A Memorandum to London, Occasioned by the Pestilence there begun this present year MDCLXV, and humbly offered to the Lord Maior, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said City.  
By GEORGE WITHER.  
Thereto is by him added, a Warning-piece to London, discharged out of a Loophole in the Tower, upon meditating the deplorable Fire, which consumed the house of an eminent Citizen, with all the persons and goods therein, at the beginning of our most Joyful Festival, in December, 1662. Also, a Single Sacrifice offered to Almighty GOD, by the same Author in his lonely confinement, for prevention of the Dearth-feared, and probably portended, by immoderate Rains in June and July, 1663.  
Quia Legit haec, etc.  
Who read such Lines as these?  
How few men, do they please?  
Moreover, in regard many have reported and believed this Author to be dead; we have annexed his Epitaph, made by himself upon that occasion.  
Imprinted in the Year, MDCLXV.   

A Seasonable Memorandum Humbly tendered to the City of LONDON, the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and the whole Commonalty thereof, by occasion of the Pestilence, begun this year, MDCLXV.  BY their Old Remembrancer, GEORGE WITHER. 

THe Psalmist, when he saw Truth's foes grow strong  
A while resolved to withhold his Tongue  
Even from Good words; (as I have often done)  
But, in his heart, New-musing then begun  
To muster so, that, he was forced to break  
His resolution, and his thoughts to speak.  
So fares it now with me; and I must do  
That which my Mover hath inclined me to:  
Vouchsafe it hearing, and GOD be my speed,  
For, it concerns you, and deserves good heed.  
This, now commencing, is the fourtieth year,  
Since first, the greatest Plague that raged here,  
Within our time, was sent for our correction,  
To scourge us, with a Pestilent Infection,  
That, GOD's intention, being timely heeded  
We, by Repentance, might have superseded  
Those following Judgements, which have ever since  
Inflicted been, for our Impenitence;  
And, are still multiplying, as if from  
GOD's quiver, Sharper Arrows were to come.   

That year, I having lived, till the Sun  
Had thrice twelve times, quite through the Zodiac run,  
Consider'd I had spun out half that time  
Within your Walls, and might be one of them  
For whose Transgressions, that sharp Visitation  
Came to destroy, or work a Reformation;  
And, thereupon (without constraint) intended  
To wait on God, where I had him offended;  
That, if to spare my life, vouchsafe he should,  
I might as truly serve him as I could,  
By heeding both his Actings, and our own;  
And making those things unto others known,  
Which I should then observe, might best promote  
His honour; and from being quite forgot,  
Keep that upon Record, (though to our shame)  
Which might hereafter, glorify his Name.   

During that Plague, not one night, all the while,  
Removed I thence, the distance of one Mile,  
Or shuned either person, place, or sight,  
Which, me, experimentally then might  
Acquaint with any thing, whereby to learn  
My Duty, or what would my work concern;  
By which means, I found reason to confess  
(As Job in his probation did profess)  
That I, who heard of GOD, but by the ear,  
Before that time, then; saw him as it were;  
And, had some things, likewise, to me revealed  
Which were from many wiser men concealed;  
So that I both foresaw, and then foretold  
What many thousands did fulfilled behold  
Soon after: yea, moreover, some of them  
Who, many years, my Cautions did contemn,  
(And scofft at my Predictions) justified  
That, which in times past, they did much deride.  
But, in their old ways, most men did proceed  
As if they took a very little heed,  
Of any thing, past, present, or to come,  
Which might preserve Peace, or prevent their Doom.  
What I then saw, and foresaw would befall,  
I did record, in that which I did call  
BRITAN'S REMEMBRANCER; and have not been  
Regardless, what transactions, here were seen  
During tho●● forty years of Provocation,  
Wherein, GOD's Spirit, by this Generation  
Hath greeved been. Of that large Premonition,  
At least four thousands at the first Impression  
Were published through these Islands, to prevent  
What seemed at hand; and, to the same intent  
In several modes, at several times before  
This present day, five times as many more  
Premonitory hints, whereon ensue  
As mean effects, except among those few  
For whose sake (next his Sons) GOD, yet hath pity  
On these three Nations, and on this great City,  
Though they have prosecuted and oppressed▪  
Those, in whose Weal their welfare doth consist.  
But, this comes not within the Creed of many  
Nor can be possibly believed of any,  
Whom Pride, Self-love, and Ignorance bewitches  
Either with dotage upon Pleasures, Riches,  
Or Power exorbitant; because no Grace  
Can get admittance, where those fill the place,  
For, these, are part of those things where withal  
The Devil tempted Christ; and they who fall  
By not resisting him in that temptation  
Are drawn, at last, to yield him Adoration  
(Though peradventure they perceive it not)  
And, when he that advantage once hath got;  
It is not in the power of any one  
To dispossess him, bud of GOD alone.   

Judgements and Mercies, in the common mode  
Move not without th' immediate hand of GOD,  
Or, some impulses extraordinary  
When from his Dictates, wilfully they vary.  
The most Convincing Truths, make them but madder;  
They, to the wisest Charmer like the Adder,  
Still stop their ears; and them he works upon  
No more, then if he Sung unto a Stone.  
This renders these more brutish than a beast  
By whom CHRIST is but formally professed:  
For, Beasts will shun the dangers that pursue them;  
Meet those who feed them, when their meat they show them;  
Know their preservers, yea return them too,  
Requitals, in their kind, for what they do:  
Whereas besotted men, even when they may  
Perceive themselves beleaguered every way  
With mischiefs; although plainly they may see  
That their Endeavours unsuccesful be  
In spite of all their policy or power,  
And, God, Avengments threatening every hour  
By Prodigies, and by Events, that from  
No mortal hand, to cross their hopes can come,  
They either look on them as casualties,  
Or, them not to concern, in any wise:  
Then, with full sails, run head long on that Rock  
Which is in view; at their good counsel mock,  
Who tell them lovingly, how to avoid  
That, whereby, they shall else be quite destroyed,  
If they proceed; or, cast an Anchor where,  
They, now in hope of Preservation are:  
And, if these be not madmen, there are none  
In Bedlam, where we hear is many a one.  
Even as a nice and wanton Appetite,  
Longs after Kickshaws, and takes more delight  
In dishes made up of they know not what,  
And not so wholesome, as plain solid meat;  
So, most men, with Expressions are best pleased  
From whence, one sentence, hardly can be squeezed  
Which well considered, any way conduces  
To civil manners or to pious uses,  
Though you should strain out all, that every word  
For Caution, or Instruction, might afford.  
To all such true fanatics, this will seem,  
To be perhaps, of very small esteem,  
Because, it speaks plain sense, and is not decked  
And trimmed up with such gauds as they expect.  
Yet this, & th●se strains which they much despise.  
May be a means to make some fools more wise.  
GOD promised to his servants long ago,  
He would upon their Children shed forth so  
His holy spirit, in the later ages,  
That they should be inspired with presages  
Of things to come; and (to his Name be praise)  
This we have seen accomplished in our days.  
Strange Visions have appeared, Truths are foretold,  
By men and women too, both young and old,  
Which (though to carnal men vain dreams they seem)  
With such as know God, they have more esteem,  
And will appear to be his Dispensations;  
As proper also, to these Generations,  
As those, which were dispensed in ages past,  
Unto the Jews at first; or, at the last,  
When, as phanatik, and ridiculous,  
Their Prophets to them seemed, as ours to us.  
For, oft by their Inspirer, they were moved  
To Speak and Act, what was by few approved;  
Sometimes, to personate, what was abhorred,  
Or seemed not with good manners to accord,  
Even in their Judgements, who appeared then  
The wisest and the most religious men;  
Especially, when God imposed on some,  
Things to be signal of what was to come.  
But, all his Dispensations heretofore,  
And now in use (or whatsoever more,  
Shall be hereafter) scarcely will suffice  
To make us, in these doting ages wise.   

God, hath omitted nothing to recall us  
Or, to prevent that, which may else befall us;  
For every year, and upon each occasion  
That did occur (to cause a perturbation  
Or breach into our Peace) he moved some  
So zealous of our welfare to become,  
That they their own peace have oft hazarded,  
(And lost it too) by things endeavoured  
For our avail; yea, though their pains and cost,  
As to themselves) was likely to be lost  
Pursued their Aim, sometimes, by general  
Precautions, which did much concern us all;  
And, otherwhile, by memorizing that  
Which in particular seemed to relate  
To Persons or to Places, as it best  
Might bring advance to public Interest:  
Forewarnings have by GOD vouchsafed been  
To you by others, (as they cause have seen)  
Who seemed to come with more authority  
And trusted with Credentials, whereof, I  
Unworthy am; But, whatsoever they  
Or I appear, that, which I have for you  
Prepared by God's help, I offer now,  
In hope, it will be heeded somewhat more  
Than that, which hath been tendered heretofore.   

This year his former Judgements GOD repeats.  
And, once again, your sinful City threats  
With Pestilence. He, over us doth shake  
A dreadful Rod, wherein I notice take  
Of three sharp twiggs; and he above knows whether  
They shall be singly felt or all together,  
Because, he only knows what will be done  
To stay that, which already is begun,  
And keep out those two, which your City threat,  
But, have not yet got entrance through the gate.  
London, I fear, unless thou take more heed  
In what Course thou hereafter dost proceed  
(Although that God's Long-suffering towards thee  
Continues yet) at once, with all the three  
Thou shalt be scourged: for mocked, GOD will not be.  
I am resolved therefore, whatsoever  
May be the Consequent of my endeaver,  
Now to proceed in what he moves me to,  
And, I in duty am obliged to do;  
Because, though my Good will you should abuse.  
Your faults, my negligence would not excuse,  
Who, look for my reward (if any due)  
From him, whose work I do, and not from you.  
My first Memorials, in their Title page  
Hold forth an Emblematical presage,  
Besides much thereby verbally expressed  
(Relating to the plague which doth infest  
Your City now) which worth the observation  
May be, in every such like Visitation,  
And might have had, if heeded, good effects  
(Which have been lost by manifold neglects)  
And still may, were things better thought upon  
Which thereby, are advised to be done.  
But here, to add that, will spend too much time,  
And therefore, I referring you to them,  
That, now will prosecute, which more than Reason  
Persuadeth me, is at this day in season.  
Your City, I have loved and honoured,  
And, no less now, then heretofore I did,  
For, GOD hath made it, the most honoured place  
That is within these Isles, or ever was;  
He hath enrolled, and renowned her Name  
Among the Cities of the greatest Fame,  
That either are, or were below the Sun  
Since men to dwell in Cities first begun.  
Large Pledges, he upon her hath bestown  
Of his especial Love; some favour shown  
Vouchsafed to few of them; and such a measure  
Hath stored up in her, of his hid treasure,  
And intermixed, from time to time, so often  
Mercies and Judgements, hardened hearts to soften;  
So in Long-suffering, also doth persevere  
(Though we are at this day, grown worse than ever  
That I perceive in her a Seed and Root,  
Which to his Glory shall bring forth good Fruit  
In his due time; and this inclineth me  
To send these Memorandums now to thee,  
Intending in thy Sickness, here to stay  
Once more, when thy false-lovers fly away;  
And in, or near, thy borders, to remain  
Till GOD restores thee unto health again;  
Or, till by being quite deserted here,  
I shall be forced to seek my bread elsewhere;  
Of which I dreadless am: For, I depend  
Upon that powerful, and most faithful friend  
Who hath preserved me often since my birth,  
From worse things than War, Pestilence, & Dearth.  
Physicians, and all else, who ere they are  
That, of Sick persons undertake the care,  
Do challenge and aught also to assume  
(Though them, it may be it will misbecome  
At other times) a freedom to speak so  
And, and as occasion moves them thereunto,  
To act what's pertinent to their disease  
In way of Cure, although it may displease.  
I may, and do, as justly challenge now  
(Since neighbour like I mean to watch with you)  
Like Liberty; and will be bold to tell  
That which I know will help to make you well,  
Although, therewith displeased, you froward be,  
Harsh words for my good will return to me,  
And rage like those, who seem to lose their wits  
When they are in their Pestilential fits:  
For, I shall sober be, though somewhat sad,  
To see those, whom I would keep tame grow mad.  
And you I hope, what ere shall now be said  
Will patient be, when well my words are weighed.  
Consider well (for now high time it is,  
That you and all men should consider this)  
I say, consider how you have improved  
GOD's Mercy since his ●udgments were removed;  
How, that provoking sinfulness abates,  
And, that Abomination which God hates:  
Nay well consider if it be not more  
Abominable, than it was before.  
I fear it much, and every day this fear  
Increaseth by what I do see and hear;  
For, since I knew the world (which I have known  
And heeded, till an old man I am grown)  
I never heard this Nation so defamed  
As now of late; and sins not to be named  
By modest men, with so much impudence  
So often acted with so little sense  
Of manhood, nor with such impunity  
By persons of no vulgar quality  
Both old and young men, high, low, rich and poor,  
Out acted have transgressors heretofore;  
Children are left so loose to speak and do  
What their corruption doth incline them to,  
(And ill example teach) that if their course  
Continue long, we shall at last grow worse  
Than Sodom and Gomorrah; which GOD knows  
I do not mention (as some may suppose)  
To scandalise this City or this Nation  
But to provoke them to a Reformation.  
To that intent, (so far forth as it shall  
Concern this City) speedily let all  
Who are in power, with prudence and in love  
The strength of their Authority improve  
Them to indulge and keep from violence,  
Whose conversations are without offence;  
And, by their executing of the Law  
In purity, strive to keep those in awe  
Who either shall maliciously transgress  
(By an infringement of the public peace)  
Or wilfully commit, abet or teach  
What, of the Moral Law may be a breach.  
That nothing may by you be done unto  
Another, which you would not have him do  
To you, if in his case; search what you find,  
That may on you be charged, in that kind,  
And heartily repent it. That, moreover  
You may faults, which will else lie hid, discover;  
Consider, whether you have not with gladness  
Insulted over men oppressed with sadness.  
Afflictions heaped up, upon Afflictions,  
Or, added Cruelty to due corrections,  
By seeking more to satisfy your Lust,  
Or Vengeance, then to execute what's just  
For Justice sake; or else, to please their Foes,  
Condemned Innocents', their lives to lose.  
Your ways examine, & search out what crimes  
You have of late, more than in former times  
Been guilty of: As, whether you have been  
Or not, defiled with that scarlet sin,  
Which in times past your City did abhor,  
As being a peculiar heretofore  
Of that Malignant City, where the Whore  
Bestrides the Beast: be heedful also, whether  
It be not partly, or else altogether  
His work, to be in cruelties delighted;  
To see meek, honest, harmless men dispighted  
For Conscience sake; inhumanly exiled  
Husbands from wives, the parent from the child  
Imprisoned to the losing of their lives  
Their little Children, their beloved Wives,  
And their whole Families exposed thereby  
To that unspeakable extremity  
Of wants and sufferings, which no flesh and blood  
Can bear, without immediate help from GOD.  
Whose will is thereby wilfully withstood.  
And why all this? not for transgressing Laws  
Of GOD or Nature, but alone, because  
These could not condescend the world to please  
By an infringement of their consciences.   

