time or another, we may be enlightened by what is for a season obscure unto us; and that sentence which was an occasion of stumbling, may be a means of rising again to more strength being better understood. Yea, (I persuade myself) it is less inconvenient, that a thousand carnal men should add to their confusion by the abuse of God's grace, then that one of his children should want any comfort offered in his word.  
Much more might be said to this purpose; even so much, that (if the likelihood of truth deceive not) it would make every good christian fearful to oppose the commendable use of any part of God's word upon those weak foundations which fleshly policy hath laid: but this I hope will suffice in this place. And, as for those exceptions made against the kind of Measure which I have used, and some particular expressions; I perceive they have been flirted out, either in malice to me, or upon a superficial view, without considering the circumstances, the proprieties of the Languages, Metaphors, or Allegories; and therefore I regard them not: Partly seeing my Version hath had the approbation of better judgments; and partly, because I know it ordinary among such as those, to cavil at our most approved Translations.  
Whereas some allege that the jews permitted not the Song of Solomon to be read of the Vulgar; what is that to us? They being heretics we ought not to be led by their example. They were divided among themselves, concerning that Song; some receiving it among the books called Hagiographa, and some rejecting it. And it may be, those who reconned it among the holy writings; restrained the common use thereof by reason of that scandal, those had given, who (accounting it a profane writing) had foolishly applied the same, to Solomon and King Pharaohs daughter: Or else, because the depth of the Mystery made them unable to accommodate it to the common capacity. Or it may be (which is most probable) they were moved to restrain it through the malice of the devil; that after times following their example, the most excellent Mystery therein couched, might be the more obscured from us of later Time's, unto whom the revelation of it would much plainer appear.  
And, their negative is hard (if not impossible) to be proved, who deny that Song to have at any time been used by the christian Congregation in the primative ages. For, they practised the singing of Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual Songs; and were at lest counselled (if not commanded) by Saint Paul thereto▪ Coll: 3. Why therefore, may we not think, that Solomon's song was one of those which the church then sung, seeing the holy ghost hath entitled it THE SONG OF SONGS? If it were then sung, it is likely they sung it in those languages which were understood. For, Saint Paul would sing, not with the spirit only, but with the understanding also. And if it may be sung by the congregation, in the vulgar tongue, why not in Verse, the proper language of SONG (and the most moovinge way of expression)?  
But, what necessity is there of examples; seeing in lawful things, we may make presidents, when we please, with good commendations? By what pulike example did we sing David's Psalms in English meeter, before the Reign of King Edward the sixth? Or by what command of the Church do we sing them as they are now in use? Verily, by none: but time and christian devotion having first brought forth that practice (by the providence of God) and custom ripening it; long toleration hath, in a manner, fully authorized the same. And, if our metrical translation of the Psalms were rectified, and purged from those imperfections and escapes, which the first translators (worthy to be christianly excused) unwillingly committed in that infancy of Reformation: There was never any one accidental thing in the outward worship of God, more helpful to devotion (or more powerfully stirring up the affections towards setting forth his praise) than the singinge of Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual songs, in such manner as the reformed Churches now use it.  
I cannot believe therefore, but that the singing both of David's Psalms and of the song of Solomon was practised in all ages of the Church since Christ, as freely and as frequently, as the strictness and blindness of the times would permit; though not with so full and in so public a Choir as at this present. But, what if the Canticles had not been ordinarily sung in former times? can that prove the vulgar use of them to be now unlawful or inconvenient, more than the use of the rest of holy scripture in our mother tongue; is proved inconvenient, because the blindness of passed ages causeleslye restrained it? May we not judge, it was rather through ignorance, and because they had them not prepared to be sung, as now they are? Or might it not be because the time was not then come in which a more public use thereof would be most necessary? For, the state of the mystical body of jesus Christ (from the creation to the last judgement) being expressed Allegorically in that song, with the several appearances it had, and shall have in the several peryods of time, together with those admirable love-passages interchanged between the divine and human nature; we doubtless, who live in the last Age of the world, (and having seen by long experience, and success of things, much more of that prophetical song fulfilled, than those who went before us) may without disparagement to their knowledges, unriddle some dark Aenigmas, heretofore not understood. And the consummation of the LAMB'S marriage being near at hand, may the more properly, sing that Marriage song of his, to the glory of his name, and our own spiritual comforts.  
To that end I fitted the same unto our English Lyre, in measures becoming the nature of the subject, in a plain and unaffected Phrase: and (if those who understand both the scripture Dialect, and the language of an English Muse may be my censurers) in words agreeable to the meaning of the holy Text. Yea, I have so well as I was able (in so few lines) opened also according to the Doctrine of the Catholic Church, the Allegory of every particular Canticle, that God might be the more glorified, and the unlearned both delighted and profited, in the repetition of those Hymns. And thus much I have delivered concerning what hath been objected touching the song of Solomon; not presuming to lead your opinions towards mine own ends; but to declare with what know edge and conscience I have proceeded therein. And as this testifies I had some understanding of that I went about; so to give testimony also, how far I am from being wilful, in my own opinions, I do in all humility submit myself to be rectified by your RRces, in whatsoever I have done or spoken: which (though offence had been given; will, I hope▪ make me somewhat more excusable, than my adversary's pretend. Howsoever; I cannot despair. For if those oversightes which I have unwillingly committed in that performance, do bring on me those outward troubles which shall frustrate some of my temporal hopes; yet I am confident, that those christian affections which God's mercy hath made acceptable in me, shall produce those inward comforts which will vphould my faith, till my contentments are made perfect: and therefore his will be done.  
I come now to speak of that imputation by which the stationer's and their Abetters have done my book and me the greatest injury: and that is in pretending my Hymns for the Observable times, to be furtherances to Popery and superstition. When they cannot bring men to dislike me and that labour of mine, by disparaging the usefullnesse thereof; they object against the manner or method: when that will not serve turn, they except against my calling: when that will not prevail, they impudently accuse it of obscenity: when that effects not their purpose, they give out that it is inclining to Popery: & when none of these courses will advantage them, they rail, and send him that inquires for the book, to go and seek it where he cann. But, the best of their stratagems hath been by accusing it of favouring superstition. For, it hath not only made many hundreds (who know not yet what the Book treats of) to forbear the buyeng and perusing of it; but hath given them occasion also, to pass their censures on me in so unchristian a manner, as if I were an Apostate that had fallen from my religion; or sought the subversion of it, for my outward profit. Wheresoever I come, one giddy brain or another, offers to fall into disputation with me about my Hymns. Yea; Brockers, and Costermongers, and Tapsters, and Pedlars, and Sempsters, and Fiddlers, and Feltmakers, and all the Brotherhoods of Amsterdam, have scoffingly passed sentence upon me in their conventicles, at tap-houses and Taverns. So that, instead of divulging my book that (according to the King's intent) it might further the reverence & práctise of devotion, and confirm in his Majesties' subjects, obedience to the pious discipline of our Church; some of the stationer's have by traducing it, given ignorant people occasion to speak the more in contempt of those Ordinances which they ought reverently to obey.  
If these presumptions shall be suffered without rebuke, neither the Authority of the Church or State will shortly take place, but that only which makes for the profit or humour of the Stationer's▪ For, some of them dare already tell me to my face, that if the King had not peremptorely commanded the addition of my Hymns to the metrical Psalmbooke, they would have the sooner annexed than; but by compulsion they will not. And for that cause, one of them (as he himself affirmed) hath sold of those books, 500 less than he might have done, in one quarter of a year. What is this but to profess wilful disobedience in contempt of his Majesty & his pious Iniunctio? as if he had not pour to command the publication of a few leaves to the glory of God, without craving their favours?  
For, though it might be objected that I petitioned the said Hymns might be added to the metrical Psalms out of a private respect, as doubting or foreseeing that the Stationers and others would feeke the suppressing of them, if they were not compounded withal to their own liking. Yet the King's Majesty had no such end; but enjoined the same merely to this christian purpose, that those Hymns might be the more conveniently dispersed throughout his Dominions, for the edifying and instructing of his Loyal subjects: persuading himself, that those who have enjoyed so many great Privileges by his gracious favour, would never have opposed that authority by which they fub sister, and by virtue whereof they receive benefit of such Grants as are both of the same & of a higher nature: especially seeing it is probable that none of his loving subjects, worthy the name of a Christiâ, would have grudged to enlarge his book the quantity of a few leaves (at the ordinary rate) to so pious an end as those Hymns tend unto; considering how many pounds are yearly consumed in trivial Pamphlets and other vain expenses  
But why should I only, complain against the Stationers, & the incivillity of those whom they have stirred up to clamour against the Hymns for the solemn Days, as if I alone suffered in this uproar? Do not your RRces perceive, that the king's judgement & Authority suffers by it? Nay perceive you not, that while they seem to aim at me they strike at you, and seek to overthrow or disparage the allowed Discipline of our Church? Verily, that is the white which they seem to shoot at. And there is not one of them, but if he dare stand to his Objections before this reverend Assembly, I dare undertake to prove him to be little better than a Schismatic in his opinions, & an enemy to the government established in the Church of England. If upon the review of my Hymns there may be found either in them, or in their Prefaces, any thing repugnant to the Catholic Verity, or the allowed Discipline, I will recant it, make public acknowledgement of my error, and undergo what punishment shallbe thought deserved. For I had rather be irrecoverably undone both in my credit & estate, then to be an occasion of prejudice, or scandal to the Church of God. Nay let all my labours be made frustrate and my person be delivered over to be subject to the tyranny of the Stationers, if my Hymns do not evidently appear, upon serious view, to be instruments of God's glory; helpful to devotion; tending to Christian Conformity, and likely to be a means of delivering our Solemnities from being so much traduced and misunderstood, for relics of Popery, as heretofore.  
