I Have read over this book of forty nine Chapters, entitled, The Merchant distressed his Observations: and find the matter honest peaceful Truth, the Practice such as may serve for premonition and example fit to be public in Print.  
Io: Langley.   

THE DISTRESSED MERCHANT.  
AND The prisoner's comfort in distress.  
When he was a prisoner in London, in Chap. 49. the Reader may take notice of,  

I. His Observations of many passages in prison, during his being there.  
II. The several humours and carriages of his fellow Prisoners.  
III. His advice to them, and to some of his and their kin, and unkind friends.  
IV. God's singular care and providence over all distressed prisoners, that put their trust in him in all afflictions.   PSAL. 94. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul. 
Written by William Bagwell Merchant.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Wodenothe, at the Star under Peter's Church in Cornhill. 1645.   

To the worshipful William Barkeley, Alderman of London, and one of the Commissioners for the receipt of customs.  
Worthy Sir:  
I Have in my troubles (among other things) observed that when the Lord 
a Job 12. 5.  deprives a man of the superfluous things of this life, 
b Lam. 3. 2.  and brings him into distress, 
c Pro. 19 7.  his friends and acquaintance are then wanting unto him, 
d Psal. 38. 11.  they stand aloof, 
e Job 10. 1.  and leave him to himself, being (in their opinions) in so miserable a state and condition; 
f Deut. 8. 5.  this is the usual manner of God's dealing with those whom he loves, for by this means, 
g 2 Cor. 4. 16.  though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. But when the Lord is graciously pleased to 
h Jonah. 4. 6.  deliver the party afflicted from his grief, 
h Psal. 90. 15.  he is exceeding glad, and then his 
i Job 42. 11.  friends and acquaintance rejoice with him, and express their love and affections towards him in a bountiful manner: 
k Psal. 116. 5, 6.  this have I (through God's goodness) known by experience, especially these latter times: 
l Psal. 5. 12.  for many are the courtesies which I have received from divers friends, 
m 1 Cor. 16. 18  the which I shall ever acknowledge. But the truth is, the continuance of 
n Psal. 112. 5.  your great favours, is such a happiness to me, as I must needs confess you are to me more like a 
o Job 29. 16.  father then a friend or master. And therefore an so much the more obliged unto you. 
p Pro. 18. 24.  In testimony thereof, and of the true love and service I owe you, I humbly dedicate to you these first fruits of my poor endeavours, gathered in my aforesaid troubles, (when I was 
q Jer. 32. 2.  shut up in a miserable place from the delights of the world) out of 
r Cant. 5. 1.  the spiritual garden of God's Word; wherefore my hope is you will 
s Psal. 119. 103.  relish them so much the better, and vouchsafe them your kind acceptance, though published by so weak an Instrument as myself, whose further endeavours (notwithstanding) shall be to do somewhat more some other way, that may conduce to the public welfare, as God (the 
t Jam. 1. 5. 17.  liberal giver of all good gifts) shall enable me: To whom I commit both you and all yours, and remain,  
Your worship's most humble servant, William Bagwell. May 18. 1644.   