Heed what this may deserve; if you desire  
To stop the Plague begun; lest else the fire  
Which may be kindled in your habitations,  
Do quite consume them even to their foundations.  
For, GOD, of his Prerogatives is Jealous  
To vindicate all those he will be zealous  
Who suffer for his sake, although perchance  
They may be blamable through Ignorance,  
Or other, humane frailties; for, where he  
Sees Faith and Love, their sins he will not see.  
As for their Persecutors, though he may  
His just Avengments, for a while delay,  
The patience of his people he doth mind,  
And, they who show no mercy, none shall find.   

Examine, whether since you made your peace  
With GOD, the renovation and increase  
Of wilful sins deserved not renewing  
Of Plagues removed, and of worse ensuing.  
It is not without cause, that God now hath  
Such complicated Judgements, in his wrath  
On thee and thine inflicted, when grown great  
In hopes, thou thoughtst thy happiness complete:  
Nor is it hidden from thee altogether  
For what sin, GOD sends this, or that plague hither.  
In truth, all Plagues are due unto each sin  
When with Impenitence, persisted in,  
Yet, frequently the ROD's wherewith we are  
Corrected, show forth in Particular  
What we offended in. For Superstition  
Was gideon's Family brought to perdition;  
King David's pride, made manifest in him  
By numbering of the people) brought on them  
A Pestilence: GOD visited the earth  
For wilful breach of Covenants, with Dearth;  
And (as to Zedikiah and to Saul  
It did for that provoking sin befall)  
The chief offenders and their Children too,  
Stand liable to death for sinning so.  
Oppression, Cruelty and Idolising  
The Creature (or things of our own devising)  
Have been chastised with servitude and fear,  
And, when Will-worshipings imposed are  
On others, with inhuman violence,  
Injustice acted with such impudence  
As Jezabels and Ahabs, rarely shall  
Such, scape from that, which did to them befall.  
But, when that Hypocrites, by lying hid  
As Annanias and Saphira did,  
(Till GOD discovered them) may possibly  
Obscure the growth of Infant Piety;  
When they, who Truths foundations overthrow,  
When, her malicious persecutors, grow  
So mighty, that the Saints unable are  
To calm them, or their furious rage to bear;  
Or, when Profaneness and Abominations  
Like Sodoms, wholly hath corrupted Nations  
Or Cities, till there shall appear in men  
Nor will nor power, them to reclaim again;  
GOD, in such cases, to himself alone  
Assumes the punishing of what's misdone  
And very frequently doth punish too,  
In such a mode as mortals cannot do:  
Sometimes, by Sudden Death, when they are in  
Their Jollity, or in the Act of sin;  
Sometimes, by sicknesses that long endure,  
Whereof no man can find the Cause or Cure;  
Sometimes, by that, which (till their provocation  
Of GOD) had been a means of preservation;  
Sometimes, they of their lives have been bereaven  
By Lightning, or by Thunderbolts from Heaven;  
And, otherwhile (struck with d●spaireful fears)  
Are made to be Self-Executioners.  
This gives a Hint of that which more affords  
Then fully is expressed by my words  
To make it plain; but either thou, no doubt  
Or, some for thee, will search and find it out;  
Or, by the the searching after it, discern  
Somewhat, which thee as nearly will concern.  
Take heed of neighbours, and familiar friends,  
Who fawn upon thee for their own base ends,  
And love thee not, (though they respect profess  
By many shows of hearty friendliness)  
For, some of them, already cause have been  
Of adding much both to thy Plagues and sin.  
But, specially, of thine own self take heed  
For, thence thy greatest dangers will proceed.  
Consider therefore, by thyself alone,  
What thou omitted haste, and what misdone;  
Whether thy folly, falsehood, fickleness,  
Apostasy from what thou didst profess,  
Falling from thy First Love, by mis-advice;  
Thy Luxury, thy sordid Avarice,  
Or, some vain hopes, deserved not deprivation  
Of that, whereof, thou hadst an expectation;  
Heed whether, to have cured, or prevented  
One Plague, thyself thou hast not complemented  
Into a score; (at least, to stop one curse,  
Endangered drawing on thee many worse.)  
Observe, if ever Beggary and P●ide;  
Did both together, upon one horse ride  
So frequently as now, through every street,  
Or walk so often on the selfsame feet;  
And, whether mischiefs which at present fall  
On some, will not at last extend to all.  
Mind well what thou art doing; what is done;  
What is designed, but not yet begun,  
For what thou both with words and sword hast pleaded;  
What, thou hast most affected, or most dreaded,  
What thereon followed, or might have succeeded;  
What factions thou hast favoured, and what still  
Wouldst favour, were thy power like thy will.  
London, if seriously thou ponderst this  
Thou wilt perceive that what succeeds amiss  
Flows chiefly from thyself; and how can those  
Be friends to any who are their own foes?  
Thy Chiefs, care not how others they enslave,  
So, they themselves from servitude may save,  
Yet, these in fine, by that which doth befall  
Become to be the basest slaves of all,  
Even Bondslaves to their Lusts, and to the Devil  
By getting an habitual love of evil.  
They hunt for honour, but, their ●iery Title  
Will add to them, less honour than a little.  
They covet to be rich; but wealth shall more  
Increase those wants and Lusts, that make them poor.  
In Policy and Powre, their trust is placed  
Yet, they become despised fools at last.  
Yea, we have seen those whom wealth, wit, and pour  
Supported, sink down breathless in one hour,  
That, we may know, there is an unseen hand  
Which oft strikes those, who without fear, may stand  
Of humane Justice, and beyond the reach  
Of Mortals: That, therefore, which this may teach  
Let all those heed, who, yet much heed it not:  
And, let them (by whom this is oft forgot)  
Remember there's an all beholding eye,  
Which every secret purpose can espy;  
And, Angels always ready at command.  
To execute what no power can withstand;  
And such, as will for no bribe or respect,  
The prosecution of their charge neglect.  
Let likewise, those who most oppressed are  
Be taught hereby, still patiently to bear  
The Cross imposed for trial of their Faith:  
(What ever, their oppressor doth or saith)  
In perseverance, let them still attend  
On GOD with meekness, till their Trials end,  
And leave all Carnal weapons, to their use  
Who, must be ruined by their abuse.  
I do presume, among you many are  
Who, to this wholesome Principle adhere,  
And, that if into practice carried on  
It shall both supersede the Plague begun  
And every other feared Plague prevent  
If timely they their other sins repent.  
For GOD, will wink at many faults in those  
Who love, and leave Revenge to his dispose;  
Yea, oftentimes experience we have had  
That, worse it makes things which before were bad,  
When through impatience we in our own mode,  
Attempt to do, what must be done by GOD.  
Or, our suffering shall prolong (at least)  
By our self-actings, when we do our best.  
This Pestilence, which now is brought in hither,  
I am assured, proceeds not altogether  
From Causes merely natural, but comes  
To execute GOD's just deserved Dooms,  
From his immediate hand; and will therefore,  
Those Medicines need, which must do somewhat more  
To cure, or stay it from proceeding on,  
Then can be, by joint Art and Nature done.  
If you desire a Sovereign Antidote  
The best I know (if you neglect it not)  
Is metaphorically called Herbgrace,  
And will be very useful in this case;  
Some, term it Rue, because 'twill not begin  
To operate, until we Rue our sin.  
Take Rue and Reasons then, which signify  
Repentance and Discretion; These apply  
As you find cause; which, if you do, and Fast  
From things that were offensive in times past,  
Keep from thenceforth a constant wholesome diet,  
And in your hearts endeavour to be quiet,  
My life for yours, GOD will your Souls deliver  
From every hurtful arrow in his quiver.  
Nor this, nor any Plague shall you annoy,  
Although as to the flesh, it should destroy,  
For, that can add to man's loss or grief  
Whose expectation is a better life.  
GOD, to this Pestilence hath joined War,  
And Famine, seems not from us to be far;  
Which, if it now shall come will make the trouble  
We feel already, to be more than double,  
Because, our fellow feeling is no more  
Of what they suffer, whom these times make poor▪  
For, such are our deportments, as if neither  
S●o●d, Pestilence and Dearth, put altogether  
Were no more, but an Army which did stand  
Arrayed, to be at our own command,  
To execute our pleasures upon those,  
(Although our friends) whom we repute our foes.  
And therefore, have rejoiced when they seized  
On them, with whom we highly were displeased.  
When, unto us, ill grounded hopes appear  
Whereby, of Mercies we presuming are;  
We are frolic, as if GOD did see  
Our gross Hypocrisies, no more than we.  
But, let men heed well whether, to acquire  
The Sequels which they naturally desire  
Is to insult when GOD corrects their foes,  
Or, censure his Intents concerning those  
Whom he Afflicts; as if for wrong to them  
It rather were, then for offending him:  
Or, as if sins to others only known,  
Were more considerable than their own.  
There is observed, much Arragance and folly  
In some of thy Relations; from which wholly  
Thou for the time past canst not cleared be;  
Therefore to keep from future scandal free,  
And also, for thy Credit's reputation  
Take these Memento's to consideration.  
Consider, if it sober men befits  
To sing with Jollity about the streets  
Vain Triumph-Songs, when war is but begun  
As when a final Victory is won;  
Since 'tis well known, that many who at first  
Have thrived best, at last have thrived worst;  
And, that GOD justly suffereth sometime,  
(For Causes which are only known to him)  
Those, more than once, before their foes to fall,  
Whose Cause he best approveth; and who shall  
Be conquerors at last: and that, where guilt  
Is equal, he lets blood be often spilt,  
And war prolongs or maketh peace 'twixt them  
Who disagree, as they make peace with him.  
Therefore, when you are underneath the Rod,  
Remember, you are in the hands of GOD.  
When he hath crowned your hopes with good success,  
Demean yourselves with Christian Lowliness:  
For, when his Mercies much enlarged are.  
He doth expect a joyful filial fear:  
This, labour to preserve, lest else, the lack  
Thereof, may bring reversed Judgements back.  
Consider, whether Ships, Arms, men and horse,  
With policy united unto Force,  
Can prosper to th' advancement of their end,  
Who, upon those things, or themselves depend:  
Who, all their opposites as much despise  
As if their Armies were but Gnats and Flies,  
Think to subdue them with jeers, mocks & taunts,  
Puff up each other, with brags, shameless vaunts,  
And lies devised by their foolish makers  
To keep from fainting Cowardly Partakers,  
Whose Consciences accusing them of guilt,  
(Because, their hopefullest Refuges are built  
On Quicksands) they become heartsick with fear,  
As oft as any evil News they hear;  
And, on earth slight Report of good success,  
Instead of pious and meek thankfulness,  
Run to the Taverns (which are much more free  
To all, then pious Meeting places be)  
There, heathen like, nay rather more uncivil,  
Offer up Drink Oblations to the Devil.  
And, to cheer up each others drooping Souls  
Sing songs between their glasses and their bowls;  
Or intermix Reports of what was won  
Or lost, though that was never said or done.  
Such Sacrificers, may find some effect  
In part, according to what they expect,  
But neither for their Faith or Righteousness;  
Nor will our hopes, longlasting be, unless  
Use, of the Common means for our defence,  
Be Sanctified by true confidence  
In GOD, and we with his known will comply,  
Bearing what ere betides us patiently;  
Improve each Favour and Deliverance,  
To somewhat which his Glory may advance;  
And whereby, they who are oppressed and grieved  
May some way charitably be relieved:  
For, it is no beseeming Thank-Oblation  
For Mercies, when a City or a Nation  
Shall Solemnize it with but little else,  
Save Gunshot, Bonfires▪ Jangling of the Bells,  
Or, making others of their Joys partakers,  
Only, in smoke and stink, of Squibs & Crackers;  
Or gathering rude throngs of men and boys,  
To make about those flames a barbarous noise,  
Which must be fed with fuel forced from some  
Who had none left to make a fire at home;  
Then drink healths to each other in the street  
Until they cannot stand upon their feet,  
Or else lose their own healths: what thus to do  
Can wise men think it will amount unto  
But mere despite of GOD, contempt of grace,  
And, throwing (as it were) dirt in his face  
For, Benefits received; though they make show  
As if they had returned him all his due,  
When, they but please themselves, by doing that  
Whereby they sing their own Magnificat?  
What can be deemed a just recompense  
For such ingratitude, for an offence  
So foul, so capital, but that instead  
Of future Blessings, Curses should succeed?  
London, heed this, and if thou wittingly  
Of such Profaneness and impiety  
Art guilty now, or hast been heretofore,  
Repent it, and henceforth, do so no more.  
But, herein, some will more concerned be  
Then thou art, yet, I mention this to thee  
With some hope, that, they will the less contem  
What's written here, because, not writ to them.  
Much more I have to add, which I forbear  
Lest, I by adding more than thou canst bear  
With patience, may destroy what I design  
For this whole Nations welfare and for thine,  
By so displeasing thee, with what I write  
That, thou slight all whereto, I thee invite:  
For, though thy flatterers make thee to believe,  
Thou art in better case, than I conceive,  
Thy best friends know, that thine own provocations,  
Imprudency in some of thy Relations,  
(Even of thy Watchmen) who should cures provide  
For thy distempers, are so giddified,  
And, that their Eyes, their Ears, yea and their brains  
(With every faculty which appertains  
To thy weal) are obstructed so, by fumings  
From their Self-seekings, & their, high presuming,  
That thou art, by what these inthee have wrought  
Into an dangerous Consumption brought;  
For, thy decay of Trade, much hath increased  
Their Poverty who thereby are distressed:  
Thy hands and feet whose labour heretofore  
supplied thy wants, now, can do little more,  
Because, thy ablest members, by whom these  
Employed have been, partake of their disease:  
And; such Confusions daily do begin  
To multiply, and farther to break in,  
That, I am at a stand, what more to say  
Or, what on thy behalf, I ought to pray.  
Yet, one Expedient, I now think upon  
Whereby, it may be, somewhat will be done  
For they avail, if thou shalt not omit  
(As GOD enables) to endeavour it.  
And therefore, let that which I next express  
Be read, and minded with due heedfulness.  
In thee, are at this day, the chief Well-springs,  
Of all those good, and of those evil things  
Which throughout these three Nations are dispersed;  
And of the Later, were the Stream reversed  
Or damned up at the Fountain; and, the first  
Set freely open here, it would become  
A Rivulet of Waters, flowing from  
That River, which through New-Jrrusalem  
His Currant hath, still issuing out of him  
Who, of those Living waters is the head  
Which through all Nations will at last be spread.  
And London, three times happy, shalt thou be  
If this Blessed Fountain may break forth in thee,  
To sweeten every Cistern in these Lands,  
Which now, brimful of stinking water stands,  
And breed all these Infections in our Clime,  
Which are so baneful ●o us, at this time.  
There is a possibility of this  
If we our parts do, as GOD hath done his;  
Or, but endeavour to co operate.  
With him, as he enables us, in that  
Which he requires (thereto vouchsaving still  
Assistance to our deeds, and to our will.)  
By this Compliance, that New Heaven and earth  
Which is expected, would ere long come forth;  
And Righteousness, then from thy habitations  
As amply flow out, thorough all these Nations  
As wickedness doth now; or heretofore  
It did, when ill examples made it more.  
This Change, more happiness would hither bring  
Then, when in triumph thou brought'st in the King,  
And of rejoicing, give more cause by much,  
Then we shall have when we do beat the Dutch,  
And are from dread of that delivered too,  
Which some suspect the French intent to do;  
Yea, and from what, more dangers threats then either  
Of those two singly, or both joined together:  
Even from those, which are possible to come  
From Factiousness, and Male contents at home,  
But this Joy will increase, and all our fears  
Abate, when men do more incline their ears  
To what's proclaimed by those Trumpeters  
Whom GOD reserved, to make proclamation  
Of that, which most concerns this Generation;  
And, when the Influences of GOD's graces  
By supreme persons, and by powerful places  
Shall not obstructed be, as we have seen  
Of late, and as they very long have been,  
By Antichristian wiles; and those through whom  
They are more dangerous to us become,  
Because their formal piety makes shows  
To be for him, whom, chiefly they oppose.  
Thou art abused by misinformations,  
Not thou alone, but likewise these three Nations  
By those Mintmasters of untruths and lies,  
Who cheat the whole world with fallacies,  
Yea, much dis-serviced, dishonoured too,  
Is he, to whom, they yet pretend to do  
Good services; and they by their Deceits,  
Have him reduced unto may Streights  
Which will destroy him, ere he is aware,  
Unless, GOD shall unsnarle him from their snare;  
And, in what misbefals, thou wilt have share.  
To take my counsel, then, think it no shame,  
(Although, a poorer man than he I am  
Who saved a City; for, a Mouse may gnaw  
That snare asunder, which, nor Lion's paw  
Nor teeth can break. Go, quickly, quickly lay  
Your Scarlet Gowns, and your gold chains away;  
Fast, watch and pray; do as King David did;  
(When he the pestolential Angel spied)  
Of somewhat, unto GOD an offering make  
Which is thine own; that he a gift may take  
Made acceptable, by, and in his son,  
To stay the Plague; which newly is begun.  
Shut up yourselves awhile, and throw aside  
Your factiousness, your malice and your pride;  
Lust, Avarice, and them with every Sinn  
Whereby the wrath of God provoked hath been.  
Fall down before his feet with humbleness,  
Your misdeeds, with true penitence confess,  
Especially, those crying sins, whereby  
You often have incensed his Majesty.  
Among which, no crime can offend him more  
Than when you shall (as Cain did heretofore)  
Destroy your brethren, because, to GOD  
They dare not sacrifice in such a mode,  
As they believe he neither doth command  
Nor takes, with good acceptance, from their hand.  
Your Privileges, they do not invade  
By violence; but, lovingly persuade  
To what they do believe, promoteth best  
God's glory, and the Public Interest.  
Be thou as charitable unto them;  
Leave that to God alone, which unto him  
Alone belongs, when he into the Land  
Hath cast his seed, permit the Crop to stand  
Till harvest; pluck not that away,  
Which looks like wheat, though it may prove but Ray  
But, weed out that alone, which every one  
Knows hurtful to the Corn, and will be none.  
Thus, having way prepared to make your peace,  
With GOD; in Faith and Love implore his Grace.   