I am thus confident thereof, by reason of that blessing which God hath already given: For, notwithstanding that great opposition of the Stationers hitherto made, and those vild imputations which they have laid on my Book, Many have confessed unto me that my Hymns for the Observable Time's and their Prefaces, have made them more reverently affected towards that Discipline then formerly they were; And have professed, that it shall for ever hereafter, teach them to be more conscionable in condemning and slighting the observation of that which is established in our Church: Yea, some Divines have modestly acknowledged, that they did not so well consider the piety and usefulnes of those observations as they have since done.  
If I were so greedy of temporal advantages as the Stationers judge me; or if I had meereley projected my own profit in the course of my studies, without making conscience of Religion: I have had many, more easy and more thriving ways, offered me then the world is a ware of; and needed not to have expressed myself in such manner as I have done in my Hymns (which I was certain, before I published them would never purchase me good opinion from Papist or Schifmatick:) For (beside other ways of these times which I have despised) I have been offered a larger yearly stipend, and more respective entertainments, to employ myself insetting forth heretical fancies, than I have yet probabilitey to hope for, by professing the Truth. Yea, I have been wooed to the profession of their wild & ill grounded opinions, by the Sectaries of so many several separations, that had I listed (or rather, if God had not been the more merciful unto me) I might have been Lieutenant, if not Captain, of some new Band of such Volunteers, long ere this tyme.  
But I thank God, neither the swelling impostumations of vainglory, nor the ytching of singularity; nor the tickle of self love, nor the convulsions of Envy, nor the inflammations of Revenge, nor the hunger and thirst of Gold, were ever yet so prevailing over me, as to move me to the prosecution of any thing against my conscience; especially, if it seemed any way repugnant to Religion, or the authority of the Church. Nay, those things which I might justly and lawfully have done to my great advantage, and without reproof, I have voluntarily forborn (even almost to the ruin of my estate) for no other end; but because I feared lest the malice of my Adversaries should misinterpret my doings, either to the scandal of Authority, to the offence of ignorant people, or to the troubling of their devotions, who are ignorant of the reasonableness, and true purpose of my actions.  
I therefore beseech your Reverences, that my Hymns for the Observable times may be reexamined whether they be not in every circumstance agreeable to the holy Scriptures and discipline of our Church: And if there be any passage or expression found among them, scandalously faulty, let it not only be corrected according to the Truth: but let me be commanded also, to make public acknowledgement of my oversights: And if Authority think it expedient, undergo some penalty for my default. But if on the contrary (as I hope it will evidently appear) those Hymns and their Prefaces shallbe approved much tending to the edification of the people, and helpful to increase true devotion and Christian obedience, by explaining the pious and commendable use of those Ecclesiastical constitutions, which many people have ignorantly judged unprofitable, If they shall be found consonant to the Divine word and conformable to the Cannons and Ordinances of our Church: If they have been lawfully allowed of by those in Authority, and may appear to advance the practice of Piety to God's honour, and to maintain those Rites only, which were agreed upon, and established by our Parliaments, Provincial Synods, national Counsels, and the Authority of the State And if, moreover, those who scandalise & oppose the said Hymns, may be probably suspected (if not proved) to have either private malice and designs in their opposition, or to be some of those who are trou blesome and ill affected to the government of our Church: Then let their unchristian behaviours towards Authoritey, and their uncivell daeling with me, be accordingly considered on.  
If those Observations which our Church commandeth were as unprofitable or superstitions, as some of that ignorant Rabble seem to conceive: Yet I having followed the steps of Authority, & prepared means to make those Observations the more edifying for the common people, methinks I might hope for better things, then to be abused for my labour and expenses. But seeing the Church hath by those observations, wisely and pyously, so distributed the commemoration of the principal mysteries of Religeon, that they may be once throughout every year presented to public consideration; since the temporal blessings of every season are thereby the better & the oftener tendered to our thankful Remembrances, as well as those eternal Privileges which we receive by the Incarnation, Nativity, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of our hlessed Redeemer, and the particular mysteries of his holy-Saintes and Angels: And since I have by God's assistance found out, & by Authority divulged those helps whereby the Churches pious intent in those Ordinances, may be the more vulgerly understood & practised, both to her honour and the glory of God; why should not I be defended, against the malicious & irreligious combinations and practices of my Aduersaris? Nay, why am I rather given up into their power, to be traduced & abused for that, which in the opinion of all good men, aught to have procured me more esteem?  
So far am I from insinuating any popish Superstition among the people, that I have vindicated all our Solemnities f●…om those imputations which ignorant men have that way, cast upon them; by setting down their primative use, freed from the Corruption of the later Ages: and in such manner as they are observed by the Church of England, who imposeth them, not as essentially pertaining to Religeon, but as accidentally helpful toward the performance of those exercises which are necessary to salvation. For, whosoever can propose to himself any other warrantable means, which in his judgement may be more profitable to his particular disposition, to stir him up, and continue him in the practice of his Christian duties: He may (as I believe) freely make use of them, and with good commeodation; provided▪ he neither tie the Generality to his private Rules, nor presnmptuously neglect or contemn the allowed Church discipline, to the dishonour of Authority, and the offence of his weak Brethren. Because (in my understanding) humane Traditions & observations discreetly established in the Church, do (in our highway to Heaven) resemble those marks which charitable and skilful Seam●…n have anciently set up to discover dangerous passages, and a safe Channel to unskilful Mariners. If any man suppose himself so good a Pilot, that by his industry and continual sounding▪ he can bring his Bark to a safe Road, without heeding the common observations: Or if his Vessel draw so little water that by sailing over those Barrs (upon which others most commonly strike) he can find a nearer course into the Harbour; he may steer by his own Compass. But, if he shall therevpon deface those ancient Beacons, which meaner Artsmen have need of, or seek to make contemptible those helps which he himself was (it may be) directed and preserved by in his times of less experience, we may justly tax him of sacrilege and impiety.  
And the same taxation are they worthy of, who in their pilgrimage to the spiritual Canaan despise and seek to abolish those general furtherances, which their wiser Forefathers had provided, because they have in their own imagination) found out some discipline fitter for their particular inclinations. Let them use what Christian advantage they can in their private practice of piety; but let them not measure the Church by their cubite, nor judge the profitableness of her Discipline by the abuses or misinterpretations of ignorant Detractors. For, if those who fancy most perfection in their private rule of life, had at first wanted those helps, remembrances, and public means of instruction, which were tendered them by the Church; they had either wandered, perhaps, after uncertain paths, or neglected to proceed at all in their Spiritual journey.  
Our holy Mother the Church, hath many Children of diverse tempers and constitutions, and as the Master of a great Feast provideth so, that every Guest may find some what to agree with his appetite; So God's Church hath established such discipline for her children, that every one may find that which accords with their capacities and inclinations. As, therefore, it were madness, for a Guest to rail at his friend's Banquet, because he saw there many more varieries than he listed to seed on; or some wholesome meats, which his stomach loathed through his own default: And as it were barbarous inhumanity in him that had learned the way through an obscure Desert, by heaps of stone raised by his Predecessors, to pull down those marks because he imagines that he hath found a passage without them. So, it is monstrous impiety in them who seek either to take away or make contemptible, those Chaistian helps whereby others may be assisted, & by which they themselves were at first initiated; because forsooth they find a distaste through their own distemper, or a possibility of doing well without them▪ through their own overweening conceit: And it is the great mercy of God, if their presumption carry them not into the giddy and uncertain paths of perdition.  
I wish heartily that those weak members of our Church, who are ignorantly offended at her Disciplines (because they know not the Christian use of them) would with more sincerity, take those things into their consideration, & weigh how far our Solemnities are from that superstition whereof their blind guides accuse them; how different from popish Observations, & how great an offence it is to scandalise that Authority whereunto they ought to be obedient in every thing, not repugning the sacred word. And if they be not hardened in their malice) I would those Stationers also, who by falsely accusing my Hymns of blasphemy and superstition (have drawn many of that censorious generation, to help them clamour against what they have not yet perused) would make more conscience of their actions, & not work upon the credulity of their customers, to the general disparagement of that book which they ought rather to have advanced.  
But I fear I wish an impossibility on the Stationer's behalf. For, they have so long, & so uncivelly, resisted those Hymns which have been published for helps to devotion; that it may be doubted they will be now ashamed to speak well of them, how profitable soever they be approved▪ Nor will it be much material (I think) ere long, whether those who have been my Detractors, praise or discommend. For, I am persuaded they will make their dispositions so well known after a while, that no man of understanding will regard what they speak.  
As yet, their true qualitey is not fully discovered; & therefore if any should happen to overhear them at their Goose-nest behind Saint Nicholas Shambles; Or when a knot of them hath gotten a Cuntrey-Chapman, Citty-Customer, or new flown Academic, to some Drincking-schoole, within the compass of their verge; it would deceive a common judgement to observe what gravitey, zeal, and learning, some of them will consume in railing upon my Hymns. One, as if he had been Register, or Liberary-keeper to all the primitive Churches, undertakes to tell his Auditory, that no such thing had been published in the first 300 years after Christ: As if that had been to any purpose. A second, out of his deep understanding in such language, dares pronounce some of my expressions obscene. A third, by conversing with the Titles of Books only (for their insides he was never acquainted withal) is become so learned that he ●…yndes himself impudent enough to accuse me of blasphemy. A fourth (justly suspecting that his own opinion will add no credit to his foolish invectives) belies some Reverend customer of his. or brings the Authority of some of those Worshipful censurers, who upon the Stationer's bare credit, use to condemn Books before they read them. Yea, so shamefully will some of them aver & object, whatsoever they can imagine will disparage my Labour; and with such counterfeit shows of pitying me, and making a Religion's conscience of their words, that such as know neither of us, would think them the very quintessence of Sincerity, and me some irreligious Scribbler, who cared not what I published for mine own advantage.  
But, that whereby they hope to work me farthest out of good opinion, is my Hymn for Saint George's day. Yea, the bare objecting of that, hath made many (who pass for wiser men than they prove) to condemn the same before trial. And (as if that Hymn could have been to no purpose but to maintain a Popish and superstitious observation) they rashly make it an occasion of misconstering all the rest; and so maliciously vilify my honouring the solemnity of that day with a Hymn, as if they had been of that Dragon's confederacy, for whose overthrow it praiseth God.  