The Epistle to the courteous Reader.  
IT is not unknown to many, how that of late years I 
a Eccles 2. 24.  enjoyed the blessings of this life with much comfort, and how I then lived in good credit, being much respected of friends and kindred who 
b Psal. 55. 14.  delighted in my company, and many were as glad to receive courtesies from me, as I was willing to bestow them. 
c Pro. 23. 24.  But this lasted not long, for after a while 
d Job 3. 26.  I fell into many troubles, and then 
e Psal. 107. 27.  I lost myself, 
f Job 19 14.  and my friends, I lost my 
g Pro. 23. 5.  estate, my 
h Psal. 7. 5.  credit, and 
i Rev. 18. 17.  trading, and after that to make up the Tragedy, I lost my liberty, being 
k Mat. 18. 30.  cast into prison for a small debt, which I was not able to pay, and being there a while (
l 1 Sam 30. 4.  at the centre of all my troubles and miseries) 
m Psal 69 20.  destitute of all outward comforts, did then begin to think 
n Psal. 39 5.  of the vanities of the world, 
n Eccles 2. 17.  and 
o Psal. 25. 1.  lifting up my soul to God, 
p Psal. 37 4.  desired him to give me some inward comfort, which was not in vain, for being 
q Pro. 3. 6.  directed by him, I found 
r Rom. 12. 12.  patience, 
s 2 Cor. 1. 12.  and peace of conscience: I found 
t Heb. 13. 5.  contentment, 
u and 10. 24.  love and 
x Job 10. 12.  favour, I found 
y Jam. 1. 2.  joy of heart, 
* Eph. 4. 23.  and liberty of mind, so that at length more thought 
z Phil. 3. 8.  I found a great deal more than I lost, all which by a diligence 
a John 5. 39  search I found out of God's Word the holy Bible, which was the only book I had (for in my necessities I was forced to pawn and sell away all my other books) Wherefore 
b Acts 17. 11.  I applying myself wholly thereunto, found therein such 
c 2 Tim. 3. 16.  variety of matter (
d Psal. 119. 9●. 143.  wherewith my soul was so delighted) that I could not be quiet in my mind until I had set up a new trade, (for, for want of other employment I was fain to turn Poet) and although I was very 
e Heb. 5. 13.  unskilful therein, being but a 
f 1 Pet. 2. 2.  new beginner) yet my endeavours were not wanting to give the best content I could to all my customers both at home and abroad. Yet notwithstanding all this, in regard I could not procure so much as would discharge my chamber rent, I was threatened by my Landlord (the Master of the Prison) to be turned out of my lodging and put into a 
g Act. 5. 18.  worse place in the same prison, which did in some sort trouble my mind, because I knew not how to prevent it. But whilst I was musing with myself how I should 
h Jer. 37▪ 20.  be able to endure that misery, 
i Jer. 38▪ 8, 9  the Lord raised me up a friend in another kingdom, 
k Jer. 38. 13.  by whose means I was forthwith delivered out of that distress, and set at liberty.  
Since which time till now of late I was not resolved to publish these the first fruits of my poor endeavours: but being thereunto moved by some friends, and considering 
l Rom. 15. 4.  the substance thereof drawn from the holy Scriptures so agreeable to each circumstance, I could not but conceive them worthy of acceptance, and the rather because people 
m Act. 13. 26.  of all sorts, whether they be young or old, male or female, rich or poor, whether they live in prosperity or adversity, whether they be sick or in health, they may observe and suck some sweetness out of them, although they seem to be never so plain, I know they are 
n 2 Cor. 3. 12.  very plain, and therefore may peradventure be by some curious wits the less regarded, but those who are of 
o Psal 34. 2.  an humble spirit, will like them never a whit the worse for that, but rather conclude and say (according to the old proverb) that plain dealing is a jewel, and make good use thereof 
p 1 Cor. 10. 31  to God's glory, and their 
q Psal. 119. 50  own comfort.  
To conclude: 
r 2 Chron. 33. 12, 13.  The Prison was the best school that ever I went to, and 
s Mat. 22. 16.  he that taught me, the best Master that ever taught, the book I learned in 
t 2 Tim. 3. 15.  the best book that ever was read, the lesson I learned out of that book, 
u Phil. 4. 11.  the best lesson that ever I learned, and the time I spent there 
x 2 Chron. 33. 12, 13.  the best time that ever I spent. An account of all which I have briefly and plainly set down in the ensuing particular directions contained in this small Volume, which I humbly present to all those that 
y Pro. 2. 3, 4, 5.  desire the knowledge of 
z Psal. 119. 162  God's word, the only 
a Psal 9 9  refuge for the distressed and afflicted, and chiefest joy and 
b Psal. 119. 16  delight to those that are in prosperity, who count themselves but 
c Psal. 119. 19 Heb. 11. 13.  strangers in this world, setting little by the things of greatest price (they enjoy here) in comparison of those 
d Luke 12. 33.  heavenly treasures above which are not seen.  
Now although it be but a little 
e Luke 11. 33.  candle (which I thought not good to keep secret any longer) yet it giveth so much light as the Reader may thereby see and observe that this work is none of mine, the main substance and matter is God's own word. In the labour of disposing and ordering them, I have used my best skill, and if you please to accept of them, I shall then think my time well spent for the good of others as well as myself: Desiring the Lord to bless and prosper all our good endeavours, that we may 
f Acts 23 1.  so live in his fear, and 
g John 15. 8.  glorify him in this life, as we may hereafter 
h Rom. 14. 8.  die in his favour, and be 
i Rom. 8. 16, 17.  glorified of him in the world to come. Amen.  
Yours in all true loving and Christian affection, William Bagwell.   