This being done; the next work, which to do  
Thou art, as I believe, obliged unto,  
Is to improve the power thou hast in him  
Who over all these Island is supreme,  
And with whom; thou dost in more favour stand  
Then any other City of this Land,  
Whilst his esteem of thee, doth seem to last  
(And ere fit opportunities are passed)  
Unto his Royal Throne make thy Address,  
Implore him, with deliberate advice,  
To hear and heed that, without prejudice  
Which may in season, offered be by them  
Who fear God, and both love and honour him,  
With an intent to serve him faithfully,  
Without selfends in every thing whereby  
Their services shall really consist  
With GOD's, with his, and with their Interest,  
For whose sake, he originally gave  
All those Prerogatives that Princes have.  
For, though men so unbiased, may dare  
To speak some Truths which all men cannot bear,  
(When cause requires) they will with moderation  
So heed what tendeth to the preservation  
Of common peace, and of the dignity  
Belonging to his royal Majesty,  
(Whom God hath honoured by restoring him  
Unto his Predecessors Diadem)  
That, neither he, nor they, nor I, nor you.  
Shall have cause, to dislike what will ensue.  
If you believe this, and endeavour so  
To prosecute it, as you, may yet do,  
Who knows, what he, who hath the hearts of Kings  
(And the disposing of all other things  
Within his power) will do, although this may  
Proposed seem, in a despised way.  
'tis an adventure▪ which though partly lost  
Will bring in some return, that's worth the cost:  
And those straits (if well heeded) wherein he  
This City, and all these three kingdoms be  
Adventrers' needs, and somewhat to be done  
Whereof, no likelihood is yet begun.  
For, that which must draw order from confusions,  
To our Distractions, timely, put conclusions,  
And, so, divine and civil powers unite  
That, neither, may infringe each other right,  
Effected cannot be, by haughty words,  
By Policy, or temporary swords,  
Nor by that Formal Sanctity with which  
The Grand Impostors of this world bewitch  
Deluded souls (that all things may become  
Subjected to their Arbitarry Doom)  
But by such Instruments and by such ways,  
As those, by which Christ did begin to raise  
His Kingdom at the first; and by which here  
It shall continue until he appear  
With that power, which shall batter & beat down,  
More Idol Temples than were overthrown.  
Since his first coming; and, root out all those  
Idolatries, which out of them arose;  
Together with the Thrones of all those Kings,  
That are partakers in such worshippings.  
And made drunk with her Cup who rides the Beast;  
The Subjects of his Kingdom, have oppressed,  
And shall oppress them without penitence,  
For provocations, by that great offence.  
More might be said, but, this shall now suffice;  
" GOD make us all unto salvation wise,  
" Preserve us in his love, so knit together  
" That we in his love may preserve each other;  
And, that all we can think, or say, or do  
May now, and in the close, conduce unto  
The glorifying of his holy Name  
Though to ourselves, it may occasion shame.   
AMEN.   

A further Engagement.  
MAny years after that Grand Pestilence, in 1625, during which I wrote my Book called BRITAN'S REMEMBRANCER, and after publication thereof; some eminent persons, having respect thereunto; endeavoured of their own accord, (without my seeking) that the Office of their City Remembrancer, then void, might have been conferred upon me; which motion, though it took not effect, was by me as thankfully taken as it was by them lovingly intended. Had it been successful, I should then perhaps have been more obliged upon outward considerations, than I am now, to continue my abode here during this Visitation, than I was in that aforementioned. Nevertheless, I yet resolve to partake with this City in GOD's dispensation, at this time also, unless I shall be constrained by Necessity, to seek place of abode, and means of subsistence elsewhere.  
Yet, I have little external encouragement thereto; for, to me, it appears by many Symtoms, that some here, are maliciously affected towards me, (who have no disaffection to any person) as appears in particular, by their declaring already, that my house is infected with the Pestilence and Shut up; whereas (God be praised) not so much as one hath been there sick of any disease, since that Plague last begun; nor is it, to my knowledge, near my habitation. What was designed by the publishers of that Report, I cannot imagine, unless it were because, they knowing, I had no means of livelihood left (save what was supplied by the Charity of my Christian friends only) they hoped, I being deserted of all, might be the sooner exposed to destruction; as I hear some are, whose condition is more to be considered and pitied, if it be so. But this troubles me not in respect of myself; For, GOD cannot be kept from me, who is my only All-sufficient Refuge and Protection: And if this Pestilence, and Famine, also, Visit my Dwelling, (into which her Sister Poverty is already come) they shall be welcome; for, they are Angels of GOD, and it is better to fall into his hands, then into the hands of men.  
Written in June 1665.   