I know no cause there is given of such dislike. For, I have ascribed no Divine honour to any creature in that Hymn, nor appropriated it to that Martyr ignorantly reputed the tutelary saint of this Kingdom, and by some heretofore superstitiously invoked in warlike encounters; Nor have I sorted the Festival of Saint George among the solemnities appointed by the Church, but mentioned the same as an Observation set apart by the State only; as are the first days of Kings reigns. And though my Hymn prepared for that Solemnitey▪ is numbered among the Hymns of the congregation, because it is composed as personating many: Nevertheless, even that & all the rest, were by me intended for patterns to assist or direct private devotions▪ rather than to be imposed for set forms which I thought worthy to be used in our public Assemblies.  
Were the observation of Saint George's feast, as popish an limpertinent, as some of my traducers ignorantly and irreverently conceive: yet since I neither invented it nor have power to abolish the same, why should I be blamed, for showing with what meditations it may be the more appleyd to God's glory, and redound to the greater honour and edification of those who are attendants on that solemnity? Seeing that place of Saint Paul which counselleth that we should direct all our Actions to the glory of God, may be my warrant for so do●… ing, without wresting the meaning of the Text.  
For, that Hymn together (with a Preface showing the true use thereof, & whom we understood by Saint George) I inserted among the rest, for those purposes. First, to give men occasion of spiritual meditations in their civil Triumphs, & to remember them to honour God in those Solemnities, wherein he hath honoured them, with place & Title above others. Secondly, that the order of Saint George, being one of the most honourable orders of christian knighthood throughout the world; Instituted to the praise of God, & (as I take it) our highest Title of honour, might have more high esteem then among some it findeth. And lastly, that such who are apt to misdeem of those things whose Reasons and true purposes they know not, might be more sparing in their censures, and not conceive (as many ignorantly do) that our State acknowledgeth any other Patron, than that champion of the holy catholic church, by whom the great Dragon and his Angels were overcome.  
Even those were my christian intentions in publishing that Hymn among the rest; which I offer to be censured by your RRces, whether there be just occasion of scandal given thereby to others, or of any such reprooses as my Traducers have bestowed on me. If it be so; let that Hymn bedivorced from the rest in all future impressions. But if it be otherwise, and that in your opinions it tendeth rather to God's glory, and the honour of the State; I doubt not but God and that Noble order, (of whose Solemnities I have declared the right use) will deliver me from that manyheaded monster, which hath Dragon like persecuted the honourer and interpreter of their mystery.  
But, Saint George being received for a Martyr, and the order called after that Name, being at first founded upon a very mean occasion; some are of opinion that there was neither any such Allegory understood, or to be understood, in the story of Saint George, as I have affirmed, nor any thing directly intended to the glory of God in the so lemnization of that day: And upon this false ground, they improperley conclude, that I have neither warrant for shadowing the true Cham pion of the Church under that Name, nor ground for applying that solemnity to so Christian a pur pose.  
That there was George a Martyr we may be leeve, but that ever he slew a Dragon & delivered a Lady (as the vulgar story of saint George relates the same) there is no probable testimony: Therefore it hath been generally understood as an Allegorical expression of the church's deliverance from the power of Satan. And that the Title of saint George may be allegorically imposed upon our spiritual Patron without just exception, I have declared in my preface before the Hymn of saint George his Day, by an argument drawn from the greater. For, the Father being by the Aevangelist called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that person, doubtless, who is inferior touching the manhood may in some respects, be called by the same Name without irreverence. Or if this be not sufficient, it may be inferred also by an argument from the less. For, if jesus Christ be termed a Lamb, a Lion, or by the Nams of creatures inferior to those, as a Dove, a Way, a Vine, &c, sure we may then, without exception, entitle him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and give him such attributes or appellations, as are proper to creatures of a higher nature; if they may with any warrant of the holy Text, serve to express him the better to our apprehensions.  
So ignorantly devout were those times in which the Order of Saint George was first instituted, that it may be some mistook our Patron. Yet none can peremptorily affirm that it was any created Saint whom our Fore fathers first chose to be the Guardian of this Kingdom, & honoured by the Name of Saint George, much less can they affirm that it was George the Martyr. For, if they had aimed at a creature for their Patron, it is likely they would have chosen one of the blessed Patriarcks or Apostles, as Scotland, Spain, & other Nations did; or one of their own country Saints, as in Ireland and France; and not have committed themselves to a stranger-saint who, perhaps, never heard of this Realm; and of whose being, or holiness they have no certainty. Otherwise they were either much distressed for a Saint, or very indifferent to whose patronage they committed themselves.  
Our predecessors desiring a tutelary Saint for this kingdom, according to the superstition of their neighbouring Cuntries (as the Children of Israel longed for a King after the manner of other Nations) It may be, that it pleased God, (providing better than they themselves desired) to move them to make choice of a Name, long since attributed to God himself; which being considered according to that allegorical story anciently ascribed thereunto (& usually interpreted to mean the Champion of the Churcb) could not certainly be applied to the person of any inferior Saint. And so, they honoured in their solemnity the true Deity, though it were, perhaps, (till the light of the gospel began to shine clearer) as ignorantly as the Athenians did, when they sacrificed thereunto, upon that Altar which they inscribed, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. For the vulgar history of Saint George, is in the literal sense so improbable, so hyperboicall, & so void of testimony: And in the Allegorical sense so proper; so auntiently received, So alluding to the Victory of Saint Michael; & that name of George, anciently made the patron of so many Christian Countries, & Honourable Orders of kingthood, that I am persuaded it siginfied no less person than he that is said to make war with the Dragon in the Revelation of Saint john. But (whomsoever former Ages understood by St. George) the Sovereigns of that Order who were since the Reformation of Religeon (& who by the laws of that fellowship are to resolve all doubtful questions concerning their Order) have long since (as I am informed) declared that by Saint George they understand no other Patron than he to whose praise I have directed my Hymn.  
Yet some will not allow the Solennities of that day to be esteemed so reverend, nor the Order of St. George to be so Christian an Institution as I account it, by reason of that occasion whereupon it is said to have been first invented. As if the almighty providence did never turn men's vain purposes, to become beyond their own meaning the occasion of that which is of great consequence. Yes verily. When pharoh's daughter went to fetch but an idle walk, she brought home Moses the Deliverer of his Brethren: when Saul went to seek Asses, he found a Kingdom; & when Agrippa heard St. Paul out of curiosity only, he was made almost a Christian. So, the first founder of that Honourable Order, did intend a while (it may be) to erect some Title of honour suitable to his first apprehension. But considering better thereupon, & advising with his grave Counsel how to establish that which might redound most to his honour; he raised his purposes far above the first design, & instituted a new Brotherhood of Christian Knights; which he & his Nobles entered into, & recommended to posterity, to be professed & continued to the praise of God almighty; the honour of the holy Church militant; & the increase & confirmation of brotherly love among his Peers: As their Records (& the Divine exercices used in the Church belonging to their order) do apparently show. Yea, they voluntarily oblige themselves to the observation of so many pious Ordinances & Resolutions (which are the conditions of their Order) that it testifies much piety in the first Founders, occasioneth much virtuous emulation in the princely Brotherhood, & is for these Reasons become so renowned, that it hath been desired & received, by the greatest Kings & Princes of Christendom, as one of the most Christean, & most honourable Orders of Kinghthood in the world.  
And to show that those things which are worthy on themselues are not thought any whitt disparaged among wisemen (because they have sprung from mean occasion) the Sovereign & fellowship of this excellent Brotherhood (knowing it no shame to retain the remembrance of that which first occasioned this institution) have called themselves Knights of S. Georg & of the Garter. Yet as if they foresaw also, that some foolish or malicious detractors would from thence take advantage, to endeavour how they might disparage, their honourable Fraternitey, they have for their Impreza these words embroidered upon a little Belt or Garter; HONI SOIT QVI MALY PENSE, which they wear as in reproof & contempt, of all evil & sinister imaginations.  
I am sorry there should have been any necessity of speaking thus much, in defence of that which is so apparently commendable; but, since the malice & ignorance of some hath given the occasion, I hope, neither the King's Majesty the Sovereign of that most Honourable Order here mentioned, nor any member thereof will take it amise, that out of my zeal to their honour I have spoken according to my simple understanding in a matter of such consequence. For, while it is permitted, that divine mysteries & those things which concern even to the honour of God Almighty, may be defended by the meanest of his servants, when his adversaries have made them disputable; I trust it shallbe excusable for me, to exprese my good opinion of this Mystery of State (which by some is not so rightly conceived of as in my judgement it ought to be) especially seeing we have had often experience that truth & honourable Actions, become the more confirmed & the more glorious, by being drawn into question.  
I have now delievered unto your RRces the reason of those things for which I & my Book of Hymns have been abused & miscensured by the Stationer's▪ & their Confederates; humbly desiring your Fatherhoods, that if you perceive any good in what I have said or done, or any hope of making me such a one as I desire to approve myself, that you would be pleased to give your approbation to that which is well; & instruct me wherein I might be made better. If not for my sake, yet for that truth's sake which you your selves profess, & for the honour of that devotion which (for aught you know) I have truly sought to advance let not faulse imputations or the scandals of the malicious (which even the best men were ever subject unto) prejudice that among you, which I have offered up unto God; or lose me any of your good opineons, until you shall see more apparent cause to condemn me. For, since God hath been so merciful unto me, to cover all my transgressions in such manner that none cann justly accuse me of any scandalous matter, in all my life time why should men be so cruel, as to seek my disparagement by my best endeavour?  
Let not my youth (or the want of that calling which I dare not usurp) make me or my labours the more contemptible to your Wisdoms; nor let the unjust Rumours which the Deceaver hath provoked my traducers to divulge, make those meditations seem unhallowed, which I have prepared for the honour of God. For, if the Devil had not perceived them somewhat tending to the Almighty's praise, doubtless, he & his Instruments would have suffered them to pass as quietly, as those vain inventions do, which he inspires; & it would have been no more disparagement to me, to have been thought subject to some imperfections, than it is to other men; nor had my Life, my lines, my habit, my words, & my very thoughts been pried into & censured, as they have been: Which (living were I do, so much known as I am, and the world being so malicious as it is) might give occasion to discover some spots in a fairer garment than mine.  