The Preface.  
To all Christian people distressed and afflicted in what kind soever.  
ALL men naturally 
a Pro. 30. 8.  desire to live peaceably, contentedly, and to be freed from all manner of 
b Psal. 143. 11.  troubles, afflictions and distresses (
c Pro. 15. 10.  which are so grievous to the senses,) but this happeneth to none, 
d Job 5. 7.  for every one have their crosses in some kind or other, or at one time or other, in 
e Psal. 38. 3.  body or 
f Gen. 26. 35.  mind, or 
g Job 6. 2.  both, 
h Psal. 144. 7.  either in the having of that which they desire not, or in the 
i Jam. 4. 2.  want of that which they desire, 
k Eccles 9 2.  all which is common both to the 
l Psal. 34. 19  good and to the 
m & 32. 10.  bad, for who can say that his body hath been always freed from 
n Mat. 9 35.  sickness, his soul from 
o Psal. 13. 2.  sorrow, his person from 
p Heb. 11. 36.  imprisonment or other inconveniences, his state from 
q Psal. 69. 29.  poverty, or his name from 
r & 119. 22.  contempt, & c? Or what man (though he 
s Eccles 5. 10.  enjoy the outward blessings of this life) can say 
t Eccles 4. 8.  his mind is satisfied and contented therewith, or that he is free from 
u Jer. 6. 13.  covetousness, 
x Esther 6. 7. 8. 9  ambition, 
y Esay 39 2.  vainglory, 
z 2 Tim. 3. 2.  self-conceit, 
z Pro. 20. 6.  or some other such like 
a Col. 3. 5.  inordinate affections of the mind, with the which he 
b Esth. 5. 9 13.  afflicteth himself, 
c Eccles 6. 2.  and is an evil disease? The other (happening by God's providence to those that 
d Psal. 103. 7.  are acquainted with his ways) 
e Heb. 12. 6.  are evident signs of God's love towards them, which is the reason 
f 1 Sam. 3. 18.  they submit themselves so willingly to undergo them, knowing that 
g Psal. 119. 71  they are the seed, the occasion, the matter of well doing, 
h Rom. 5. 3, 4, 5  and the discoverers of many excellent virtues which are not seen in them 
i Deut. 6. 10, 11, 12.  whilst they live in prosperity: And therefore although 
k Dan. 9 16.  adversity be the punishment of sin, yet 
l Acts 28. 4.  God in punishing of men doth not always 
m John 9 3.  respect sin, wherefore 
n Luke 13. 2, 3, 4, 5.  they judge rashly which either do not wait for the 
o Job 42. 12.  end, or do judge and 
p Jam. 2. 2, 3, 4  esteem of men according to prosperity or adversity. But when men 
q Job 29 7, 8.  that have lived in good reputation and credit 
r Job 30. 11.  are once fallen into trouble and misery, 
s Psal. 88 18.  than their beloved friends and acquaintance fall away from them, and 
t Job 14. 13.  the more 
u Psal. 32. 4.  heavy God's hand is upon them, the more 
x Job 16. 2.  they neglect and 
y Psal. 22. 6.  despise them, but when they find by experience 
z Psal. 60. 11.  the helplessness of earthly things, they are then weaned 
a 1 Joh. 2. 15.  from the love of the world, and kept from 
b Zeph. 2. 15.  living carelessly, 
c Hos. 5. 15.  they draw the nearer to God, knowing that 
d Heb. 12. 7.  they are tokens and pledges of their adoption. And considering with themselves that their 
e Job 5. 6, 7.  afflictions come not unto them by chance, 
f 1 Thes. 3. 3.  but from God's decree and appointment, and that the 
g Rev. 2 10.  continuance and 
h Jer. 46. 28.  measure of them is appointed by him, they than never 
i Psal. 11● 6.  stand much upon the malice of men, or 
k Rev. 2. 10.  rage of devils, but 
l Psal. 5. 3.  look up principally to him with this 
m Dan 3. 17.  assurance, that he will deliver them 
n Jer. 30. 11.  when his measure is full, 
o 2 Pet. 2. 9  in good time. In the mean while, their 
p Heb. 11. 17.  faith, 
q Jam. 5. 11.  patience, 
r 2 Chr. 33. 12.  humility, 
s Heb. 11. 8.  obedience, and such like noble 
t Phil. 4. 8, 9  virtues are set a work, and 
u John 15. 8.  God in them 
x 1 Pet. 4. 14.  glorified.  
But few men have this great gift & privilege to 
y Jam. 1. 12.  suffer afflictions patiently. Every 
z Job 1. 9, 10.  hypocrite will serve God whilst he prospereth and blesseth him, 
a 1 Sam. 28. 15  but when he falls into troubles he is then led by the devil to impatiency, 
b Pro. 19 3.  fretting, 
c Ex. 15. 23, 24  murmuring, 
d Psal. 59 15.  grudging, 
e Esay 57 17.  frowardness, 
f 1 Sam. 18. 20  and most painful pensiveness, 
g Esay 9 1.  all which do vex him more by many degrees, than the troubles themselves, and when he 
h Esay 65. 14.  cries for help, it is either pain or 
i Fx. 10. 16, 17  fear that causeth him so to do, so that 
k Jer. 6. 10.  he cannot rest upon God's word with 
l Jer. 16. 5.  peace. The child of God 
m Job 3. 3. 20.  may likewise be 
n Jer. 20. 14. etc  very impatient in his afflictions, & utter 
o Job 30. 21.  dangerous speeches, by which means he may for a time have 
p Gen. 37. 35.  no comfort in trouble, but 
q John 14. 18.  God leaves him not so to himself always comfortless, but hath a time to 
r Psal. 39 13.  recover himself again, and 
s Psal. 118. 21  then he praiseth the Lord who often times 
t Psal. 89 31, 32  inflicteth upon his children temporal afflictions, 
u 2 Cor. 4. 17.  that he may deliver them from eternal destruction. And herein doth the wisdom and 
x Psal. 27. 13.  goodness of God appear, for 
y 2 Cor. 1. 8, 9  by afflictions we come to the knowledge of ourselves, and repose 
z Mic. 7. 5.  no confidence in any creature, and likewise wise to the 
a 2 Chr. 33. 13  knowledge of God, reposing all 
b 2 Sam. 22. 3. Nah. 1. 7.  trust and confidence in him, and thus 
c Psal. 119. 71.  affliction begetteth understanding in those that are afflicted, in so much that the 
d Mar. 8. 34, 35  cross is to the children of God mercy, and 
e Mat. 10. 39  loss is gain, 
e Phil. 3. 7.  afflictions are their schooling, and 
f Psal. 31. 7.  adversity their best university, by which they learn how to 
g Pro. 4. 14, 15.  avoid the dangerous 
h Mat 7. 13.  broad way of the wicked of this 
i 1 John 2. 16.  world, which is so 
k Eccles 2. 8.  pleasing to flesh and blood, and are turned into the 
l Mat. 22. 16. Pro. 15. 24.  right way to heaven, which in regard of its 
m Mat. 7. 14:  narrowness and straightness, so few desire to walk therein. This being 
n Psal. 50. 22.  considered, there are none able to go through the 
o Psal. 86. 17.  troubles and crosses of this life with comfort, 
p Mar. 3. 34.  but such as utterly mistrusting 
q 1 Cor. 10. 12  their own assuredness and 
r Psal. 146. 3.  all worldly aid and help of man, 
s & 37 7.  do wholly depend upon 
t Psal. 62. 2.  God's defence. But there are some which complain of the 
u Psal. 13. 1.  tediousness of their afflictions, because they are afflicted almost 
x Gen. 47. 9  all the days of their lives even to the very death. To such 
y Esay 41. 10.  God will testify his holy presence another, way namely by 
z 1 Cor. 10. 13  giving the distressed parties power and strength to bear their afflictions. But how can we 
a 2 Cor. 4 17.  count our afflictions so tedious and long, 
b Job 14. 1.  seeing our lives are so short? howsoever 
c Neh. 1. 3.  let them be never so great and tedious, they are 
d Ezra 9 13.  far inferior to our sins; yet every man by nature 
e Psal. 40. 17. & 69. 17.  desires God's ready help in his necessities and troubles, but few attain unto it, because they 
f Mat. 30. 31.  want faith to believe it, 
g Mar. 11. 24.  prayer to obtain it, and 
h 2 King. 6. 33  patience to wait for it. But on the contrary, if they 
i James 5. 11.  endure their afflictions quietly, 
k Psal. 13 5.  trust in God's mercies firmly, 
l Esay 40. 31.  and tarry his good pleasure obediently, then although they seem to be 
m Psal. 57 3.  swallowed up in misery, they shall find 
n Psal. 46. 1.  the Lord ready at hand to deliver them. Now 
o 2 Cor. 4. 8.  howsoever the child of God be afflicted he shall find 
p Psal. 23. 4.  many comforts therein, in regard they are like unto a 
q Esay 25. 4.  storm that cometh and goeth. Let no man therefore that is afflicted 
r Esay 41. 11.  struggle under God's hand, for than it will be the worse for him, for 
s Jer. 50▪ 24.  there is no striving or wrestling with him 
t Exod. 32. 10, 11, 14.  but by 
u Gen. 32. 9, 10. 11.  prayer: he therefore that with 
x Col. 1. 11.  pleasure and joy endures adversity 
y Rom. 8. 36.  for Christ's sake, may think he hath found the 
z Luke 17. 21.  kingdom of Heaven here on earth, 
a Psal. 149. 4.  and God will delight in him. 
a Cant. 7. 6.  For as the fish is sweetest that lives in the saltest waters, 
b Psal. 72. 14.  so those 
c Psal. 49. 8.  souls are most precious unto Christ who are most 
d Heb. 12. 11.  exercised and 
e Heb. 12. 6.  afflicted with his cross.  
Thine in Christ. W. B.   