A Warning-Piece to London, Discharged out of a Loophole in the Tower during the Author's close imprisonment there.  
It was meditated upon the deplorable consuming of an eminent Citizen with his whole Family, in the night, by a sad and sudden Fire, at the beginning of our most Joyful Festival, in Decemb. 1652.  
The Author conceived, that it would better stir up the hearts of some, by being sung, then Read: Therefore, he composed it in Lyric Verse, fitted to the Tune of the Lamentation, at the end of the singing Psalms, if the last Strain of that Tune shall be repeated with the two last lines in every Stanza.  

WAke London wake, Fast, watch, and pray,  
Well heed likewise this Warning-song;  
To eat and drink, rise up and play,  
Hath been thy daily practice long:  
Oh! from henceforth, remember more,  
Thy Brethren, whom oppressors grieve;  
Refresh the sick, relieve the poor;  
For none without good works believe.  
If hardly saved the Righteous are  
Ah! how shall wilful sinners fare?   

2. The Rich man, heedlessly discerns  
The near approaching day of wrath,  
To fill his Warehouse and his Barn,  
Is all the present care he hath.  
At large, he preparation makes  
For offerings to his Belly God,  
Till Justice an occasion takes  
To mix those offerings with his blood;  
When fools in folly most delight,  
They, often, lose their Souls that night.   

3. Our Love is cold, nigh ripe our sin,  
And, in their march, GOD's Judgements be;  
At his own house they do begin;  
Then, from them, who shall now be free?  
To make us thereof take more heed,  
One house they singled out of late,  
And, in a bright flame-coloured weed,  
Upon the top thereof they sat  
And when to sleep they laid their heads,  
Consumed her dwellers in their beds.   

4. Why should not each man to whose ear  
This news was in the morning brought,  
Upon himself reflect with fear,  
Thus, thereon musing, in his thought?  
LORD, this unlooked for stroke of thine,  
Hath often been deserved by me;  
This sad mishap might have been mine  
This night, had it so pleased thee;  
But, (praised be thy holy name)  
Here, yet alive, and safe I am.   

5. Oh with what terrors, were they struck  
How sadly were they discomposed,  
To find themselves when they awoke  
With stifling fumes, and flames enclosed  
It made their terror much the more,  
If to remembrance they did call  
What they had done, awhile before,  
And, what so quickly did befall.  
More dreadful it appears to me,  
Than Dungeons, Racks, and Halters be.   

6. Thus will they fare, when his last Doom  
To pass on sinners, Christ appears;  
Thus, in a moment, he will come,  
When least the world his coming fears.  
Thus whether than her heedless heart  
Is either sleeping or awake,  
Surprised with a sudden start,  
They shall with horrid terrors quake,  
When they behold with sad amaze,  
All things about them in a blaze.   

7. Unless my thoughts misdictate me,  
A secret Judgement, in this Act,  
May doubtlessly discerned be  
To show GOD's hand was in the fact.  
For, though his ways are in the dark,  
Forth from the Cloud, a flashing breaks  
To show us, (if we such things mark)  
His purpose, by the Course he takes.  
In darkness he hath perfect Light,  
And all men's deeds are in his sight.   

8. But, though this Judgement be severe,  
Let not us who escape it, ween  
Them, greater sinners than we are;  
But, judge what our deserts have been.  
Christ doomed not those whom P●●at slew  
As more to blame, than other men,  
Though with their blood he did imbrue,  
That, which they sacrificed then;  
And of those persons judged as well,  
On whom the Tower of Silo fell.   

9 Hereof, small sense have carnal men;  
This, for sad news, at Noon they tell,  
Return unto their sins again,  
And sleep next night at brink of hell:  
That, which concerns their safety most,  
As quickly slips out of their mind  
As letters written in the dust,  
Blown out with every puff of wind.  
Of others harms, how senseless grown  
Are they, who do not mind their own?   

10. This came to pass within thy walls  
That, thou mightst thereof take good heed,  
Mind, who thereby upon thee calls,  
And think, what further may succeed:  
It was not from those places far,  
Where much to be, thou dost delight,  
That thou shouldst heed thy dealing there;  
And, it befell there in the night,  
That, thou, a stricter watch mayst keep:  
For Satan wakes when men do sleep.   

11. Hereof, likewise, let heed be took,  
That, when thy heart was most supine,  
This Judgement, in upon thee broke,  
Amidst thy Music, mirth and wine;  
And, that, unless for sin thou mourn,  
Relieve and comfort men distressed,  
Thy Feasts, to Fast GOD will turn,  
And, smite thee when thou fearest it least.  
When Sodom sinned without shame,  
Down thereon, Fire and Brimstone came.   

12. The Drowned world, was warned of old  
Of what would in short time befall,  
By Words and Doeeds it was foretold,  
Yet unregarded still by all.  
They married and in marriage gave,  
Did eat and drink, as we do now,  
Did so, the wrath of GOD outbrave,  
And, as we, lived they cared not how:  
But, lo, when in least awe they stood,  
Out break the Deeps, in came the Flood   

13. Thou, LONDON, whosoe re doth weep,  
Dost, on thy Viol, play and sing;  
Thy Children▪ daily revel keep,  
Even when their Passing bells do ring.  
Themselves on costly Beds they stretch,  
Regarding not how Joseph fares;  
To them, who of Repentance preach  
They listen, but with Adder's ears.  
And, well he speeds, who shall be heard,  
If mischiefs be not his reward.   

14 In sixteen hundred ten and one,  
I, notice took of public Crimes,  
With mine own faults, I first begun;  
Observed the Changes of the Times:  
And, what GOD had on me bestown  
Employed for the Common good;  
Therein, I sought to find mine own,  
Which, was so oft misunderstood,  
That I, for being so employed,  
Have been three times, nigh quite destroyed.   

15. In sixteen hundred twenty five,  
When thou wert sick, I watched by thee;  
Then, did my First Forewarning give,  
And, this perhaps, my last must be.  
For, now, my Tools away are took,  
Some things half wrought, some but begun;  
Quite being robbed of all my stock,  
Concludes my work, before 'tis done;  
And that Flesh Rugg, by me yet worn,  
May soon drop off, or, off be torn.   

16. Here, I yet live, where, what me grieves,  
But few of thine, have heeded much;  
Nor Mayors, Aldermen, or Sheriffs  
Or any noble, great or rich;  
But, in Long-suffrings being old,  
(If not relived by the poor)  
By sickness, hunger, or by cold  
Death had ere now, unlocked my door.  
Lest thou as much neglected be,  
Think more on GOD, though less on me.   

17. My Public warnings, are suppressed,  
As once, was Jeremiahs' Roll;  
Which GOD, will when he sees it best,  
Revive, with an enlarged Skroll:  
Meanwhile, by stifled muse tired,  
The flames within me closely penned,  
Like powder in Granado's fired,  
Do tear my heart, through want of vent,  
And crack my earthen vessel more  
Than all my sufferings heretofore.   

18. Within thy West and Eastern Jail.  
Now twice ten months confined I've lain,  
Denied both Relief, and Bail,  
Which Law allows, and Rogues obtain:  
To tell, what others did, or said,  
Is thought in me a grand misdeed,  
Though being of their harms afraid,  
I did but bid my friends take heed:  
If this be falls for words well meant,  
Woe to ill deeds, with ill intent.   

19 Alas! how apt are we to fear,  
Or fancy danger, where is none?  
Yet how unapt, how loath to hear,  
What may prevent a certain one?  
Except propounded in their mode,  
Who, in their own conceit are wise,  
The Counsels both of Men and GOD  
They, either frustrate, or despise:  
Which being well weighed, is a sign,  
That, to destruction they decline.   

20. Seven days before the late sad night,  
Thy Praetor, seized in my hands  
What GOD inclined me to write,  
For timely warnings to these Lands;  
So, that, which to their weal conduced,  
Hath hitherto been fruitless made;  
And, I more strictly have been used,  
Though, I before, hard measure had.  
But, GOD, by whom it was begun,  
Will guard me, till my work is done.   

21. No more seems now within my power,  
But, down to lie, beneath my Lode,  
Attending my Redemption hour,  
With patient waiting on my GOD.  
Yet, there is hope, that Prayers may  
To what is feared stoppage put;  
And, since, to Heaven there's open way,  
(Though from the world, I close am shut)  
As Ionas did (when in a Whale;  
Close prisoner kept) to God i'll call.   

22. Correct us LORD, but not in wrath,  
Purge rather, what misdone hath been,  
By any temporary Death,  
Then by correcting sin with sin,  
For all the blood that hath been spilt,  
Let us, who think ourselves most clear,  
In private, search out our own guilt,  
And, wherein else, we faulty are,  
That, by a self-condemning Doom,  
We may escape the wrath to come.   

23 Preserve thy Church, Lord, bless the King  
And, seeing thou hast him restored,  
Him, out of all his troubles bring,  
And, make his will, with thine, accord,  
That under his Protection here,  
We, without faction, hate or strife,  
(In all uprightness, without fear)  
May live a sanctified life,  
And, he indulge the conscience tender,  
As best becomes, the Faith's Defender.   

Thus, on what lately did befall,  
I sung my Muse, to the wall,  
Which gave thereto, as much regard  
As most will, when abroad 'tis heard:  
For, little have such lines as these,  
Which may a Carnal palate please.  
The wanton hugs a wanton strain,  
The miser, that which treats of Gain;  
Ambitious men give most applause  
To that, which their, Ambition claws;  
In lies and follies, fools delight,  
And, if this ever come to sight,  
It will by none, be relished well  
Save those, with whom the Graces dwell.  
The more Precautions are in season.  
(The more agreeable to Reason)  
Their Rage it will the more increase,  
Who are inclined to oppress;  
And, if I die not in this place,  
It will be merely of GOD's grace,  
To make it known, the Rage of man,  
Is bounded, do the worst he can.  
These Muse, and some other too,  
Escaped surprise, with much ado,  
And, that whereof I was bereft  
Me, for awhile, in sadness left;  
Yet, much more sorrowful am grown  
For others sakes, then for mine own,  
Because, the world so misbefriends,  
What to her own well being tends.  
God, never any Place bereaves  
Of saving means, till him it leaves,  
Nor is their any man quite lost,  
Till he resists the holy Ghost.  
He, helpless leaves no willing one  
In acting what he would have done;  
But, when to selfness, man adheres  
Then, as he worketh, so he fares  
GOD, gives first motion to each wheol,  
In motion also, keeps it still,  
If he with him Compliance feel,  
Else let's it go which way it will.  
Thus he will do, and thus hath done,  
Even ever since the world begun.  
That, men his works and mind might mark,  
He preached by Noah and his Ark,  
And, to prevent their threatened doom  
Allowed them six●one years to come.  
That, Sodom timely might repent,  
He, Lot to be exemplar sent;  
When Balam misaffected was  
He made a Preacher of his Ass;  
And by a Whale, he Ionas sent  
To bid the Ninevites repent,  
Who, more thereto inclined were  
Though heathens, than most Christians are.  
What did to Israel's weal belong,  
He gave by Moses in a song,  
That, when Records could not be had,  
They, thereof mindful might be made.  
When their Transgressions were nigh full,  
To Babel they were sent to school;  
Since which time, they still growing worse  
(Till they incurred cain's dreadful Curse,  
For shedding of their brother's blood,  
Who died zealous of their good)  
Them, out of their good land, GOD hurled,  
To rovee like him about the world;  
Deprived (now sixteen hundred years)  
Of Prophets and Remembrancers:  
And, in this mode, with every Nation  
God deals, e'er final Reprobation.  
LORD! from their wander call them home;  
Into thy fold, back let them come.  
We got advantage by their fall  
Let it increase by their Recall,  
Since they, and we in every sin,  
Have Parallels, a long time been,  
Let our joint force, henceforth be spent  
To move each other to repent,  
That, they and we may in that Place,  
Become Partakers of thy Grace,  
Where Jews and Gentiles shall be saved,  
By our Redeemer, and thy David,  
By wiser men, in times of old,  
Much was expressed, which I have told,  
And, they have both in Prose and Rhymes,  
Forewarnings given in their times;  
Declared in season, how GOD deals  
With wicked Realms and commonweals.  
Our own Records likewise declare  
GOD's frequent dispensations here;  
How constantly, avenging wrath  
In every Age pursued, hath  
The greatest Tyrants in their turns,  
Though sometimes, he their doom adjourns,  
But, that, no just excuse will be  
Either, to other men, or me,  
If we shall negligently do  
What, GOD inclines our hearts unto,  
And may, now, or in future days  
Advance man's welfare, and praise.  
For, on us lieth Obligations,  
To bring forth in our Generations,  
What needful seems to be expressed;  
In such a manner also dressed  
As best that Age's temper fits  
In which we live, and best begets  
A timely heed, in those to whom  
We serviceable would become:  
Yea, we to them must hand it too;  
Else, lamely, we our duties do.  
Thus, I according to my power  
Have done, and therefore kiss the Tower  
From whence, I send this Warning-shot  
By Ammunition hardly got.  
LONDON, as Moses gave a song to be  
Israel's MEMENTO, I give this to thee;  
To show, that (though the world doth me deprive  
Of what was hers) I somewhat have to give  
Which I by GOD's free grace, may call mine own,  
And, is not needlessly on thee bestown.  
But, ere some change, the means thereof bereave,  
Now, both of Friends and Foes, I'll take my leave;  
Adieu my Foes; for often, by event,  
You did me good, though none to me you meant.  
To pray for you, I know, I am your debtor,  
And, therefore so I do; GOD, make you better,  
And so to mark and mind what he intends,  
That, we may in his Love, henceforth be friends.  
My friends, farewel; and no whit grieved be  
Though you should me no more in Babel see,  
For, at the Holy Lamb, we fafe shall meet,  
ere long, in New Jerusalem's high street.   
Written in the Tower 1662..  