I protest before the searcher of all hearts, that I am not careful to make this Apology, or to beseech your good opinion, so much to preserve mine own personal esteem, as to provide that virtue and devotion might not be hindered or scandalised through me or my depravers. Yet am I neither insensible of my temporal repute, nor so desirous of maintaining it, as if I should droop without it; or thought the honour of good studies might not be preserved without mine. For, I know truth shall prevail though I perish; and to the praise of God (& out of my confidence in his love) be it spoken, I am persuaded, for mine own part, that all the world shall not have power to turn me out of that course, which he hath set me into: but rather, make me relish my happiness the better by their disturbance, & enable me in due time to despise, most perfectly those vain applauses & encouragments, whereby my weakness doth, as yet, require to be otherwhile supported. And, it may be those who shall live in the next Age (however I am now thought of) will wonder how the Devil could find out a Company shameless enough to oppose and dispaurage me in so unchristian a manner, as my Adversaries do.  
For, they have not only offered me those injuries, afore mentioned, and many other which humanity forbids; but exercised their tongues also, so scurrilously; so uncivelly, and so unjustly to the disgrace of my personn, that had I not long time enured myself to the barking of Dogs, and the snarling of such Beasts, I had been much out of patience.  
If I might not be thought to misapply the text, (as I think I should not) there is scarce one passage in the Psalms of blessed David, concerning the combinations & practices of a malicious multitude, but I have had occasion in a literal sense to apply the same to my Adversaries For, they have rewarded me evil for good, and laid things to my charge which I knew not. They have privily laid nets to ensnate me without a cause. They have reviled me all the day long, are mad upon me, and sworn together against me. Like Oxen and fat Bulls they have enclosed me, grind at me like dogs round about the City; & when I sound the words of their mouths as soft as butter, there was war in their hearts. They hold all together, keep themselues close, & mark my steps▪ when they see me, they flatter, speak lies, & dissemble with their double heart. They are set on fire, they have whet their tongues like swords; their teeth are spears & arrows, their lips speak deceit, & their mouth is full of ●…urfing and bitterness, they have persecuted me when I was smitten, even in my Adversity they rejoiced, & gathered themselves together against me, They whisper and take counsel to my hurt. The drunkards among them have made songs on me; yea the very abjects have assembled & made mows at me, & so nearly imitated that crew of whom the Psalmist complaineth, that if my Hymns were as full of that good spirit which inspired David, as my Adversaries seem to be of that evil spirit which possessed his enemies, my Songs might well have passed without exception.  
But, Gods will be done, For; I know he will in the best opportunity, deliver me from those oppressors. I have been hithèrto as a deaf man to all they have objected, because I knew it was gods pleasure, that I should be afflicted for the evil which is in my work that he might the more comfort me, for that which his goodness hath made good in me. And I had been longer silent in their reproof, but that my Adversaries have, perhaps, been permitted so much & so foolishly to provoke me, that those many injuries they have offered others, might be called into question by this means, for the general good. yea paradventure they have given this occasion, that their own words might make them fall. whether it be so or not, sure I am to be delivered from them, when my sufferings are complete. He that hath shown me troubles will (as he hath often done) now also deliver me. Even he will comfort me for those years wherein he hath afflicted me; because I have placed my hope only on him. Yea, he will show me some token for good, that such as have hated me may be ashamed, & that those who love me may praise his name for my cause; In which assurance, I will rest, expecting my reward from above the Sun. For, I have with Solomon observed and seen that here under the Sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of knowledge; but time & chance cometh to them all. Eccl. 9 11.  
And, I hope that your RRces, whom as the Ambassodors, & true Ministers of God I have ever honoured, loved, & obeyed, will in what you may be as helpful in the settling of my ontward peace, as your Instructions have been to beget in me an inward contentment. That, which hath been censured undiscreet in my former studies was punished severely: let not that also, which the King & Authority approves commendable, be made prejudicial unto me. For, which way then shall I employ myself without disadvantage? Although I grudge not that men addicted to the most vain exercizes, cann reap profit & regard; Yet, methinks, it is somewhat unequal that he who hath bestowed his time, his pains, & his fortunes in better studies, should be altogether denied his labour for his travel: Or which is worse, suffer for his good intentions; & because he hath endeavoured more than a hundred, be abused more than a thousand.  
I would it were otherwise, for their sakes, who have but begun to taste the comfort & sweetness of attempting good things; that none of those may be discouraged (through my hard usage) who have in the prime of their youth, forborn their pleasures, & forsaken the ordinary paths of preferment, to prosecute that, which may redound as well to the profit of others, as to their own benefit. And I would to god, that such as ought to cherish & direct those, who desire to spend their time & best faculties in the service of God, would not so enviously carp at honest parformances, as many do, when their humour is not fitted in every particular: Perhaps also, when those particulars were approved of, by wisermen. When an Archer hath shot, it is aneasy & an ordinary matter for the foolish lookers on, to say he hath missed thus, or thus much of the mark; but give them the Bow, & it will soon appear that they are better at finding fault with others, then in doing well themselves.  
Against such as these; I have had some cause to complain, not only among the Stationers, but (I am sorry I should have reason to speak it) some, even of the Clergy, are that way blame worthy; & have (as I am credibly informed) so frivelously & so inviriously objected against my Hymns; that their own friends, & hearers have discovered that it was the Author rather than his Book which they affected not. For, all they could say being urged, to express particular exceptions, was this, that I was no Divine; And, it hath appeared to the just disparagement of some among them, that they had never so much as handled the book they disapprooved. Whence should this proceed, but from self corruption, & the basest envy? And what flesh & blood could endure it, with silence?  
The most eminent, the most learned, the most devout, & the most approved of our Divines, have thought it worthy praising God, for to see a man of my quality exercise his faculty that way. Some of the most reverend of them, have sought me out, & honoured me for it, with more respect than I find myself worthy of; that they might encourage me in such endeavours. Yea the Kings most excellent Majesty, hath by his priviate approbation of that book, & under his public seal, given so princely a testimoney of his desire, to credit & cherish in his Subjects, exercizes ' of such nature; that their abuse of me, is not without some injury to the judgement & Authority of his Majesty.  
Surely, he hath not deserved it at their hands: And alas, what cause have I given them, that they should thus deal with me? What labour of thei●…s did I e●…r traduce? Or whose good repute at any time have I envied at? when I have seen the nakedness of some among them, I have covered it. Yea, I have laboured to save the reputation of such as these, where their indiscretions had nigh lost it: And will they so recompense me as to convert my best Actions to my reproach? Cann they not be content to be silent, when they are not disposed to approve, but must they dispraise also, to the encouragement of my other ignorant Adversaries in their opposition? And, because I have performed a laborious work, not so exactly, perhaps, as they conceive it might have been; will they make it more my disparagement, than it is to some of them to be employed about nothing?  
If in any thing I have deserved ill, let them not secretly traduce me, but christianly reprove me according to the duty of their callings. If I have deserved nothing, let them advise me how to merit better; or suffer me to be altogether unspoken of, as those many thousands are that do●… nothing. If I have deserved any thing, let t●…m leave me to the fruit of mine own labour, & if that be not able to reward itself without their cost, I will suffer the loss. I have hitherto spent my own time & fortunes, in my studies; never aiming at any of their spiritual promotions, (no not so much as at a lay Prebhend) for my labour. For, the principal reward I seek, is that which every eye seeth not, & that which those who judge my affections by their own, think me to have least thought on. As for that outward benefit which the necessities of this life, & my frailties urge me somewhat to look after; it is that little profit only, which my work naturally brings with itself: nor shall I be long discontented, if that also be taken from me. Some have already a strong expectation to see me wholly deprived of it; & some (kind hearts) could be content to allow me a part thereof, but not so much as they suppose my just profit would amount unto. For, (they say) that were too great a consideration for so little a work. Wherein, they show their gross partiality: For, thousands a year is not accounted suffieient for some who have suddenly attained their estates, by unnecessary or base (& perhaps, wicked) employments: Yet, they esteem one hundred too much for him that hath performed a work honest & profitable to the public▪ because he performed it in a shorter time than some would have done. Never thinking how many years practise & expenses, he had first con●…ed▪ to make himself fit for such an 〈◊〉 never considering what he might have gained, if he had bestowed the same time, charge, & industry in other professions; never regarding ●…owlōg he might have been without hope of profit, if that had not happened, How vncertain●… the fruit may yet prove, nor how many troubles, charges, and hindrances he hath been heretofore at, without any consideration at all. But, I leave them to their unjust divission: Let them allot me what they please, & balance my Talon as they list. God will provide sufficient for me, to whose pleasure I refer the succeffe: &, though I may in this manner speak a little, to show them I am sensible of their usage. Yet, they shall see I will walk as contentedly, what ever happens, as if I had the fullfilling of all my hopes.  
I beseech your RRces to pardon me, though my pen hath spirted a little ink on those last mentioned; For, next the Stationers they have been of all others the most injurious unto me: And save that I have a Christian regard, to their calling, and to preserve the patience becoming him that hath exercised himself in sacred Studies, I had here dropped gall, and made them perceaué that I have as true feeling of harsh usages, as other men. But, I do for God's sake spare them, and for your sakes, whom I have found ready to comfort, assist, and direct me in my good purposes.  
I do forbear the Stationers also in the mention of many particular miusages yet not spoken of; and in desisting to aggravate what I have hitherto touched upon, so far forth as I have cause.  