Authors.  
The Quotations in the margin (which serve for proofs, Reasons, Examples, or things pertinent to the sense of each particular) are taken  

First out of the books of the canonical Scripture, the Old and New Testament.  

1. The Old Testament.  
GEnesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numbers. Deuteronomy. Joshua. Judges. Ruth. 1 Samuel. 2 Samuel. 1 Kings. 2 Kings. 1 Chronicles. 2 Chronicles. Ezra. Nehemiah. Esther. Iob. psalms. Proverbs. Ecclesiastes. The Song of Solomon. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Ezekiel. Daniel. Hosea. Ioel. Amos. Obadiab. Jonah. Micah. Nahum. Habakkuk. Zephaniah. Haggal. Zechariah. Malachy.   

II. The New Testament.  
MAtthew. Mark. Luke. John. Acts. Romans. 1 Corinthians. 2 Corinthians. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. 1 Thessalonians. 2 Thessalonians. 1 Timothy. 2 Timothy. Titus. Phileman. Hebrews. James. 1 Peter. 2 Peter. 1 John. 2 John. 3 John. Iude. Revelations.    

Secondly, out of the books called Apochrypha.  
1 ESdras. 2 Esdras. Tobit. Judeth. The rest of Esther. Wisdom. Ecclesiasticus. Baruch. The Song of the three Children. Susanna. The Idol Bel and the Dragon. The Prayer of Manasseh. 1 Maccabees. 2 Maccabees.    