The meek, and humble to advise  
I write; but not to teach the wise.  
You must not therefore, here expect,  
Such Strains as these times best affect  
For, you may have enough of those  
By others writ, in verse and prose.    

A SINGLE SACRIFICE, Humbly, offered to Almighty GOD, by the Author during his lonely Confinement in the Tower, to mediate his gracious preventing the Dearth feared, and probably portended, by immoderate Rains in June and July, 1663.  

That he with Tools might for this work be fitted,  
His Jailer, and his Keeper, he outwitted;  
For, 'twas his greatest suffering, to be penned  
From means, to give such meditations vent.   

SIN, like the Ocean (but, not so well bounded)  
These Islands hath on every side surronded,  
And, many Breaches, lately made it hath  
Which to the furious Tempests of GOD's wrath  
Exposeth us (even quite throughout these Lands)  
So, that, Hills, Dales, and all in danger stands.  
The Air, whose cloudy brow, upon us lowrs,  
Dissolves itself, into destructive showers,  
To move us unto tears of penitence  
By feeling that, whereof we have no sense.  
For, they, who are most sensible of spoil  
(by Rains or Droughts) of corn, and wine and oil,  
Feel not in heart, the least remorse for sin;  
But, when they should bewail it, laugh and grin.  
They, who are very froward, and repine  
If they lose but their monk● or their swine,  
(And, sometimes vex themselves till they are sick,  
For losses, not amounting to a Chick)  
And can with many bitter tears, bemoan  
Small sufferings, for their greatest sins shed none.  
In mine own person, I much need not fear  
Such temporary Plagues, as threatened are  
By Rain or Winds, by cold, or scorching wether,  
By sudden floods, or fires; for, I have neither  
Estate to lose, nor hope of getting aught  
Which, by such things▪ may be in hazard brought;  
And, am at present, with my daily bread,  
By his own hand, miraculously fed,  
Whose All-sufficiency, should me sustain  
Though all the world were to be drowned again.  
External things, are little pertinent  
To my chief safety, or my best content:  
For, should a Famine; me of life bereave  
Death would be more advantage then to live  
A life like mine: and as I have been used,  
A speedy death, is rather to be thused.  
Yet, whilst, I may be serviceable made  
To him, from whom, this life at first I had,  
I am content to live till it expires,  
Although it were in storms, in floods or fires;  
And, likewise, am so sensible of that  
Which to the Common welfare doth relate,  
That up to GOD a prayer I'll prefer  
To crave prevention of what many fear:  
For, though I am not suffered to present  
A prayer to King, Lord, or Parliament;  
Here to GOD's Throne I free access have got,  
And he doth hear me when men hear me not:  
Of which assured, in this loneliness,  
Myself to him, I humbly thus address.  
Almighty and most merciful Creater,  
Of heaven and earth, of fire, of air and water,  
With whatsoever, consists of form or matter,  
Of all invisible, or to be seen,  
Of all that is or shall be, or hath been,  
Felt, heard or understood (excepting Sin,  
At whose birth all Privations did begin.)  
Thou, by whose wisdom all the whole Creation,  
Is ordered, and hath still a preservation,  
Make acceptable in thy sight, I pray,  
What I shall meditate or write this day  
And, let not my Requests be flung away,  
Though we have often forfeited again  
That Grace, which we did heretofore obtain,  
And liable to all thy plagues remain.  
We must confess, that in these last three years,  
Thou hast abated many of our fears,  
For thine own sake, and for the sakes of them,  
Whom thy blaspheamers and their Foes contemn.  
Awhile ago, we were surprised with dread  
Of hunger, and the scarcety of bread,  
By such distempered seasons, as foreshowed  
That Chastisement which here, is now renewed;  
And, was removed, ere many had much sense,  
Of what some felt, or of their own offence.  
Once, we were frighted with such sicknesses  
As seemed forerunners of the worst disease;  
And, till this hour, a brutish Discord,  
Keeps us in daily hazard, that the Sword  
Will be again unsheathed: yea, though we are  
Preserved still, from what we justly fear,  
And that, thy patience might be more discerned,  
Have year, by year, been graciously forewarned  
(By Signs and wonders probably foreshowing,  
The sad events, that seem to be pursuing.  
Our crying sins) yet, we do ne'er the less,  
Continue still in our obdurateness.  
Though, much Instruction, likewise, we have had,  
Examples, Premonitions, public made,  
And extraordinary Dispensations,  
To draw us, from our wilful aborrations,  
We so increase them, that, it renders me,  
Exceeding fearful to Petition thee,  
Those temporary Judgements to withdraw  
Whereof, we at this present, stand in awe,  
Lest they, whom no good counsel mollifies  
Thy Justice and thy Mercy quite despise;  
And fall into that Reprobated sauce,  
Which brings unchangeable Impenitence:  
For, that, the Consequence hath often proved,  
When Plagues before Repentance were removed.  
The fields were lately clothed beyond our hope  
With an appearance of a fruitful crop,  
Which moisture by unseasonable showers,  
So evidently, by degrees, devours  
That, most men are afraid the teeming Earth  
Instead of Plenty, will produce a Dearth;  
And, they among us, who do most neglect  
Removal of the Cause, most dread th' effect.  
Yet, humane pity, me doth so incline  
To make the Common fear, a part of mine,  
That, though I am not likely much to gain  
Or lose thereby, whether it shine or Rain,  
I, (as I am a man) well pleased could be  
Thy People's votes, might be vouchsafed by thee.  
To that intent, I meekly do assay  
To mediate; but, now I come to pray,  
That Spirit whose assistance is expected,  
Withdraws, as if my suit would be rejected;  
So, that I know not how to speak or write,  
What gain thy gracious acceptation might  
Though, fear, my prayers may be turned to sin,  
Considering, what Postures we are in.  
For, who, the pleading of their Cause dares own,  
On whom, a righteous King doth justly frown?  
They being Rebels too, in whom appears  
No penitence, but only slavish fears?  
Who, conscientiously, can pray for them  
Who persevere all Justice to contemn?  
Who turn away their eyes, when thou forth send'st  
Foretokens, of what thou for sin intendest?  
Who hide them too, so far forth as they may  
From other men; or, (if that fails) assay  
To misinterpret them, when they do see  
The things nor hid, nor disapproved can be?  
Who, can with Faith, thy Grace for them implore,  
Who, are unmerciful unto the poor?  
Who, daily to thy burning wrath add fuel?  
Who, both to others, and themselves are cruel?  
Who, their afflicted Brethren to dispaiers  
Expose? close up their ears against their prayers?  
And most injuriouslies with those men deal?  
Who, most endeavour, to advance their weal;  
Yea, for whose sakes it is, that they are not  
Destroyed like Sodom, when thou calld'st forth Lot?  
Who, are so far, from striving to be better,  
That still, to hide one sin, they act a greater,  
Till they on one another heap so many  
That they have little shame, or sense any;  
Although their impudent abominations  
Have their Infection spread, through all these Nations?  
LORD! who, on their behalf, can mediate  
For any of those Blessings which relate  
Unto their temporary weal alone,  
Who, of their brethren's welfare, care have none?  
Who, do employ their power, but to oppress?  
Turn all thy Graces into wantonness?  
Fling, as it were defiance against heaven?  
And, though by thee, they freely were forgiven  
Innumerable debts, (and likewise are  
By thee enriched more than before they were)  
Take ne'er the less, their fellows by the throat,  
Who owing them not much more than a Groat,  
Forbearance crave, and at their feet do fall,  
With, promise, when they can, to pay them all?  
What can such look for; but to be bereaven  
Of that Grace, whereby they were once forgiven  
Their debts; or think deserved but, to be laid  
In chains, till every farthing shall be paid?  
Who, can to thee be Advocate for those  
Who, both to Truth and Righteousness, are foes,  
Though they profess both? who, though ever learning,  
Can never get the knowledge & discerning  
Of what pertains to thy essential Truth,  
Because, they being all EAR, or all MOUTH,  
Neither hear willingly, or speak of aught  
Whereby they may to steadfastness be brought?  
But rather itch to hear, and speak, and do  
That, which their own self-will doth prompt them to;  
And, was infused into them by false teachers,  
Whom they suppose to be the foundest Preachers,  
When they confirm them, in what doth belong  
To their will-worship, be it right or wrong;  
And keep up those Diana's, which were made  
Their Goddesses, but to uphold their Trade?  
These, 'twixt Beleivers, do contests maintain  
For Trifles, which tend more to their own Gain  
Then Godliness, or those means to increase  
Which may conduce to setlement of peace,  
In Christian Charity, and Righteousness.  
All, I (with hope to speed) can pray for such  
Is, that they may not love the world too much;  
Or, by hypocrisy, and lip professions,  
(To get themselves a share in her possessions)  
Obstruct the blessed work of Reformation  
By Factions, to the final extirpation  
Of all those Dispensations, which have yet  
Some use; and which, whilst thou dost them permit,  
They to advance thy Glory may improve:  
And, by sincerely seeking Truth in Love,  
So exercise thy Graces, whilst those last,  
That, they will perfect be, when their times past.  
My GOD, for these, to this effect I may  
And, do (I know) with thy allowance pray;  
Because, I hope, 'tis no malicious pride  
Which hath to Selfness, drawn their hearts aside.  
But, as for them, who have inclined their ears  
So long time, to ungodly Counsellors,  
So persevered, in the sinner's way,  
And, therein with delight, so long made stay  
That, to the Scorners Chair advanced they are,  
Resolving with themselves to settle there;  
The Dictates of thy holy ghost contemn,  
Absolve the wicked, Innocents' condemn,  
Term evil, good, the best things evil call,  
(Or, make 'twixt them no difference at all)  
Ascribe thy Attributes unto the Devil  
And his Vicegerent; make thee, of all evil  
Prime Author; Thee, detrude out of thy Throne  
To set their Idol, and themselves thereon;  
Pervert the lawful use of every Creature,  
Till their depraving the whole humane nature  
For Vengeance calls, and as it were, enforces  
Thy Justice to turn Blessings into Curses;  
What can be spoke for these, to save them from  
Thy Judgements here, or in the world to come?  
I cannot, LORD, thy mercy comprehend,  
Nor know how far their malice doth extend,  
Such things, are knowable to thee alone;  
Therefore, concerning these, thy will be done.  
The best of us have gone astray so far,  
In Provocations, that, perhaps here are  
Now, very many in the state of those  
For whom, we are forbid to interpose  
Our mediations betwixt them and Thee,  
As touching Judgements, that now threanned be:  
Such, even among thy People heretofore,  
Made thee forbid a Prophet to implore  
Withholding of those Plagues, which at that time,  
Were threatened to be hurled down on them.  
Yea then, though thy choice worthies should have pleaded.  
That, thy Decree might have been superseaded,  
Thou didst resolve, their suit should not be heard  
For any, save themselves, with good regard.  
When sins grow ripe, and Scandalous become,  
They seldom scape a temporary doom,  
Though thou vouchsafest mercy, as to David  
Whereby, the Souls that sinned, shall be saved,  
LORD, though that growth, our Gild attaineth hath,  
Always remember mercy, in thy wrath.  
Some such like Bar, and prohibition now,  
From thee is issued forth, for aught I know.  
Alas! if so; what possibly can we  
Endeavour, till it shall reversed be?  
Or else dispensed with? I can never pray  
With confidence, for what suspect I may  
Is not precarious: And, as qualified  
We are, things grantable may be denied,  
At least, so long time, as that shall be wanting  
Which makes their chief condition of their granting▪  
'tis not a slavish terror (without Love  
And faithful Penitence) that will remove  
The Plagues that lie upon us; or prevent  
A Threatened Judgement, when 'tis imminent.  
'tis not will worshippings, though much applauded,  
By their approvers, and by them begawded  
With Superstitious Dress, that can please  
Thy Majesty, and thy just wrath appease:  
'tis not our formal whinings, or Orations,  
Or, our Confessions, or our Deprecations,  
Or, Babble with the Tongue, without a heart  
That, will thy threatened Judgements quite divert,  
Till thou hast done thy work which is in hand,  
Or, till we more conform to thy command;  
Whereto, perhaps, that, which we fear, may more  
Conduce, then that, which we to scape implore.  
For, few do conscience of their duties make  
Much longer, than the Rod is on their back.  
Yet, somewhat, makes me hopeful, that thou hast  
Against what I would ask, no sentence past;  
And, fain would I obtain from thee, this day,  
A Public Blessing, ere I go away,  
Which might in some degree, abate the dread  
Whereby, now, many are distempered.  
To thee, thy Children for a Blessing cry  
Upon those Fruits, which drenched in waters lie;  
And (though unworthy) Jacob like, I am  
Resolved with thee, to wrestle for the same.  
Let, not my LORD, be wrath, that I go on  
To prosecute the suit I have begun;  
For, I with filial fear approach thy Throne.  
Direct us, how in this, and such like cases,  
We may make acceptable our Addresses,  
Lest, we grow overwhelmed with despairs,  
Or, come with over peremptory Prayers:  
For, somewhat thou, at all times, hast to grant  
To comfort those, who consolation want,  
When they are sensible of their condition,  
And come before thee with unfaind contrition.  
Yea, though, when we are outwardly distressed,  
We may not absolutely make request  
For what seems needful; yet, when we resign  
In all our suits, our own will unto thine,  
Our wants (if in particular denied)  
Are with a Fatherlike respect supplied  
Some other way, by mercifully granting  
A better thing, then that, which we thought wanting.  
For, thou, till he himself shall bar the door,  
Excludest no man's prayer, who doth implore  
In Faith and Charity, that, which may tend  
To give him, a well-being without end.  
Of this, experiment I oft have had,  
And, me thou confident thereof hast made.  
This Creed, thou hast been pleased to teach me, LORD,  
Both by thy holy spirit, and thy word,  
Confirming my experience day by day,  
That, I to other men declare it may,  
As I in duty, am obliged to do,  
When thou my heart inclinest thereunto.  
And, by thy favour, now proceed I can  
In that, which, when these muse I began,  
I neither able was to prosecute,  
As I intended; or commence my suit,  
In terms, which I could think fit to present  
To thee; or, to myself, could give content.  
But, now the Bars removed and I can make  
A shift to Stammer, what I could not speak.  
By thy Assistance likewise, I believe  
That, what I now shall pray for, thou wilt give;  
Even every thing (implicitly at least)  
Which shall in this my Prayer be expressed:  
I, therefore, in thy sight, now spread abroad  
My private meditations, in this mode;  
And hope, it shall be spread, where many may  
And their Amen to that, for which I pray:  
And, that their joining in this my Oblation,  
Will gain us all shares in thy acceptation.  
Oh! I should then sing, with a Joyful heart  
LORD, let thy servant, now, in peace depart.  
That Everlasting Gospel make more known,  
By which, thy Love eternal is forth shown  
To all mankind; and which, a glorious throng  
Of Angels, published in a Joyful song,  
(Unto the glory of thy blessed Name)  
When first thy Son arrayed with flesh became;  
That, all the world may know, the same Goodwill  
Which thereby was expressed, continues still:  
And, that, Desire to know both Good and Evil,  
Proceeded from our Selves, and from the Devil,  
But, not from thee, who, didst intend Salvation  
To Adam, and to all his Generation;  
Not reprobating any of his Race  
Save such as wilfully despised thy Grace,  
And, justly, caused the product of that  
Which, thou didst never prenecessitate.  
Thy Love to all mankind, compels me oft  
(Though for it, I maligned am, and scoffed)  
To preach it to the world, that, men may more  
Mind it with thankfulness, than heretofore.  
I know this Truth is owned, even among those  
Who, unto thee are yet, apparent foes;  
And, that, hath hindereth many to embrace  
The Doctrine of thy Universal Grace,  
Because, they are not heedful, that, unless  
These held some Truths with that unrighteousness  
Which they maintain, not many would believe  
That Mystery, by which they do deceive.  
But, to prevent their wiles, unclose their eyes,  
Who cannot yet perceive their fallacies;  
And let it be made manifest to them  
Who do not wilfully the means contemn,  
Which, thou vouchsafed unto all men hast,  
And always wilt, at first, or at the last.  
Let that large mercy, our hearts work upon,  
More than thy Judgements hitherto have done;  
To which intention, let thy Saints improve  
That Influence which thy Eternal Love  
Hath shed on them, to work throughout this Nation  
By Love and Gentleness, a Reformation;  
Which will be then more speedy, and sincere▪  
Than that, which is compelled, & wrought by fear.  