For, if I should here declare unto your RRces, by way of illustration how many several Discourtisies they have offered me; how they have resisted the Kings Grant, since the beginning of our Controversy: how they concluded to let me disburse all the money I could, before they would openly oppose me, that then my profit being hindered I might be constrained to yield to their pleasures, or to be ruined in my estate: How violently they have ever since persecuted my purposed hindrance, to my great loss: How wilfully they have misenformed the King's Majesty & divers honourable personages concerning my Grant (& my proceedings) to procure my damage: How unjustly they gave out among their Customers, that my Grant was a Monopoly, & an exaction to the oppression of the people: How impudently & faulsly, they have verified, that I had procured that no man might buy a Bible, Testament, or Communion-Booke which out my Hymns: How they compelled a few of the Bookebynders (whose estates much depend on their favours) to present the high Court of Parliament with diverse untrue suggestions in the name of fourscore; when as all except 4. or 5, of them, did (as I have heard) reject the said information as faulse & ridiculous: how foolishly they have sought to make me seem poor in my estate, as if I had aimed at some reputation that way: How from day to day, during all this Session they have maintained three or four of their Instruments, to clamour against me at the Parliament house door, in so rude a fashion as was never exampled in any Cause: How far they have threatened to engage themselves & their fortunes in my opposition: How dishonestly they dare pretend the good of the Common wealth when they have but private ends; & when they themselves do really oppress the same, & are (in a higher nature) truly guilty of those greevances, which they faulsely lay unto my Charge: How maliciously they have hindered themselves & their whole Company, of an assured benefit, that I might have the greater loss: How they take occasion in all Assemblies to vent as much as they cann to my disparagement; as if they had projected to make me (if it were possible) infamous through out the whole Kingdom. I say, if I should give unto your RRces all these particulars truly Illustrated; & show how false I could prove their informations; how cruel their dealings, how base their slanders, how absurd their cavils, & how much I have with patience endured them unspoken of (till this day) in hope to find them better affected; you would say that God had enabled me beyond the power of mine own weakness. And perhaps also, you would think it a work of mercy, to help deliver me from their Tyranny.  
But, the amplification of these things, and my answers to all those objections which they have published, I reserve for the high Court of Parliament; or for their hearing who shallbe appointed judges of the differences between us. And then, if I shall not appear worthy to be freed from their oppression, I willbe contented still to suffer; & to give up both my labours and Privileges to be the prey of their Avarice. In the mean time, I will defend myself and my right as I am able. In which I know, I shall have much to do; Seeing those whom I am to resist are an Adversary so many ways armed for my disadvantage, as I could hardly have found out the like. For, they will not only come against me, in the Name of a respected Corporation, pretending the good and relief of a poor Multitude (which I shallbe able to prove under the hands, of 60 of their own Company they have made poorer than otherwise it would have been) but they have so many other fair pretences also, such cloaks of sincerity, and such unsuspected insinuations to screwe themselves into good opinion, to his disadvantage whom they oppose, that he shall have need of all his faculties.  
And, though their cause should appear faulty: Yet, they have so plentiful a stock to make it hopeful; so many heads to plot evasions; so many Solicitors to prosecute their designs, such Instruments ready to stretch their consciences to serve them; So many several persons to procure friends; Such a multitude to lay the shame and blame among▪ when they do a man any wilful or apparent injury; So much opportunity (by means of their Trade and Customers) to possess the generality on their behalves; Such a Brood of Ingles (by reason of their many troublesome suits) in every Court of justice, and about every eminent person, ready to serve their turns; And so desperately valiant are they in vowing the persecution of what they undertake (though it were to be maintained by the expense of many thousand p●…unds) that to grapple with them, and come of unfoiled, were one of Hercules his labours.  
I scarcely set my foot into any place, whither I usually resort, but I am told of their foul language against me: I seldom meet that man of my Acquaintance, but they have possessed him with somewhat against my Grant; Nor come I into that Nobleman's lodging, where they have not already one of his Chamber, or some other near about him, forward to dispute their cause; and upon all occasions to possess their Lord with such untrue suggestions as they dare inform. And questionless they have other advamtages that my experience among them, hath not yet discovered; which if God should turn to foolishness, I doubt they would grow desperate. For, (as I am told) one of them was not ashamed lately to affirm, that if their aim succeeded not, it would cost some their lives. God bless the men, and give them grace to see their distemper before it come to that; and in time to suspect the honoesty of that cause, which wresteth out such words of desperation. For mine own part, my conscience is witness of such warrantablenes in mine, that (whether I sink or swim in that particular) I hope, and am persuaded, it shall make toward my best happiness.  
But, I have gotten (some will say) such a powerful and furious Adversary by this quarrel, that I shall fill my life full of troubles & dangers. Indeed, I look to find them perfect enemies; but (since I must have enemies) they are such foes as I would desire to have. I expect they will prove violent & subtle, but not so violent or subtle, as the Devil, who is every moment watching to devour me: And, it may be their malice will make me so vigilant over myself, that I shall the better escape his. I have heard one that thinking to kill his enemy, gave him a sleight hurt that cured him of a mortal disease; and so may they serve me. I was ever as careful as I could be, of my ways; Yet, knowing no great Foes I had, but such only as were spiritual, I more strove for an inward sincerity, then to make fair appearances outwardly; and therefore gave, perhaps, some occasion now and then, of scandal through my simple freedom: because, having no ill purpose, I thought every looker on, would censure as charitably of my Actions, as my Intentions deserved. But, now I shall have remembrancers to provoke me to more strict circumspection, & betwixt the Devil in secret, & my new foes in public▪ shallbe kept, I hope so watchful, that mine eye shall not dare look off from God. Nor, my hand fasten itself upon the rotten sta●…e of any humane protection. I will persuade myself, that where ere I go, one of them dogs me: & though it is not the fear of the world for which I make conscience of what I do, yet an outward object may sometime quicken an inward consideration when it is almost asleep, & I embrace the occasion▪  
They lately threatened the marking of my ways: & I therefore give them hearty thanks: for, I never since behold one of their Fraternity, but it is an Alarm to me, & drives me immediately to consider, what I last did, what I am then doing, & what I purpose to go about. Nay, I have apossiblity of brave Advantages, if their enmity increase, as it hath done hitherto. There is not an oversight which I was guilty of since my cradle, nor a Folly which I was ever suspected of, nor any forgetfulness which I may be prone to fall into; but I hope they will inquire it out & lay it to my charge. That the great Accuser may have the ●…sse to object, at the last judgement.  
These privileges will I gain by it. If they accuse me of aught wherein I am truly faulty; it shall I trust move me to a true repentance, beget in me amendment for the time to come; & through the shame of this life, lead me into the glory of the next. If any cry me be objected whereof I am clear, I will remember that the world hath sometime praised me more than I deserved, so (●…etting her praises & disparagments to balance one another) will forgive her, & have as little to do with her, hereafter as I cann. Yea, it may be that if my Adversaries would once speak out & openly, that which they whisper privately to to my disgrace, I should thence take occasion not only to acquit myself of many imputations, whereby I am now injured to the scandal of my personn, & the hindrance of some of that good with my labours might else effect; But I shall peradventure also find opportunity thereby to to publish that, which will teach others upon what considerations they may keep their minds quiet, in the like affliction; And show them how to convert all malicious defamations to the shame of their enemies, to the glory of God, to their present consolation, and to their future advantage for ever. Nay if my Adversaries hold on that violence which they now make show of, I trust to Discover hereafter, by my constant example, these to be no bravadoes or mere verbal flourishes▪ but that there is in my soul a real knowledge & feeling of what I profess.  
For, I have by myself mustered my forces; and I have considered that I am but one, and they many: I know no man of power whose assistance I may challenge by any desert of my own, whereas their large gratuities have that way made them strong. I find my natural bashfulness to be such that I could not (though it were to save my life) trouble men in honourable place about my private quarrels. For, if they be altogether strangers it seems to me impudence to solicit them; If we are but acquainted only, me thinks I should first deserve somewhat. And I hold that he who is worthy the name of my friend will do me what favour he cann without ask it, as soon as he parceaves I need him. On the contrary; their audacity is such, that they cann shamelessly importune and scrape to any man, for their advantage; even to those whom they have abused rather than fail. I have remembered likewise, that I am scarce able to provide their due fees required in the prosecution of my cause, whereas they have large bribes to give (if any lived in this Age that would accept them.) I have pondered also, how unapt my disposition is to work upon dishonest Advantages, and how readily they take all oppertunities to my wrong. Beside these, many other disproportions I discovered in our strenghts upon my survey; Nevertheless when I had set down the nature of my cause, and surveyed what Ammunition God 〈◊〉 a good conscience had stored up within me, I made up my Resolution for the cumbate; And, now I begin to be acquainted with their skirmishes, the more my dangers appear, the less are my discouragments. Yea, I vow, all their great threats are but as so many handfuls of dust cast into the wound; and all the mischief the whole body of their forces is yet able to bring about, cannot break me of so much sleep as on●… flea.  
For, when according to David's example I seek to strengthen my saith with calling to mind God's former protections; I find that when I was all alone and unarmed (after the manner of the world) I was delivered from two afflictions, which (all circumstances considered) were as dangerous in appearance▪ as the Bear and Lion which assailed David: and I take it for an in●…allable token, that I shall be now also saved from the Philistian-like troop, and their Goliah-like Champions, who have railed upon that which wa●… prepared for the honour of the living God: And (though I am not used to their weapons) shall be provided of a sling and a stone sufficient enough to encounter their iron spears, and brazen head-pieces, in spite of that Targateer in whom they trust. And I am persuaded that God hath permitted me to suffer what hath be fallen me by their means, not only to punish my sins, and exercise my faith in him; but that being a little experienced in David's afflictions, I might have somewhat the more feeling of that which he suffered (by reason of the Combinations of his wicked Adversaries) and ●…oe be made the abler to express his passions, and the persecutions of jesus Christ and his members, set forth in his holy Psalms; which I am preparing for our English Lyre. For, I find aswell by my own experience, as by the testimony of diverse learned men conversant in that book, that it can never be relished or well understood by any man, until he hath passed through the trial of some extraordinary afflictions.  