The Contents of this book. The Prisoner  

To his fellow-prisoners.  
TO the comfortless prisoner. pag. 1  
To the prisoner that lay sick a bed. 3  
To the Sea man, a prisoner. 6  
To the stranger, a prisoner. 7  
To the faint-hearted prisoner. 8  
To the scholar a prisoner. 12  
To an ancient man a prisoner, exceedingly oppressed with sorrow upon sorrow. 15  
To the men which were prisoners in the hole. 21  
To the prodigal young man, a prisoner. 28  
To the prisoners called by the name of Rats which are debauched men, taken at unlawful hours in the night by the Watch, and brought into prison. 31  
To the Carrier, a prisoner. 34  
To the Card player, a prisoner. 40  
To the Papist, a prisoner. 43  
To the captain, a prisoner. 54  
To the Merchant, a prisoner. 60  
To the merry man, a prisoner. 63  
To an old man, a prisoner. 68  
To the women which were prisoners in the Hole. 69  
To the impatient prisoner. 73  
To the unruly young man, a prisoner. 88  
To the prisoners called by the name of Mice, which are light huswives taken at unlawful hours in the night, and brought to prison. 90  
To the prisoner that was to be discharged and set at liberty. 99  
To the careless man, a prisoner. 102  
To the rich man, a prisoner. 104  
To the idle man, a prisoner. 105  
To the dissembling hypocrite, a prisoner. 108  
To his chamber fellows and others distressed prisoners of the knight's Ward, which were there shut up of the plague. 112   

To others, not prisoners.  
TO the cruel Creditor. pag. 1  
To him that betrayed the prisoner into his adversary's hands. 4  
To his son. 10  
To his eldest Daughter. 17  
To the creditor that domineered over his poor debtor in prison. 20  
To his youngest Daughter. 25  
To the master of the taphouse. 39  
To his Brother. 51  
To the merciful Creditor. 53  
To the master of the prison. 58  
To a worthy charitable Knight. 64  
To an ancient Maid, a true-hearted friend, that was mindful of him in his troubles. 66  
To his intimate friend, a divine Lawyer. 67  
To a prisoners wife of a refractory condition. 74  
To his own dejected comfortless wife. 77  
To his Maid servant. 83  
To his Mother. 94  
To those that come to visit their friends in prison. 100  
To the Commissioners appointed by his majesty for the relief of poor prisoners. 110  
The prisoner at liberty, his thankful remembrance of God's great mercies towards him in his manifold deliverances out of many great dangers and troubles to this present. 114  
To his good friend (beyond Sea) that gave order to his friend to see him set at liberty. 117  
To a careful friend that discharged the trust committed to him (by his friend) in seeing the prisoner freed out of prison. 118    

THE MERCHANT DISTRESSED, HIS OBSERVATIONS.  

CHAP. I.  
To the comfortless Prisoner.  
BE not 
a Esay 41. 10  dismayed, thou that art lodged here:  
What needest thou care, if thy 
b Pro. 15. 15.  conscience be clear? 
b Ecclus. 14. 2. Acts 24. 16.   
Thy 
c 2 King 4. 1.  Creditors perhaps may be unkind:  
What though? fear not, but bear an 
d Psal. 15. 2.  honest mind. 
d Heb. 13. 18.   

e Psal. 88 18.  Thy friends and thine acquaintance may neglect thee: 
e Ecclus. 6. 12.   
What though? be 
f Jam. 5. 11.  patient, God will not 
g 2 Chro. 33. 12. 13  forget thee. 
g Ps. 9 18.   

h Acts 12. 6.  The Prison doubtless is a place of care:  
What though? rejoice, 
i Gen. 39 21  for God is with thee there.  

k Gen. 40. 14  Use lawful means, 
l Psal. 37. 5.  and on God still depend:  

m Ps 71. 20. 21.  he'll quickly bring thy troubles to an end. 
Luk. 18. 8.  
Psal. 31. 2.    

CHAP. II.  
To the cruel Creditor.  
WHy is thy mind so bent to 
a Mat. 18. 28.  cruelty 
Ps. 71. 4. Pro. 11. 17.   
Against thy poor Debtor, which here doth lie?  

a a King. 4. 1.  Is it thy debt thou wouldst have him to pay?  
Alas, 
b Mat. 18. 25. &  he can't, the 
c v. 30.  prison's not the way.  
What is't, his 
d Psal. 27. 2.  flesh thou then wouldst have alone? 
Micah 3. 2.   
The 
e Job 19 26.  worms must needs have that to feed upon.  
What is it then, his 
f Micah 3. 3.  bones thou wouldst fain have?  
That cannot be, 
g Josh. 24. 32. 2 Sam. 21. 14.  they must go to the grave.  
What wouldst thou do with them? make dice to sell?  
Or with them play away thy soul to hell?  
As for his soul, surely thou canst not have it;  
For that must needs 
h Eccles. 12. 7.  return to God that gave it.  

i Mat. 6. 15.  Dost thou by this course ever think to thrive,  

k Psal. 31. 12  To bury thy poor debtor here alive?  

l Mat. 18. 12  Ten thousand talents to the Lord thou ow'st,  
And yet he's 
m Mat. 18. 27.  merciful to thee thou know'st.  

n Pro. 21 13. Job. 19 21.  And hast thou no pity on him in thrall,  
That owes thee but 
o Mat. 18. 28.  an hundred pence in all?  