Preserve that precious seed, sown in this Land;  
Now, many Ages past, by thine own hand;  
It hath been often watered by the Blood  
Of thy Elect; hath many Storms withstood,  
And took such root, that, now it doth extend  
By several Branches, to the world's far end.  
Permit it not to suffer diminution  
Either by calms, or storms of Persecution.  
Let not the lofty Cedar's over-top it,  
The wild-swine root it up, or tame-beast crop it;  
Nor weeds or brambles (among which it grows)  
Starve it, or choke it; nor the greedy Crows  
Devour it; nor the swarms of Locusts, which  
In smoke, ascended from th' infernal Ditch;  
But, let it, when appearing most oppressed,  
Palm-like most thrive, and be the more increased,  
Till th' earth it fills; and till up-rooted be  
All plants, that were not planted there by thee.  
This, I first pray for Lord, because possessing  
Hereof, doth lay the ground of ev●ry blessing.  
Correct thou not these Nations in thy wrath,  
But, in that measure, which shows mercy hath  
An interest in thy Justice. Let them hold  
The same proportion which they did of old,  
In thy severest chastisements; that, neither  
Both Good and Evil, be destroyed together,  
Nor, their hopes thereby vacated, by whom  
There is a Kingdom looked for, yet to come.  
Five wicked Cities might have spared been,  
Had twice five, Righteous men been found therein:  
Yea, Thou (although in them there was but one)  
Defer'dst their dreadful doom till he was gone.  
LORD, I hope, here are many thousands yet.  
On whom thy Seal, on whom thy Mark is set.  
Who trust in thee, whose faith doth not yet fail;  
Who, their own, and the Nations guilt bewail:  
For their sakes, lay aside thy wrath again;  
Let thy Sun shine, and let thy Clouds drop Rain  
Both on the just and unjust, as thou hast  
Been pleased to vouchsafe in Ages past;  
That, Spring and Summer, Seed and Harvest-times  
Until the world shall end, may in all Climes  
Be from each other still distinguished,  
As long ago, by thee was promised.  
At this time also, to this sinful Nation,  
Extend thy wont favour & compassion,  
By blowing hence those clouds, whose frequent showers  
Spoil not alone grass herbs and pleasant flowers,  
But, threaten also, to destroy those crops,  
Whereby the painful husbandman hath hopes  
To be rewarded for his toil and cost;  
Yea, let this Isle, which now despairs almost,  
Of such a blessing, be secured from  
That Famine, which we are afraid will come.  
Both of our Earthly, and thy heavenly bread,  
Preserve the means, that therewith being fed,  
In soul and body; we may for the same  
In flesh and spirit magnify thy Name▪  
Till Christ shall come. Continue in this place,  
The special pledges, of thy special Grace,  
Close up those Rents, which malice hath made wide;  
Unite by Love, those whom self-will and Pride  
Have disunited: For, thy Love was that  
Which made thee at the first, this world create;  
And, 'tis the same essential Love (by thee  
In thy Elect made active) which must free  
The world again, from that confused estate  
Whereto 'tis brought by Envy and by Hate.  
To that end, let thy spirit, (unto whom  
All Dispensations, till thy Son shall come  
Committed are) The hearts of men incline  
To be obedient ●o that Discipline,  
In every Form, which they believe to be  
To them enjoined by thy word and thee;  
And, that accept of, which they shall profess  
And practise with unbiast Consciences.  
Make thy Elect to stand out all the shocks,  
Of Tyranny, like never moved Rocks;  
And give them prudence, to discern the wiles,  
Whereby, their Antichristian foe beguiles  
Unstable hearts; and please to pardon that  
Wherein through frailty, they shall deviate.  
Endow them withal sanctified graces  
That may enable in their several places  
To do the honour: And, LORD, let the Pride  
Of their Oppressors, break so, and divide  
Their Power and Counsels, that, they may at length  
Be ruined, by their own Wit, and Strength.  
Behold, the many troubles of this Nation,  
With mercy, and vouchsafe it thy salvation.  
Make haste to our deliverance oh LORD,  
And, secure us according to thy word.  
Let them be turned backward, and with shame  
Confounded, who blaspheme thy holy Name;  
Who, with their own inventions do defile  
Thy Ordinances, and pursue the spoil  
Of those who seek thy face. Let them who cry  
Aha, aha, and say insultingly,  
So we would have it, when thy people are  
Oppressed, be caught at last, in their own snare,  
That, they who love thy Truth, may to thy praise  
Rejoice in thy salvation all their days.  
But, gracious LORD, beside that wasting Rain,  
Which makes this Nation with much fear complain  
And brings me now to thee; there is a Flood  
Portending Inundations too, of Blood,  
Even blood of Innocents', for whose prevention  
To be Petitioner I have intention.  
A portion of thy word, concerning Cain  
To me, a mystery seems to contain  
Implying somewhat which relates to those  
Who were, and shall unto thy Saints be foes  
Throughout all Times; and doth relate, likewise,  
To them, who offer thee that sacrifice  
In which thou most delight'st: For, ever since  
That day, Will-worshippers have took offence  
At their Oblations; and proceeded on  
In that, which he so long ago begun.  
Cain was the first that persecuted them  
Who in their worship differed from him;  
And, I collect thence, that, even from that hour  
Thou didst subject them to the temporal power  
Of all those persecutors, of whom, he  
Became the Type, whoever they should be.  
And, as I understand that History,  
Therein is couched the whole mystery  
Of that iniquity, which now is grown  
Almost full ripe, and shall be overthrown  
In thy appointed time; but, not till then,  
Nor by the weapons or the hands of men:  
For, thou hast marked them to be saved from  
Destroying, till their fatal hour is come.  
And I conceive likewise by what thou hast  
In that memorial to the world expressed,  
Thou wilt avenge it, on all, who withstand  
Their persons, with a life-destroying-hand,  
Though they are murderers; &, that, this suctjection  
Tends to thy glory, and the Saints perfection;  
Whereof, some of them, take so little heed,  
That of precautions they may have some need.  
This hath inclined me, conscientiously  
To shun opposing them destructively  
In whom there is a visiability  
Of sovereign Power, although tyrannical;  
Until that some way, it grow doubtful shall  
To whom it appertains; as, here of late,  
When it was thought, thou didst that power translate  
To other hands, and when he, who bereft  
Them thereof, to an Anarchy, us left.  
And, thou, who know'st my heart, know'st I did never  
To pull down, or to set up Thrones endeaver:  
But, only, to preserve the common peace,  
Complide with that, which did the Throne possess,  
Till thou restor'dst him, who was driven hence,  
And, to whom, true, I have been ever since.  
Now, also, to preserve, still, as I ought,  
That peace, whose preservation, I then sought;  
I do implore thee, on behalf of him  
Who wears this day, the Supreme Diadem,  
That, from those evil Counsellors, he may  
Delivered be, who do, or shall assay,  
To bring him to a wilful resolution,  
Of being partner in that persecution  
Which they intent: And that, in all temptations  
(And maugre all severest provocations)  
Thy Saints, may be preserved from contriving  
And acting, what may tend to the depriving  
Them of their lives or power, who e'er they be,  
On whom that Power shall be conferred by thee.  
And, grace vouchsafe them, always to persist  
In that obedience, which may manifest  
That, conscientiously they may submit  
To what thou hast ordained, or shall permit  
For their probation; till the feud and War  
'Twixt Good and Evil, at a period are:  
And, that, upon thy will they may attend  
Until that Good and Evil, hath an end,  
Which had form us proceeding, and gives place  
To that Eternal GOODNESS, which IS, WASPE  
And SHALL BE, when all evil heretofore  
In Being, shall a being have no more.  
Meanwhile confer all means, whereby both they  
And he, may walk on, in a peaceful way.  
Thy Judgement to the King vouchsafe to give  
That, he, and we in Righteousness may live:  
That, he may to the Prisoners and the poor,  
Show mercy; to the wronged, their deuce restore;  
And be as kind and merciful to them,  
Who are oppressed, as thou hast been to him:  
That, our high Mountains may produce thy peace,  
And little Hills, the fruits of Righteousness;  
For, whether high or low, all shall receive  
Such measure, as to other men they give.  
I know this will be done, even by the drops  
Of mercy, which to keep alive my hopes,  
Are in this place, to me derived from  
Thy Bounty, to fore-shew, a shower will come  
That shall refresh both me, and those, at full,  
Who, at this time, each others case condole.  
Be pleased to confirm this my belief,  
Redouble still, our Courage as our Grief  
Shall be augmented: And although among  
Thy Foes, our bodies perish in the throng;  
By those external Judgements, which we shall  
Occasion to be Epidemical,  
Inflict them, rather than permit thy Name  
To be exposed to reproachful shame,  
By suffering wickedness with proud despite,  
To violate thy Justice in thy sight;  
Or, wantonise with grace, till it becomes  
The saddest of all Temporary dooms:  
For, common miseries less grievous are  
Unto thy Saints, though they in them have share,  
Then all their private sufferings, when they see  
Their insolence who slighted them and thee,  
So winked at, as if thou either wouldst not,  
Avenge thyself upon them, or else could not.  
Thy Soldiers will be pleased amid thy foes  
To die, ere any honour thou shouldst lose,  
Since death by them, needs never to be feared,  
Who know with what life, thou wilt them reward.  
Let Dagons' temple then, be overthrown  
Though Samson die, in pulling of it down:  
For all thy Soldiers, seek their glorifying  
In conquering, although it be by dying.  
Our General, in person, led the Van  
That way, when he his glorious Conquest wan,  
Bereft Death of his deadly sting, thereby,  
And, over Hell, triumphed gloriously.  
Preserve those, in thy Truth by Faith and Love,  
Whom thou shalt please in these last times to prove  
By fiery trials: So, what e'er wind blows,  
Whether, it reins or shines, or hails or snows;  
Whether thou shak'st the heavens or the earth,  
Or both; whether, War, Pestilence, or Dearth  
Shall visit this deprayed Generation,  
Thine, shall be free from inward pertubation,  
And sing, a blessed Requiem to their soul,  
When their Oppressors gnash their teeth and howl.  
To that Salvation which thou dost design  
For thy Elect, preserve thou, me and mine;  
And, in our several passages thereto,  
Whether, the way in which we are to go  
Be either rough or smooth, or short or long,  
Keep us content; and let our Faith be strong  
Although the flesh is weak. Let our Afflictions  
And, our prosperities; with benedictions  
So sanctified be throughout our days,  
That, thou mayst in our lives & deaths have praise  
A large Petititon (whereof now bereft)  
Before thy face, long since engrossed I left,  
Whereby, I thee besought to this effect,  
For my Posterity; and to direct  
And keep them in thy ways: LORD, though to me  
The words are lost, they are not so to thee;  
My spoilers, cannot hide them from thine eyes,  
Nor wilt thou, my Requests therein despise.  
Rememember those, by whom we have been fed,  
When we were by the world deprived of brea●  
Vouchsafe thou, for their Charitableness,  
They, never want a Friend in their distress;  
Or comforts, when on their sick beds they lie,  
Or, Freedom, though on outward bands they die:  
Mind them, when I of them forgetful grow;  
Know them, though I their persons may not know;  
Their Alms-deeds, which they labour to conceal,  
Let thy Son, before all the world reveal;  
And, what for me or mine, in these my prayers,  
I have desired, grant to them and theirs.  
My Foes have some way been my Benefactors,  
(Though, therein, they against their wills were Actors  
For, that, which to afflict me they design,  
Adds more to their vexation, then to mine;  
And, that, whereby, they thought me to have harmed,  
Against all future mischiefs, me hath armed.  
In which respect, without dissimulations,  
They, are to me, an object of compassion,  
And, I beseech thee, so their hearts to turn  
That, for their sins, they heartily may mourn.  
To operate in them a preparation,  
To prosecute the means of their salvation,  
Their, too much loving of themselves abate▪  
Which hath inclined them other men to hate,  
And more to punish them, who reprehend,  
Their sins, than those, who, against thee offend.  
Bereave them of that wealth, in which they trust,  
And spend, in giving fuel to their lust;  
That Power exorbitant, make to be less,  
Which doth but Pride, and Tyranny increase;  
Lest they may make themselves the slaves of sin,  
And to be Devils, who might Gods have been,  
Forgive them their offences against thee,  
When for them, truly penitent they be:  
For, all their wrongs to me I can forgive  
As I from thee forgiveness would receive.  
This Charity of mine to them, is thine;  
Thou, thereunto my heart dost now incline;  
Then, surely, if thou hast a love for those  
Who hate thee, yea whilst they continue Foes,  
Thou wilt on them bestow all I can crave,  
If they contemn not, that which they might have,  
And, who, can then, be hopeless of thy Grace,  
Who, in true faith, and love shall seek thy face?  
Oh hear me, in what to their welfare tends,  
For all in general, both Foes and Friends,  
(To whom, Christ's ransom shall not bounded be,  
More by their own fault, then by thy Decree;  
And who against themselves, shut not that Gate  
Which thou to all Mankind, hast open set.)  
Make us true Lovers, as we ought to be,  
And, we shall be beloved still of thee.  
Incline us charitably to regard  
The poor man's prayers and ours shall be heard.  
Make us upright, and then shall rich and poor,  
More advantageous be then heretofore  
Unto themselves; and they who hate each other,  
Shall love, and live in amity together.  
None, then shall make a prayer, to enjoy  
In private, what weal- public, may destroy.  
But, all our suits, (as in destructive Rains  
Or Droughts) shall be preferred for what pertains  
Unto the common good; and very many  
Be benefitted, without harm to any.  
I shall, moreover, be permitted then,  
To do thee service with my Tongue and Pen,  
And, thou, with other blessings, wilt send high her  
What I now pray for, seasonable weather.  
LORD! should these meditations be despised,  
Or, (as some have been lately) here surprised,  
And smothered; I beseech thee, let them not  
By thee, be disregarded or forgot;  
Nor that, which yet remains to be expressed,  
Be stifled any longer in my breast:  
For, that, hath been more torment to my mind,  
Then to my Body, to be here confined.  
But, each branch only grant of these Requests  
As with thine own good pleasure best consists,  
And, that in chief, which hath preferred been  
To work in us, Repentance of all sin;  
Lest else, when from one Judgement we are freed,  
Another, and another still succeed,  
Till e'er from all our fear●, thou us deliver,  
We feel the sharpest arrows in thy Quiver.  
Though all alone, the world hath shut me here,  
And, from herself, exiled me, as it were,  
She, being part of that great Work Divine,  
In which there is aswel a share of mine  
As hers: (And, though no sense she seems to have  
Of what I suffer in this living Grave)  
I have a Fellow-feeling of her fears,  
As by those private muse it appears,  
Which often, heretofore I have expressed,  
On her behalf, and now, by this Request;  
Which GOD (I know) for his own sake hath heard,  
Although my prayer merits no regard.  
The last great Rainy-day, I first begun  
These Meditations; and, ere they were done,  
The Clouds were blown away, the Sun appeared,  
The face of heaven was from thick vapours cleared,  
And, he, who lately mustered them together,  
Continues, yet, a seasonable weather  
That will renew the hopes (if it holds on)  
Which this year promised, when it begun.  
For, (to the blessed name of GOD be praise)  
The earth begins her face again to raise,  
Out of her watery bed, cheered by those Rays  
Whose absence made her many weeks of days  
Sat melancholy, and aside to throw,  
Those dress, wherewith she is trimmed now.  
This, doth to me, appear to be a sign  
That, to compassion, GOD doth sti●● incline,  
And, will, once more make proof what Reformation  
Shall be endeavoured after this probation.  
Oh! in some measure, let this grace effect  
That, which be justly, may from us expect,  
Lest worse befall: For, GOD will not be mocked;  
The doors of heaven, are not yet so fast locked,  
But, that, he suddenly may send again,  
Not only such another wasting rain,  
(Or in the stead thereof a scorching Drought  
And make the tongue, cleave to the parched mouth▪)  
But Fire and Brimstone too, if he so please;  
Whereas, now, whilst his mercy doth appease  
His wrath a little hearty penitence,  
Improved may keep some other Plague from hence,  
And, for one sin that truly is repent,  
Three may removed be, or else prevented.   
Meditated and composed during the Author's close Confinement in the Tower, July. 1663.  Psalm 107.8. 
Oh! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wondrous works to the Children of men.  
The whole Psalm is very pertinent to stir up to a due consideration and practice of this duty.   