These expressions will to some (peradventure) who are not acquainted with me, and the true state of my cause, seem impertinent and unsavoury; but, I know their use & necessity to be such, and have so well examined the warrātablenes●…e of my private ends therein, (and the probablenesse of a profitable success) that I am not ashamed to expose them to the world; nor fearful of any man●… dislike. Nor do I value the taxation of those who shall upon the view of this condemn me of too much bitterness in the reproving and laying open the cruelty of my Adversaries. For, my conscience is witness that I have used no terms of sharpness but such as I have example for, out of the complaints of the meekest saints of God; and such as are properly required to describe the true nature of their malice. And I protest before the almighty God, that to my knowledge I have added nothing in this discourse concerning them, but what is either true in my own experience, or so probably declared unto me, that I have no cause to suspect the contrary: And so far am I from bearing the least personal malice to any of them, that I daily pray for them as heartily as for myself. Yea, that day in which they do me the greatest unkindnesses, I most earnestly wish them well; & do them feel my spirit striving against my natural corruption on their behalf, more powerfully then at other times. And (whatever they believe of me) God let me not prosper in any affair of this life, if I would not be deprived of my best earthly hopes, rather than do a wilful i●…iury, even to him among them of whose particular malice I have most experience. Which protestation, no man having the fear of God dare to pronounce untruly; nor cann any man having the charity of a good Christian, suspect it to be false, being so deliberately declared.  
Or if this asseveration be not enough, my daily practice and behaviour towards them will witness somewhat on my befalfe. For, though they have not only hindered my profit to the value of some hundreds of pounds since our dissension, but wasted much also of my principal estate; Yet, when I had sufficient Authority to have made myself immediately whole again, upon their goods who were prime Agents against me; nevertheless, I long forbore to put my power in execution, and when I was compelled to execute it upon some of them, I returned their goods back again upon their own entreaty, & forgot and forgave all misusages without returning so much as a harsh word unto them, or retaining so much as the charges of ceasure; because, if it had been possible I would have won them by fair means. Yea, when it was in my power to have procured the committment of some among them, who had shown themselves most spiteful unto me; I forbore to aggravate the matter against them, according to their desert (even out of mere charitable compassion) though I suspected they would laugh at me for my labour, as I heard afterwards they did. Which doth (at least) probably verify that I have no malignant or revengeful inclination toward the personn of any one among them. For, what cann they devose against me more provoking than they have already done? Verily, there is no other cruelty lest, for them to practise, but the torturing of my flesh: & what is that, in respect of wounding my reputation, which they have so much endeavoured.  
Men of the basest condition will daily hazard their bodies for the defence even of their suparfluous goods, or upon the giving of one disgraceful word; & therefore, it seems that among some, those are greater injuries then to wound & kill. How great wrong do I then bear in my fame, that suffer patiently not only their trivial imputations, but to be unjustly also, accounted a blasphemer & a profane person? and am by their means deprived, not only of superfluities, but in a manner of all my livelihood? For when those Friends who are engaged for me are satisfied (to which purpose there is yet I praise God, sufficient set apart) I vow in the faith of an honest man, that there will not be left me in all the world, to defend me against my Adversaries, & supply the common necessities of nature, so much as will feed me one week, unless I labour for it. Which, my enemies are partly informed of, & do thereupon triumph. But not to my discontentment. For, I do comfort myself, to think how sweet it will be to sit hereafter at some honest labour, and sing those Hymns and Songs to the praise of God, for which the world hath taken from me her favours. Nor doth it trouble me to publish thus much of my poverty, though I know it will sound disgracefully in the ears of most men. For, I mean to procure no man to hazard his estate for me, by pretending better possibilities to secure him then I have; as others usually do: Nor value I the reputation which comes by wealth or such like things as may be lost through the malice of others, because I know I shall be the better esteemed of for those toys, by none but Fools or such Idiots as will sooner blush to be found poor, then dishonest. Yea, I am assured that among good & wise men, it will be no more shame unto me to be made poor by such means as I have been, than it is to be made sick by the hand of God: Nor cann I think it will be more my disgrace to have wasted my estate through my studies, than it is to some other students to have thereby impaired their healths.  
But, some will object that I have by publishing this Apology not only taxed those who are guilty of such things as I have perticularized, but laid a public imputation also, upon the whole Company of Stationers; & been so general in my accusations that the credit even of those honest men among them, will be much endangered. Indeed, the good & bad are incorporated together into one body, & so intermixed that it willbe very difficult to shoot at the Starlings & miss the Pigeons. Yet, I have discharged this among them (in spite of their threatening the Starchamber) & if now it be examined where my pelletts fell, you shall find none wounded, but those Starlings which have troubled the Dovehouse; & that there is not one innocent Dove despoiled of a feather▪  
I protested in the beginning of this discourse, that I had no purpose to lay any scandal upon the whole Corporation; & that it may appear I protested no more than truth, I will here show you how those Stationers against whom I have complained, may be known from such as I desire to except from this accusation. I will be bold to aver, that many, (& the most powerful of them) are some of those who usurp the maniging of the Companies affairs; and that to colour their malice & private covetousness, they do in the name of the Corporation & at the common charge prosecute against me; pretending that it is the cause & good of their whole Company, for which they stand. Nevertheless, I do not take the whole body of the Corporation to be my adversary, no more than I would think the whole City of London hated me, if the greatest part of the Court of Aldermen should pursue me with malice upon a private quarrel. For, most of those men who are princepally busy against me, under the name of the Company of Stationers, are above all others injurious & scandalous to that Company; as appears by those petitions which have been heretofore preferred both to the King's Majesty & the Parliament house, by some of their own fraternity, against the oppressions & usurpations of their Governors. Those indeed may well be called the scum (that is the cream) of the Company. For, if they were throughly churnd, well-nigh all the fatness of his Majesty's gracious privileges given to relieve their poor, and for the general benefit of their Corporation, would be found in them. And so far is the main body of their Society from favouring their courses, or from fearing any disgrace to them by this Apology that lately hearing it was to be divulged by the name of the Stationer's Commonwealth; they did▪ expect it with much content: In hope it would be an occasion to make some way to their deliverance, from those injuries which they suffer. And verily, if you had heard, as I have done, how many of the Printers, of the Bookebynders, and of the younger Bookesellers among them, do complain against most of their Governors, and how many matters of great consequence they do probably object: You would think it were unsufferable, and that it is great pity there is not some course taken for the strike examination of their Abuses, in such manner that those who are oppressed, may come to declare their greevances without fear of a future disadvantage. For, those against whom they would complain, having now in their power the estates, & employments of such poor men as think themselves oppressed, they dare not openly appear against them, until they perceive a likely hope of being fully, speedily, and impartially heard; lest it turn to their utter undoing, if they prevail not.  
But, what if those aforesaid among the Stationers (who would be taken▪ forsooth▪ to be the whole Corporation) have not abused their own society only, but that trust also which hath been committed unto them by the State? What, if it may be proved that those books which they have taken from others as unlawful, have been divulged again by some in office among them for their private commodity? What, if it may appear they have sold those books which did to their knowledge contain matter injurious to the person of the King, and Prince? What, if many of those pamphletts which have discontented his Majesty, troubled the State, & disturbed the people, were dispersed (nay procured to be ymprinted) by some of those? & that their shifting it upon their servants, with such like evasions, will be found of no truth? What, if it will be justified, that the Wardens of their Company have found such books imprinting; taken a way part of them; knew they were unauthorised and scandalous; & yet permitted both the press to go on, and the books to be divulged? What, if they have dispersed popish and schismatical books more than any others? What, if those foolish & profane books where withal the world is now filled to the perverting of youth, and the corruption of good manners, be manifested to be the copies that have enriched many of them? What if those wrongs, offered to the Universities, and those greevances which the whole commonwealth suffers (in being burdened with volumes of trash▪ in being oppressed in the prizes of books and injured by their unserviceable binding) may be declared to be altogether by their default? Verily, if I should instance upon these particulars, what I could; their Foundations would shake, & the whole frame of their foolish machinations would be shattered about their ears. But, I spare to proceed further until they shall further compel me: (even for the sakes of their poor wives & Children) & would wish them to be warned by this gentle Item, to amend among themselves what is amiss before the strict hand of Authority cease them; lest it be then made apparent to the whole Kingdom, that my chief persecutors among the Stationers, be those who are so unworthy to bear the name of the whole Company, that they are not so much as good members thereof, but rather, enemies, Robbers and Defamers of their Society, and injurious to this whole Commonwealth.  
But, do I lay this to the charge of all those who are the rulers of this Corporation? No verily, not to them alone. For, I believe there be some of their Chiefs grieved at the perverseness of such among them who have been injurious to me, & to their Society; and I think they would willingly remedy all, if the wilfulness of the rest were not more powerful than their good persuasions; as one (not of the meanest of them) lately confessed unto me. There be also among the inferior sort of Bookesellers, (as my experience hath taught me) some well and some ill affected to my cause: among which multitude, if any man be desirous to distinguish those men from the rest, to whose charge I purpose not to lay the abusing of me, in such manner as is mentioned in this discourse; by these observations following it may infallably be done.  
When any man shall come to a Stationer's shop to buy a Psalmebooke, or any other book, with which the Psalms of David in English meeter are bound up: if he be proffered that book with my Hymns thereunto, annexed (according to the King's Command) or if wanting it, a reasonable excuse be made; or a promise to provide it according to the Customers desire: or if upon the mentioning of me, and that work of mine, he do neither cavil, nor object any thing to the disgrace of that, or me: or if upon enquiry after this book, he promise to procure it, or show some likely cause why it is not to be had, & neither rail, nor grumble, nor look doggedly on him that demands it, before departure: that man was never any of those that abused me. Or, if he were, it seems he is either sorry, or so ashamed he hath wronged me, that he deserves to be forgiven: & therefore, I would not that any thing which he was guilty of to my harm, should be laid to his charge while he continues in that temper; but my desire is (if it were possible) that every man who hath heard him abuse me, should rather quite forget that any such wrongs had been done.  