p Mat. 18. 32 33.  If God should deal with thee, as thou with him,  
In what great 
q v. 34.  misery then wouldst thou be in?  
What if in this case God should take away  

r Luk. 12. 20  Thy soul, and call thee to account this day?  

s Rom. 2. 15. 16.  Thy guilty conscience than would soon accuse thee:  

t Mat 25. 43  And for thy cruelty Christ would refuse thee.  

u Mat. 18. 34.  Then into hell that 
x Luk. 16. 26.  gulf of misery,  

y Rev. 20. 10.  Thou shouldst be cast to live eternally, 
Psal. 9 17.   
In woeful torments, where 
z Rev. 14. 11.  no rest is found,  
And where all such as thou art, are 
a Mat. 22. 13.  fast bound. 
Rev. 20. 2. 3.   
Wherefore if thou those judgements wouldst prevent,  
Be 
b Mat. 5 7.  merciful, kind, loving, and 
c Rom. 12. 10  repent.  

d Act. 26. 20  Discharge thy poor debtor out of this place,  

e Heb. 13. 3.  As thou wouldst be discharged being in his case.  

f Luk. 6. 31.  Then God will mollify thy stony heart.  

g Ezek. 36. 26.  And likewise bless thee wheresoever thou art,   

CHAP. III.  
To the Prisoner that lay sick upon his bed.  
THe 
a Gen. 40 14  Prison of itself is tedious to thee,  

b Psal. 6. 2.  But sickness therewithal may quite undo thee. 
Ecclus. 30. 17.   
Where art thou sick, in body or in mind?  
Or art thou grieved 
c Ecclus. 22. 21, 22. & 12. 9  because friends are unkind?  
Art not thou sick and pained at the 
d Pro. 13. 12.  heart, 
Ecclus. 38. 10. Psal. 55. 4.   
Because thou 
e Esay 24. 22.  canst not from this place depart?  
Think with thyself, that thy 
f Psal. 107. 17, 18.  sins are the cause 
Ecclus. 38. 15.   
Of thy disease, by the breach of God's laws.  

g Psal. 6. 3.  Now is thy soul wounded with mortal sin? 
Psal. 109. 22.   

h Hos. 10. 12  Oh then 'tis high time for thee to begin  

i Lam. 3. 40.  To look into thyself, and thy condition,  
To see what need thou hast of the physician,  
I mean the great 
k Mat. 9 2.  physician of thy soul,  
Which is thy Saviour Christ, who doth control  

l Mat. 28. 18.  All things in heaven above, and earth below,  

m Mat. 9 6.  he'll cure thy body and thy soul also  

n Mat. 4. 23.  Of all diseases, if thou him entreat,  
And likewise give thee 
o John 6. 51.  heavenly food to ear,  

p Joh. 6. 54. 58. Psal. 56. 13. Esay 55. 2. 3.  Whereby thy soul shall live, and be quite freed  
Of all diseases; for 'tis so decreed.  

q Luk. 8. 43.  Earthly physicians will not undertake  
Physic to give, but for thy money's sake;  
Unless thou give them angels of pure gold,  
They'll not come near thee, be thou young or old:  
But when 
r Mar. 2. 17.  Christ thy physician takes in hand  
To cure thy poor sick soul, then understand  
he'll not then only take away thy pain,  
But cause his 
(s) Ps. 91. 11.  angels with thee to remain:  
Though thou restrained art, yet they are 
t Psal. 34. 7.  free  
To come both day and night to visit thee.  
Wherefore receive from God this chastisement  
With 
a Ps. 116. 17.  thankful heart, and therewith be content.  

b Act. 16. 25. 26.  And then this prison shall not thee annoy,  
But be a palace to thee day by day.  

c Jer. 38. 13  Out of which place the Lord will thee deliver, 
Pro. 11. 8.   
And take thee up to live with him for ever.   

CHAP. IV.  
To him that betrayed the Prisoner into his Adversaries hands.  
WHat trade art thou, oh Traitor! canst thou tell?  
Is it thy occupation now to sell  
Thy friend to one that means him to oppress,  
And lay him up to live in great distress?  

a Psal. 55. 13, 14. Pro. 26. 25.  Thou cam'st unto him, and didst speak him fair,  
Which made him often unto thee repair,  

b Psal. 41. 9  Because he did believe what thou didst say,  
Not thinking then that thou wouldst him betray:  

c Mat. 26. 15, 16.  But when thou hadst fit opportunity,  
Thou him deliver'dst to his enemy:  
Who keeps him fast in prison like a slave,  
Which, thou art to be blamed for like a knave.  

d Mat. 26. 16  But tell me, Traitor, how didst thou him sell?  
For a French Crown, a Noble, or angel?  
Doubtless thy Chapman gave thee more for him  
Then ere he's like to get of him again.  
But why hast thou thy friend sold for a song  
Which to another justly doth belong?  
The bargain thou hast made must needs be void,  

e 1 Cor. 6. 20  For Christ bought him before, and for him paid.  
Wherefore thy Chapman cannot keep him long,  
Although he hath him in a place so strong.  