June 15, 1665. A PRECAUTION Relating to the time present.  
Two years are past, since what precedes was writ  
When here, Excessive Rains occasioned it.  
The present Drougth, now makes us as much fear,  
A Dearth may probably conclude this year:  
For want of timely moisture, in the spring,  
Hath in the Bud, ni●t many a growing thing;  
And that Defect continuing to this day,  
Starves herbs, and turns the standing grass to hay.  
The Winter corn, as yet, prick up their ears;  
But, to decay, the Summer Crop appears;  
And both (if GOD prevent not) may consume  
Before our usual harvest time is come.  
As, when to cure, or give their Patient's ease,  
(Who long have suffered by a strong Disease)  
A good Physician first applies for cures  
His best known helps in such distemperatures,  
That f●iling, tries another; and that done,  
Doth then, through every course of Physic run,  
Repeats it often too; and as Events  
Occasion it, makes new Experiments:  
Even so, hath GOD proceeded with this Nation,  
To bring us to a timely Reformation;  
Yet, our habitual wickedness is such,  
That, nothing works upon us very much,  
Except it be the quite contrary way:  
For, when we should Repent, and Fast and Pray,  
We Feast and Triumph: when we should release  
The Prisoner, we the Freeman do oppress.  
When we the poor and needy should relieve,  
The Rich we beggar, and the poor we grieve.  
When Princes should put mourning Garments on,  
Each Vassal is arrayed like a Don.  
The meanest Pinnaces wear Silken Sails,  
And like the Peacock spread their gaudy Tails.  
Yea, in the steed of due humiliations,  
In public, here are public provocations,  
Still multiplied quite throughout the land,  
Even whilst we lie beneath GOD's heavy hand,  
And manifestly see, both every blessing  
Withdrawing, and Plagues every day increasing.  
He therefore justly may, if so he pleases,  
Do, like Physicians, when they find Diseases  
To, be incurable. They then permit,  
Such Patients to take what course they think fit;  
Leave them to any Empiric, who will  
Pretend to that wherein he hath no skill;  
Send them to Epsom, or the Tunbridge water,  
Or, that at Lewsham (to which 'tis no matter)  
Or to that Country Air, where first they drew  
Their breaths, to try what thereon will ensue.  
Thither, if GOD sends after them a Blessing,  
'tis more than they deserve, and worth confessing:  
For, 'tis of his mere Grace; And, this, sometimes  
He doth vouchsafe ere men repent their Crimes.  
Such mercies none can sound, much less express;  
For they are infinitely fathomless.  
And if they work not, in a timely day,  
GOD's will be done, is all, that I dare pray.   

The Author's Epitaph.  
Composed by himself, upon a Common fame Of his being dead and buried. It hath a short Preface prefixed, and an Epilogue added after it, for a Copartment to set it off.  