For, some have been led on to injure me out of mere ignorance; some, for Company sake; some, because of their dependence upon such as are my illwillers; and some, by reason they believed overwell of those who missedd them: all which, will turn another leaf, as soon as the state of my cause appeareth. But, they who have out of pure malice persecuted me, will not so relent. The Devil owes them a shame, & will not suffer them to see whereunto their envy & blind Coveteousnesse will bring them, before he hath paid them. Assooone as ever this book shows itself abroad, I durst wager the price of it, that you shall find those fellows at some Tavern within a flight shot of Paul's, constulting, quotinge, commenting, and observing, what may be collected out of it, to my disadvantage: and, if anger do not put them beside their old custom, it will cost them a worthy leg of Mutton, a Capon, and a gallon or two of wine before any matter willbe digested worth their expenses. Next morning (it is ten to one else) they may be found at some Lawyers Chamber, to know what cann be picked out of this Apology, to bear an Action of slander; or some such like colour of prosecuting the Law, against me. But, that will be to little purpose; for the book is so large that if their Counsel have any good practice, he must be fain to take time until the next long vacation to read it over; and by that time, he will have the same opinion of them which I express. Assoon as they come from Counsel; at some typling house they will presently meet again, to comfort themselves with that little hope which the law seems to promise. And it may be, thither they will send for some of those hyreling Authors of theirs, that use to fashion those Pamphletts that suit the several humours and inclinations of the times; or one of those that penns for them such worthy stories, as the Dragon of Sussex, Tom Thumb, and the weekly news. From whom if they cann procure but the promise of making some foolish libel against me; or to publish an impudent reply to my Apology; it shall not cost him a farthing, if he sit among them till five a clock at night; and perhaps he shall have somewhat in earnest also, of a better penny.  
If any man inquire of them for my book of Hymns, he shall be sent away without it; and perhaps they will pass some scandalous censure thereupon. If this book be asked after among them, they will presently discover themselves by some bitter language; and by protesting against it, as a scurrilous and libellous pamphlet: upon the very nameing of me, their colour doth usually change: And if the Company and I should have any meetings together about these matters in question, those will discover themselves from the rest, by their Distempered looks, their contemptible speeches of me, their furious behaviours, & these are the marks, whereby I distinguish those whom I accuse from those whom I clear. And, here are no personal Notions, whereby the person of any particular man is uninstly desamed (for publicly to accuse any one in that kind until Authority require it, is both unlawful & uncharitable) But these are marks of quality, which if any man have upon him (especially being thus forewarned) it is his own fault if his disgrace follow. And I do no greater wrong in saying he that doth this or thus, is my malicious enemy; then in affirming, that he who stealeth is a Thief.  
But, these rules do but only mark my friends from my Foes among the Stationers: Because therefore, I have charged them in general with some abuses publicly injurious; I will declare also, how such as are to be approved blameless among them, shallbe known from the rest; by expressing the trne definition of an honest Stationer; & the lively Character of his contrary. Whom, for difference sake, I call a mere Stationer.  
An honest Stationer is he, that exercizeth his Mystery (whether it be in printing, binding, or selling of Books) with more respect to the glory of God, & the public advantage, then to his own commodity: & is both an ornament, & a profitable member in a civil Commonwealth. He is the Caterer that gathers together provision to satisfy the curious appetite of the Soul, & is careful to his power that whatsoever he provides shallbe such as may not poison or distemper the understanding. And, seeing the State intrusteth him with the disposing of those Books, which may both profit & hurt, as they are applied, (like a discreet Apothecary in selling poisonous drugs) he observes by whom, & to what purpose, such books are likely to be bought up, before he will deliver them out of his hands. If he be a Printer, he makes conscience to exemplify his Copy fairly, & truly. If he be a Booke-bynder; he is careful his work may be strong & serviceable. If he be a seller of Books, he is no mere Bookeseller (that is) one who selleth merely ink & paper bundled up together for his own advantage only; but he is the Chapman of Arts, of wisdom, & of much experience for a little money. He would not publish a book tending to schism, or prophamnesse▪ for the greatest gain: & if you see in his shop, any books vain or impertinent; it is not so much to be imputed his fault, as to the vanity of the Time's: For when books come forth allowed by authority, he holds it his duty, rather to sell them, then to censure them: Yet, he meddles as little as he can, with such as he is truly persuaded are pernicious, or altogether unprofitable.  
The reputation of Scholars, is a●… dear unto him as his own: For, he acknowledgeth, that from them, his Mystery had both beginning and means of continuance. He heartily loves & seeks the prosperity of his own Corporation▪ Yet he would not injure the Vniversityes, to advantage it, norbe so saucy as to make comparisons between them. He loves a good Author as his Brother, and willbe ready to yield him the due portion of his labours, without wrangling. When he comes to be Master or Warden of his Company, he labours truly to rectify what is amiss; but finds so many perverseones, and so few of his good mind, that his year is out, before he cann bring any remedy to pass. He grieves for those Abuses which have been offered, to me, & other Authors; but finding that by speaking on our behalves he is likely to bring himself into an inconvenience without profit to us; he prays in ●…ilence for amendment, and that God would not lay to the charge of the whole Corporation, that which but some among them are guilty of. He fears none of those reproofs which are to be found in this book: For, he knows himself clear, and is resolved to make sale of it so it come forth with allowance from Authority. In a word, he is such a man that the State ought to cherish him; Scholars to love him; good Customers to frequent his shop; and the whole Company of Stationers to pray for him; For, it is for the sake of such as he, that they have subsisted, and prospered thus long. And thus, you have the true description of such a Stationer as I exempt from my reproofs; now follows the Character of him, at whose reformation I have aimed.  
A mere Stationer is he that imagines he was borne altogether for himself, and exercizeth his Mystery without any respect either to the glory of God, or the public advantage. For which cause, he is one of the most pernicious superfluities in a Christian government, and may be well termed the Devil's seedman; seeing he is the aptest Instrument to sow schisms, heresies, scandals, and seditions through the world. What book soever he may have hope to gain by, he will divulge; though it contain matter against his Prince, against the State, or blasphemy against God; And all his excuse will be▪ that he knew not it comprehended any such matter. For (give him his right) he scarcely reads over one page of a book in seven year, except it be some such history as the Wise men of Gotham; and that he doth to furnish himself with some foolish conceits to be thought facetious. He praiseth no book, but what sells well, and that must be his own Copy too or else he will have some flirt at it: No matter, though there be no cause; For, he knows he shall not be questioned for what he says; or if he be, his impudence is enough to outface it. What he believes is prepared for him, in the next world, I know not▪ but, for his enriching in this life, he is of so large a faith, that he seems to believe, all Creatures and Actions of the world, were ordained for no other purpose but to make books upon, to increase hi●… trade: And if another man, of his small understanding, should hear him plead his own supposed right where none might contradict; He would half think, that all our Vniversityes, and Schools of Learning, were erected to no other end, but to breed Scholars to study for the enriching of the Company of Stationers.  
If an Author out of mere necessity, do but procure means to make sale of his own book, or to pervent the combinations of such as he, by some Royal & lawful privilege: He presently cries it down for a Monopoly; affirming that men of his profession may go hang themselves, if that be suffered. Marry; Authors have a long time preserved a very thankful generation of them from hanging, if they cannot afford them one book of ten Millions to relieve them withal in a case of need: & when that book was the Authors own also, & no part of the Stationer's former livelihood. This is just as reasonable a complaint, as if a Company of Haggler's should prefer a bill against the Country Farmers▪ for bringing their own Corn & other provisions to the next market. He will fawn upon Authors at his first acquaintance, & ring them to his hive, by the promising sounds of some good entertainment; but as soon as they have prepared the honey to his hand, he drives the Bees to seek another Stall. If he be a Printer, so his work have such appearance of being well done, that he may receive his hire, he cares not how unworkmanlike it be performed; nor how many faults he let go to the Author's discredit, & the reader's trouble. If his employment be in binding books; so they will hold together but till his work Master hath sold them, he desireth not, they should last a week longer: For, by that means a book of a Crown is marred in one Month, which would last a hundred years, if it had 2d. more workmanshipp; & so, their gain & employment is increased to the subject's loss. If he be a seller of Books; he makes no conscience what trash he puts off; nor how much he takes, for that which is worth nothing. He will not stick to belie his Author's intentions, or to publish secretly that there is somewhat in his new ymprinted books, against the State, or some Honourable personages; that so, they being questioned his ware may have the quicker sale. He makes no scruple to put out the right Author's Name, & insert another in the second edition of a Book; And when the impression of some pamphlet lies upon his hands, to imprint new Titles for it, (and so take men's monies twice or thrice, for the same matter under divers names) is no injury in his opinion. If he get any written Copy into his power, likely to be vendible▪ whether the Author be willing or no, he will publish it; And it shallbe contrived and named also, according to his own pleasure: which is the reason, so many good Books come forth imperfect, and with foolish titles. Nay, he oftentimes gives books such names as in his opinion will make them saleable, when there is little or nothing in the whole volume suitable to such a Title. If he be none of the Assistance of his Company he ordinarily rails on their partiallyty in m●…niging of the King's Privileges or the general stock; but, this he doth more in envy, them in love to upright dealing: For, when he comes to those places (into which his very troublesomeness sometime helps him the sooner) he makes all worse than before, & plays the knave CUM PRIVILEGIO. He is then bound to pray for the poor, much more than they are, for him▪ For, they are indeed his Benefactors.  