a Gal. 4. 31.  He shall be free, 
b Ps. 69. 33.  for Christ doth him regard,  

c Psal. 55. 23.  And for thy treachery he'll thee reward. 
Mat. 16. 27.   
Take thou example by Judas thy Brother,  

d Mat. 26. 24, 25.  Who for treachery did exceed all other;  

e Mat. 26. 25 &  His Master he betrayed, who was a 
f 27. 29.  King,  
And thou thy friend betray'dst for a small thing.  
Judas was punished, and so shalt thou be;  
For thou a Traitor art as well as he:  

g Mat. 27. 3, 4.  Yet he confessed his fault, and did restore  
The money back, which he received before,  
To do the deed about the which he went;  
Which having done, he then seemed to 
h Mat. 27. 4.  repent.  
Yet for all that, he being void of grace,  

i Mat. 27. 5. Acts 1. 18.  died in despair in a most woeful case.  
Let me advise thee, be like him in this,  
Confess, restore, repent; 'tis not amiss:  
But do not 
k Mat. 27. 5.  hang thyself, as Judas did,  

l Acts 16. 27 28.  Because such things thou know'st God doth forbid.  
But give over thy trade of treachery,  

m Acts 8. 22  And call to God for grace before thou die,  

n Heb. 13. 18  That thou mayst as an honest man here live,  
Until thy soul to God thou dost up give.  

o Rev. 22. 14. 2 Tim. 2. 12.  Heaven is the place where faithful men shall reign,  

p Rev. 21. 27.  Which place no lying traitor shall obtain.   

CHAP. V.  
To the seaman, a Prisoner:  
THou seaman, that art subject to the weather,  
Tell me what wind it was that brought thee hither?  
Who was thy Pilot, that had so much skill  
To bring thee to this port, against thy will?  
The sergeants are the Pilots for this Bay:  
Without the compass they can find the way.  
Doubtless 'twas some of them that did thee guide  
Unto this Haven, where thou must abide.  
Thy sails are down, and now thine Anchor's cast,  
And hence thou canst not budge, thou art so fast.  
Though wind and tide do serve, yet hast thou lost  
Thy voyage for this time, to thy great cost.  
Now when thou shalt depart, thou dost not know,  
For till thy peace be made, thou canst not go.  
Whilst thou art here, I wish thee to consider  

a Ps. 146. 7.  Who 'tis that must thee from this place deliver.  
It is the Lord, whose 
b Psal. 107. 23, 24.  wonders thou hast seen,  
In the 
c Esay. 51. 10  deep Sea, where thou hast often been  

d Psal. 107. 25. 26. Acts 27. 18.  tossed with the waves in storms and tempests great;  
Which 
e Jonah 1. 4.  raging waves against the Ship did beat,  

f Act. 27. 20.  Insomuch that thou couldst not choose but think  
The beaten ship would at that instant sink.  
And when thou didst approach 
g Acts 27. 27 28. 40. 41.  near to the shore,  

h Ecclus. 43. 24.  The danger than thou know'st was more and more:  
For than the 
i Act. 27. 29.  Rocks and Sands did thee affright,  
Which could not be discerned in the dark night.  

k Ps. 107. 28. 29.  Then thou on God didst call, and he thee heard,  
And from those greater dangers thee preserved.  

l Ps 107. 10.  Thus by the Lord's great power and mighty hand  
In 
m Act. 27. 44  safety thou wast brought unto the land:  
Where thou no sooner wast, but didst 
n Ps. 106. 13  neglect  
To give him thanks that did thee thus protect:  

o Pro. 23. 20  But with rude company didst drink and 
p Lev. 19 12.  swear,  
Living 
q Psal. 94 2●. Song of the 3 ch●l. 5.  most wickedly without all care:  

r ibid. 7. Neht. 9 33.  Wherefore 'twas just with God to let thee fall  
Into these troubles: therefore on him 
(s) 2 Sam. 22 4.  call  
To give thee grace, that thou 
t Psal. 78. 7.  never forget  
To 
u P● 22. 23, 24 & Ps. 107. 31.  praise his name. Then though thou art in debt,  

x Ps. 107. 13. 14  Thou shalt not in this prison long remain;  
For he will 
y Acts. 17. 14  send thee to the Sea again.   

CHAP. VI.  
To the Stranger, a Prisoner.  
THou that a Stranger art in prison here,  

a Jof. 9 6. Deut. 29. 22.  far from thy Country, friends and parents dear,  

b Ps. 27. 3. & 73. 26.  Be not quite out of heart, for God above  

c Ruth 2. 10.  Will new friends raise thee here, 
d Jos. 23. 11.  if thou him love.  

e Jer. 23. 23.  'Tis not the distance of the place, that can  

f Ps. 139. 9 10.  His providence keep back from any man.  
God of the 
g Ps. 146. 9 Deut. 14 29. Wisd. 19 13.  stranger hath a special care,  
As well in a strange Country, as elsewhere:  

h Act. 10. 35.  His goodness and his mercy doth appear  
Throughout the world, to those that do him fear.  
What needest thou then take any thing to heart,  

i Deut. 10. 18 Heb. 15. 5.  Seeing the Lord doth love thee where thou art?  
Now 
k Ezek. 14. 5.  though thou hast estranged been from him,  

l Nehe. 9 17  Yet he'll not leave thee to thyself to sin.  