The Preface.  
Rumours of things that shall be, are begun  
Sometimes, before they actually are done,  
That, we thereby forewarned, may prepare  
To entertain them, when in Act they are;  
And, four times, at the least, (though yet I am  
Surviving it) my death hath been by Fame  
Divulged so, that some, no credit give  
To those men who affirm that I yet live.  
At this time also, a Report doth go  
That, I was lately dead and buried too:  
Perhaps, not without being foredesigned  
That I, in prison might be hunger-pined:  
For, having nothing left, that was mine own,  
Or aught allowed, save what should be bestown,  
By their compassion, who have me preserved  
From being in my close Confinement starved,  
I might have died indeed through want of bread,  
Had all my Friends believed me to be dead.  
It may have likewise, an Ill Consequent,  
If, I shall be released; which, to prevent  
I have composed this following Epitaph,  
Thus Prefaced, with this short Paragraph,  
And, sent it to my Friends, that, they may know  
I live, and live in hope, that what I owe  
To them, repaid (in life or death) shall be,  
By GOD, although, not probably by me.  
That, also, what this Epitaph expresseth  
May mind me of my duty, till life ceaseth;  
And, be by others, with some profit read,  
Both whilst, that I am living, and when dead.   

The Epitaph.  

By way of Epitaph, thus said  
George Whither, when Fame voiced him dead.   

IF, I did scape the dooms of those,  
Whose heads and limbs, fed Rats and Crows,  
(And, was not thrown into the fire  
Or water, when breath did exspire)  
Then, here, (or somewhere else) my Bones,  
Lie raked up, with Earth and Stones.  
Their burial place, you shall do well  
To learn from those men who can tell,  
And in what mode interred they were;  
For, I do neither know nor care,  
Or, what was either sung, or said,  
By others, when I there was laid;  
Nor any whit, suspicious am  
That, they shall be exposed to shame  
Nor fear I troubling of their rest,  
By those who living men molest,  
Because, how e'er the world shall please  
To use them, they shall be at ease,  
When that, which her despite intends  
To me, shall cease on her own friends  
As it befell to some, of late,  
If that be true, which fame doth prate.  
My Life was nor too long, nor short,  
Nor, without Good and Ill Report;  
And, profited, as many ways  
I was by Scandals, as by praise.  
Great foes I had, and very many,  
Friends too, a few, as kind as any  
And, seldom felt their earthly hell,  
Who love, and are not loved as well:  
For, that, whereof they had sharp sense,  
I knew, but, by intelligence.  
A Wife I had, as fit for me  
As any one a live could be;  
Yea, as if, GOD, out of each other  
Had made us, to be joined together.  
And, whilst she lives, what ere is said  
Of my Death, I am but half dead.  
Beside the Issue of my Brain,  
I had six children, whereof twain  
Did live, when we divided were,  
And, I, alive was buried here.  
When, Portious, I had none to give  
God gave them (as I, did believe  
He would) a means, whereby to live:  
Which is here mentioned, to this end,  
That others, may on him depend.  
I prized no Honours, bought or sold,  
Nor wished for youth, when I was old,  
But, what each Age, Place, and Degree,  
Might best become, best pleased me.  
I coveted nor Ease, nor Wealth  
(No, not enjoyment of my health)  
Ought further, than it had relation  
To Gods' praise; and my Souls Salvation.  
When I seemed rich, I wanted more  
Than e'er I did when deemed poor;  
And, when in Body, most confined,  
Enjoyed most freedom in my mind.  
I was not Factious or Seditious,  
Though thereof, many were Suspicious,  
Because, I humoured not the times,  
In Follies, and destructive crimes.  
In things, that Good or Evil were,  
I had abundantly my share;  
And, never wished to change my Lot  
For what another man had got,  
Or, that, in any time or place,  
My Birth had been, save where it was  
So wise I was not to be mad  
Though much oppressed; or, to be sad  
When my Relations did conceive  
I had exceeding Cause to grieve:  
For, GOD, in season, still supplied  
Those needful things the world denied,  
Disposing every thing, so well  
To my content, what ere befell,  
That, thankful praise to him was due;  
And, will be, for what shall ensue.  
I sold not Honesty, to buy  
A formal Garb of Sanctity;  
Nor to hate any was inclined,  
Because, they were not of my mind;  
Nor feared to publish truths in season,  
Though termed Heresy or Treason,  
But, spoke, what I conceived might tend  
To benefit both foe and friend;  
And, if in Love, they seemed sincere,  
With their Infirmities, could bear.  
I practised what I did believe,  
And pinned upon no man's sleeve,  
My Faith or Conscience; for, there's none  
Judgd, by what other men have done.  
My sins were great, and numerous grown;  
My Righteousness, was not mine own,  
Yet, more prevailed by Grace divine,  
Then if it had been wholly mine.  
I loved all men, feared none  
Except myself, and GOD alone;  
And, when I knew him, did not make  
Esteem of aught, but for his sake.  
On him, in life time I depended,  
By Death are all my troubles ended,  
And, I shall live again, even here,  
When my Redeemer, doth appear,  
Which (by what I have seen and heard)  
I know, will not be long deferred;  
Nor that Reign, here on Earth, among  
His Saints, which they have looked for long.  
But, that, which we shall then behold,  
May better be believed then told;  
Because, we may presume as well  
To put the Sea into a shell,  
As to demonstrate, unto men▪  
Of flesh and blood, what will be then.  
Nor oft, nor much desire had I,  
Long time to live, or soon to die;  
But, did the work I had to do,  
As I enabled was thereto;  
Then, whether it seemed Good or Ill,  
Left that, and all things, to Gods will;  
And, when this mind is not in me,  
That, I am dead, assured be.  
Do Reader, what I have well done;  
What I have erred in, learn to shun;  
And, when I must no more appear,  
Let this, be thy Remembrancer.    

The Epilogue.  
THis, I perceive will take up too much Room,  
Within a Church, or, on a Chapel Tomb;  
And, peradventure, need a larger Stone  
Than my estate will buy to write it on:  
I'll therefore, let it wander on betwixt  
The two Poles, till it finds where to be fixed:  
For, though it seems brought forth before the time,  
It may, whilst it continues in this Clime,  
Some way advantage me, by bringing that  
Into my mind, which I might else forget,  
That, Whilst I live, I might conform thereto  
So far forth, as I am obliged to do.  
Moreover, I shall know, (when this is read)  
What will be said of me when I am dead;  
Which, that man cannot hear, who shall not have  
An Epitaph, till he is in his Grave.  
Some part thereof, may likewise useful seem  
To others, who my words, now disesteem:  
For, through the spacious earth, I know not aught,  
That is, or may be said▪ or done, or thought,  
But, hath a tendance, if we heed it will,  
Either to what is good or what is ill:  
A Single hair, or fluttring of a Bird,  
May providentially, sometimes afford  
Hints, or precautions, to incline us, to  
What we ought to Observe, believe, or do.  
This, also will be, as it were, to some  
A Messenger, who from the dead is come,  
To Preach what is agreeable to Reason,  
(Although it be a Preachment out of season)  
But, now, both dead and living Preachers too,  
Are slighted, whatsoever they say or do.  
And, if such Predicants found no regard,  
Where Moses and the Prophets were not heard,  
What, probably, from those can be expected  
Who Christ and his Apostles, have neglected?  
Yet, from dead Letters, and from men deceased  
There comes (from what in life-time they expressed)  
A voice sometimes, to which men will incline,  
A willing ear; and so, there will from mine.    

A Petitionary Meditation on the behalf of F. S. The Authors much Honoured and Charitable, Friend then visited by a Languishing Sickness.  

In my contemplating, VERSE, is to me  
What DAVID's Harp, to him, was wont to be;  
And, (on occasions offered) unto GOD)  
I, often, make Addresses, in this mode.   

LORD, thou didst raise me friends, when few or none  
I had, whom I could much depend upon;  
And, none of those, had they not first been thine,  
Could possibly have been a Friend of mine,  
In such a manner, or at such a time  
As when thy kindness did appear in them:  
For, such Respectiveness, to men that are  
In my case is at this time, very rare.  
Thereby, they worthily therefore, are grown  
More precious for thy sake, then for their own;  
And, me to them it binds, in Bonds more strong,  
Then if their friendship, from themselves had sprung.  
My GOD, to thee, for one of those by whom  
Thou hast refreshed me I now am come  
To offer what my poverty affords;  
Which (though it be no more than hearty words)  
Be pleased to accept, for those proceeds,  
That were extended unto me in deeds;  
And, thereunto, vouchsafe thou to impute  
That vigour, which I cannot contribute;  
Since, there is nothing in my best oblation▪  
Which of itself, can merit acceptation.  
On his behalf, whom thou to me hast given,  
I, here on earth, Petition thee in heaven,  
Not for our own deserts, but for his sake,  
Who did for all mankind atonement make)  
That (if it shall be pleasing unto thee)  
His crazed health may now renewed be,  
And, he continue by thy preservation,  
A faithful servant to this generation,  
Till he those works hath finished altogether,  
For which thou principally sent'st him hither;  
And, till they who yet want him, less may miss  
His passage from them, to eternal Bliss:  
For, Life, and all that therewith is bestown,  
He had, as well for their sakes, as his own.  
Thy people thought themselves obliged to plead  
To Christ for him, who for them, had but made  
A Synagogue: Elias thou didst hear  
For, her, by whom, refreshed his bowels were:  
And, thou hast promised an easy bed,  
To them, by whom the hungry soul is fed;  
Whereby I am encouraged, and inclined,  
To pray for him; who hath to me been kind,  
With hope, it shall some good product beget  
Both to thy glory, and his benefit.  
For, thou hast to the prayers of the poor,  
An ear as open, now, as heretofore,  
And grantst the humble suits of faithful men,  
Aswell, as of thy greatest Prophets, then.  
To thee, I dare not absolutely pray  
For aught, belonging to the present day,  
Save what that pattern warrants, which hath taught  
To whom, for what, and how to pray we ought.  
When therefore LORD, my frailty shall incline  
My will, to what repugnant is to thine,  
(Though I should ask it) let it be denied,  
And, wants, according to thy will supplied.  
The objects, and the subjects, of my prayers  
Are positively, nor hopes fears, or despairs,  
Or pains, or pleasures; neither joy nor grief;  
No nor a temporary Death or Life,  
(Though they concern myself) except they fall  
Within the verge of that Conditional  
With which thou bound'st them: For enough there is  
Besides that, grantable, unless amiss  
We ask it. And soonest, thou wilt that dispense,  
When Faith assaults thee with most violence.  
Such things as thou hast promised, we may crave;  
Such things in their best season, we shall have,  
Though they are oft deferred, till we know better  
How, by their use, to make the blessings greater:  
Such things, I dare to ask, and persevere  
In ask them, until vouchsafed they are;  
And, such things, i'll now beg of thee, for him  
Whose cause I plead: LORD, therefore grant thou them  
Confirm him in that Love, whence all things had  
Their Being's, when created things were made;  
And, which at last, will knit up all in one  
That was created, when the world begun.  
Contentment give him, with what change soe'er  
Thou shalt be pleased to exercise him here.  
Preserve him in the saving faith of CHRIST,  
Which will secure the blessed interest  
That, he to all men offers; and to none  
Denieth, who, to lay fast hold thereon  
Not wilfully, and finally neglects,  
Thou having cured his natural defects.  
Grant him true self-denial: him befriend,  
With constant perseverance to the end  
Of all his trials: Every sin forgive  
Committed in the flesh, whilst he shall live.  
Enable him, whilst he hath time and place,  
To make such an improvement of thy grace  
On him conferred, that, as day by day,  
Sin sprouts up, it may rooted be away.  
In all, whereby the world, the flesh, or Devil  
May him assault, deliver him from evil,  
And all distemperatures, that may begin  
Either from things without him, or within.  
Let these Petitions, for his Consolation  
Be sanctified by CHRIST's Mediation,  
And lie still spread before thee, whilst in life,  
My Friend is sensible of pains and grief.  
So far forth also, as that, which by me  
Is prayed for now, shall with thy will agree,  
Let him with faith, in our Redeemers name  
Both for himself and me, desire the same.  
And (to conclude this prayer) let all those  
By whom, thou hast been pleased to dispose▪  
Thy manifold Love-tokens unto me,  
In all, here prayed for, partakers be  
At every need; till thou translatst us thither  
Where, all thine, shall with thee, live still together.   
Amen.   

ERRATA.  
PAge 3 l. 29. read persecute. p. 8. l 31. r. persever. p. 13. l. 15. r. war for fear p. 17. l. 1. r. our own p. 23. l. 1. r. so to p. 24. l. 4. r. their Fallacies p. 25. l. 13. r. harvest time, & p. 40. l. 18. God, praise p. 46. l. 5. r. through, & for Reb. r. Rebels p. 50 l. 10. r. the, for there. p. 56. l. 13. thee for the p. 58. l. 30. r. on for in.  
FINIS.