He will be ready upon all occasions, to boast of the 200. li: a year, which is given among their pensioner●…: but, he hath not thankfulness enough to tell any man, that it ariseth out of his Majesty's Privileges bestowed for that purpose, nor how many thousand pounds are yearly made thereof beside. If he once get to be an officer in the Society; he forgetts to speak in the first personn for ever after; but (like a Prince) says, we will, & we do this etc. He thinks upon nothing more than to keep under the inferiors of the Corporation, & to draw the profit of the King's Privileges to his private use. He stands infeare of nobody ●…ut the Archb: of Canterbury, the Bishop of London, & the high Commission, & loves nobody but himself. I cannot devose what his Religion is nor he neither (I think.) For, what sector profession soever his customer is of, he will furnish him with Books tending to his opinions. To a Papist he rails upon Protestants; to Protestants he speaks ill of Papists; & to a Browinst, he reviles them both. Yet, I dare say this for him, that he is an enemy to the alteration of Religeon in this Commonwealth, because he fears it would spoil their Privilege, for David's Psalms in English meeter, or hinder the reprinting of many vendible copies. Marry a Toleration he would hold well with all, so he might have but the sole printing of the Mass-book or our Lady's Psaltet. He will take upon him to censure a book as arrogantly a●… if he had read it; or were a man of some understanding. He speaks of reverend Doctors, as disdainfully as of school boys; And mentiones the Vniversityes with no more respect, then if all their famous Colleges were but so many Almshouses maintained out of the Stationers Hall. When he shall hear me or any other object those Abuses, which some of his Company have offered me to my face; he will uncivelly give the lie, & justify the contrary, as confidently, as if he had been present at all times, & in all places. He is no more pitiful to a poor man that falls into his power, than a hungry Bear to a Lamb. When he spakes of him whom he loves not, it is usually with as much contempt (of what quality soever the other be of) as if he were one of the Almesmen of his Company. If he come among the rest of his fraternity about any controversy between them and others; he will speak any untruth that may advantage his own side: For, if the matter should require to be justified, he knows that among many the speaker will hardly be found out, & that when the lie is divided among them all, there will not fall much shame upon any one man. He will allow of no Privileges which the King's Majesty shall vouchsafe concerning books, unless he may be interested in the best part of the profit: Yea, rather than those which are bestowed upon his own Corporation shallbe disposed of for the benefit of the generality, according to his Majesty's intention; he will go near to do his best to forfeit them altogether: For, he will at any time suffer some mischeese himself to do another a great spite.  
He will swear the peace or good behaviour against any one whom he is disposed to trouble, though there be no cause; And if he may have but some of his Brotherhood to stand among; he will not stick wilfully to misinform the whole Court of Aldermen to procure the committment of such poor men as he prosecutes. And this is one of his infallible marks; if he prevail in a business, or have but any hope of getting the better; the Tavern is the Temple where he giveth his God praise: Thither he presently repairs to offer up the sacrifice of fools; and perhaps is led from thence in slate, between two supporters (Porters I should have said) to his own house, where he utters his stomach to his wife and family. He is so extreme guilty, and so fearful that most of these marks are to be found upon him, that all his friends shall never persuade him, but this Character was made by him; and therefore, he will take it to himself though he be one whom I never knew nor heard of. He will condemn the Stationer that sells this Apology for a faulse brother; and (if it be possible to draw the rest to be so indiscreet) he will get the whole Company to take this description as an abuse to their Mystery; but, they willbe better advised. He will bestow both upon me, and upon this book, all the foul terms he cann invent; or give out, perhaps, that it is nothing suitable to that Mind which I have express in my Motto: But, let him examine them together, & he shall found they disagree not in a word. He will much insist upon all those bitter reproo●…es which I have used, and be very sensible of them (no doubt) because they touch himself: but, those injuries which are the cause of them, he will never mention. He will tell his Companions, that they have Boys in the Churchyard, able to answer all this: and (it is odes) but he will carp al●…oe, at some want of wit or learning in these expressions; as if there needed any great wit, or learning to be used, in bidding a Dog come out. These pills may, perhaps, stir his humours, but they will not purge away one dramm of his corruptions; For, he is so blinded with covetousness & self will, that (to change his mind) Noise will prevail with him, as much as reason: & therefore, this which I have written, was never intented to satisfy him, but others. He truly resembles the Ephesian Siluersimthes; & rather than his Mystery should decay, would prefer Paganism before Christianity, profane Ballads before Hymns praising God; &, that which he hath not ability to compass by Reasons, he will attempt by uproars. To conclude, he is a dangerous excrement, worthy to be cut off, by the State; to be detested of all Scholars; to be shunned of all the people; & deserves to be cursed, & expelled out of the Company of Stationers. For, by the covetousness, cruelty, & unconscionableness of such as he; a flourishing & well esteemed Corporation, is in danger to come to ruin, & disgrace.  
This man, with such as he, are those whom I have declamed against in this discourse, & no other; nor will I, that my general accusations shall, in part, or in the whole be imputed to any man in particular; but to him that shall apply unto himself this Character, or have it proved to be true upon him by apparent testimony. For, it shall satisfy me enough (& it shall do the Commonwealth good service) if by this satirical description of a bade Stationer, and my definition of a good one, those things which are amise may be amended hereafter. And this is an easy and warrantable way of Correction. For▪ I do not mark them out by their red Noses, or corpulent paunches (or such like personal defects) which they cannot remedy (as some would have done) but by their vices which they ought to give over. What an old Poet once said, is yet in force.  

—— LICUIT, SEMPERQUE LICEBIT  
PARCERE PERSONIS DICERE DE VITIIS.   

It shall be lawful ever; and hath been  
To spare the personns, and to touch the sin.   
I ha●…e taken that Author's word, and put his warrant often times in execution; and (though I have smarted for it) never was, nor ever will be driven from this course of proceeding against Male factors; until that foresaid Author come back and deny his warrant.  
Blame me not, if I seem bitter to such as these▪ for, their disease needs it: I have had means to know them perfectly; & was compelled to search into the very marrow of their Mystery: and when through my love to a carnal rest, I became loath to meddle with such a nest of hornets (but to suffer an inconvenience rather) they were so ●…oolishly confident, that they stung me to it. And doubtless, it was permitted by the providence of God, that their wickedness might come to light, before it should occasion greater troubles. Yea, perhaps, I have been trained up all my life time in afflictions, & have heretofore suffered concerning books, partly to experience me in their Abuses; & partly to enable me to bear out the fury of such a powerful multitude as doth now oppose me.  
Many men of good sufficiency, do wonder (as I hear) what abuses worthy all these words cann be found among the Stationers. For, alas think they; those do but sell books to such as come for them; & are a harmless kind of people by whom (to their understanding) the Commonwealth can receive no great prejudice, in any matter concerning their Mystery. But, when they have read over this, it will beget another opinion: If not; my next discovery shall. For, I cann, yet lance deeper, & make it evident to the capacity of every common man; that such as those whom I have marked out, are they who are the principal dispersers of heresies, & the prime disturbers of unity in the Church. I cann demonstrate, that they are most times occasioners of those grudge & discontentments which do other while distemper the minds of the people. That much trouble to the State, is procured by them; that they are the likeliest instruments to kindle factions, & stir up sedition; that they have invoulued and obscured the certain tenants of our Church, among such a multitude of the private fancies and opinions of upstart writers; that the Common people scarce know what principles we profess; and our Adversaries take advantage, out of their unallowed Pamphlets, to impute to the Church of England, what absurdityes they please. I cann make it evident they have so pestered their printing houses, & shops with fruitless volumes, that the Ancient & renowned Authors are almost buried among them as forgotten; and that they have so much work to prefer their termely Pamphlets, which they provide to take up the people's money, and time; that there is neither of them, left to bestow on a profitable book: so they who desire knowledge are still kept ignorant; their ignorance increaseth their affection to vain toys; their affection makes the Stationer to increase his provision of such stuff; and at last you shall see nothing to be sold amongst us, but Currantoes, Beavis of Southamptonn or such trumpery. The Arts, are already almost lost among the writings of Mountebank Authors. For, if any one among us would Study Physic, the Mathamaticks, Poetry, or any of the liberal sciences, they have in their warehouses so many volumes of quacksaluing recepts; of faulse propositions; and of inartificall Ryminngs (of which last sort they have some of mine there God forgive me) that unless we be directed by some Artist, we shall spend half our Age before we cann find those Authors which are worth our readings. For, what need the Stationer be at the charge of printing the labours of him that is Master of his Art, & will require that respect which his pain deserveth? Seeing he cann hire for a matter of 40 shillings, some needy IGNORAMUS to scribble upon the same subject, and by a large promising title, make it as vendible for an impression or two, as though it had the quintessence of all Art?  
I cann make it appear also, that they are the Chief hinderers of the advancement of our language, the principal perverters of good manners; and the prime causers of all that irreligious profaneness which is found among us. And, I do foresee, that if they proceed as hitherto they have done, they will be the ruin of their own Mystery, & bring an inundation of Barbarism upon all his Majesty's Kingdoms, which God divert.  
These things have I discovered; & with a mind neither malitio●…sly bend to the ruin of the Corporation of Stationers, or desirous of the shame or confusion of any one member thereof: but, (whatsoever some among them conceive) I aim rather at the profit of the one, & the reformation of the other. And that this may appear to be true. I will in due time show, that I have sought as much how to find a gentle plaster to cure those vl●…rs, as to make a sharp instrument to search them. For, if I may be heard without prejudice; I cann declare by what means, and how, the Corporation of Stationers may be hereafter acquitted of all those scandals, that some corrupt members thereof, have brought upon it; How, the repine and discontentments which are among themselves, may be quieted: How, all my injuries may be satisfied, to my contentment, without their damage; and how, all the public abuses mentioned in this discourse, shallbe in some good measure prevented, for ever hereafter: to the King's Majesty's great content, to the avoiding of much trouble heretofore occasioned to the State; to the good liking of both Vniversityes, to the profit ease & credit of the Stationers themselues; to the furtherance of Christian peace & v●…ity in the Church, to the prevention of many public and private inconveniences, and in a word, to the glory of God, and to the honour and benefit, of all his Majesty's Dominions.  
And now I have done troubling your RRces for this time: Though I bent my bow to shoot in my own defence; yet I have stuck my arrows upon a public enemy. Now you have heard me, help, or leave me to myself as you shall think fitting: For, I have in every circumstance honestly delivered my Conscience; and I know God will deliver me.  Nec Habeo, nec Careo, nec Curo.