m Psal. 92. 4. & 107. 30.  When thou his mercies felt, thou then wast glad  

n Psal. 31. 9  But now he thee correcteth, thou art sad.  

o 2 Sam. 7. 9 Jer. 2. 7.  Experience thou hast of his goodness  
By sea and land; and yet nevertheless  
Thou didst forget thyself, 
p Psal. 119. 176  and wentest astray,  
As travellers do, 
q Rom. 3. 12  that are out of the way.  

r Mat. 11. 7. 8.  What cam'st thou in this Country for to see?  
Strange 
(s) 1 Cor. 7. 31  fashions? or some other vanity?  
In prison here strange things thou mayst behold,  

t Gen. 39 20 & 40. 3.  For here vain people are, both young and old:  

u Ecclus. 13. 1.  If in such company thou take delight,  

x Eph. 5. 6. 7.  They'll bring thee to a miserable plight.  
Consider with thyself what thou hast done,  

y Exo. 21. 18 19  T'offend; or how in debt and want th''ve run;  

z Pro. 11. 15.  For which thou art here laid up to remain,  
Where thou mayst lose, much more than thou canst gain.  
Wherefore 'tis time for thee to look about,  
To see if some 
a Pro. 17. 17.  good friend will help thee out.  
Endeavour what thou canst, 
b 1 King. 8. 41, 42, 43.  and crave God's aid,  
he'll stand thy friend, therefore be not dismayed:  
And when he thee delivered hath from hence,  
Do what thou canst 
c Wisd. 8. 8.  to get experience:  
And let me now advise thee as a stranger,  

d Ecclus 21. 1.  Thou fall not once again into such danger:  
But being free, 
e Acts 17. 21.  spend not thy time in vain,  
Then thou with credit mayst 
f Mar. 5. 19  go home again.   

CHAP. VII.  
To the faint-hearted Prisoner.  
BE not dejected, thou 
a Ecclus. 2. 23.  faint-hearted man:  
What ailest thou, 
b Ecclus. 19 29.  that thou look'st so pale and wan?  
Thou think'st it strange in prison here to lie,  
And art 
c Ecclus. 22. 18.  afraid thou shalt be sick and die:  
Even as a man at Sea thou seem'st to be,  
Sick at the first, distempered and queafie:  
This malady will not last very long;  

d Psal. 39 13  After a while thou wilt again grow strong.  
Take courage man, and do not him resemble  

e Lev. 26. 36.  That at small things is apt to quake and tremble:  
The Sergeants thou needest not at all to fear,  
For they are gone, now they have lodged thee here:  
The Docket man, when he doth for thee call,  
To go along with him unto Guild hall,  
Give him his groat, and pay th'Attorneyes fee,  
Or else they'll not do any thing for thee:  
Thy Creditors, if they do not Declare,  
Nonsuit them: for why shouldst thou them forbear?  
And if they do Declare, be not afraid,  

f Mat. 18. 30.  Although this harsh course they take to be paid.  
What if they have taken a resolution,  
To charge thee quickly with an execution?  
It's very like, that for a time thereby  
They may deprive thee of thy liberty.  
Yet though thy body in prison they keep,  

a 2 Sam. 12. 17. 1 King. 21 4.  do not forbear to eat, drink, rest, and sleep.  
What needest thou 
b Psal. 56. 11 Esay 51. 12.  fear what men can do unto thee?  

c Ps. 56. 1.  dost think by this course they mean to undo thee?  
Believe it, and do not thyself deceive;  

d Joh. 19 11  They can no more do than God gives them leave.  
What if to malice they are so much bent?  

e Psal 56. 9  Call on the Lord, their designs he'll prevent.  

f Job 3. 25. 1 Joh, 4. 18.  The fear of danger which thou hadst, be sure  
Is more than that, which thou dost now endure.  

g Luke 12. 4  fear thou not those that may thy body spoil,  
But cannot give unto thy soul the foil.  

h Luke 12. 5 Psal. 145. 19 Mal. 4. 2. Pro. 3. v.  fear thou the mighty God of Israel,  
That can both soul and body cast in hell.  

i Pro. 16. 6. Ecclus 33. 1.  The fear of him which wise men do enjoy,  
Without all doubt 
k Ecclus 34. 14.  drives other fears away.  

l Ecclus 2. 12  Wherefore if thou art wise, do not give place  
To slavish fear, 'twill bring thee to disgrace.  

m Heb. 12. 5  Faint not under the cross, 
n Ecclus 26 4.  cheer up thy heart,  

o Eph. 3. 16, and 6 10.  Get strength in Christ, now thou in prison art.  

p Psal. 79. 11  Then though thou hast not things here to content,  

q Psal. 69. 33  Yet shalt thou have no just cause to repent.  
For if with 
r Heb. 4. 16  boldness thou repayrest to him  
In thy distress, then shalt thou want nothing.  
he'll give thee 
s Psal. 27. 14  courage, and much 
t & 29. 11.  strength to bear  
Thy great afflictions, both here and elsewhere.  
And they that laid thee here, 
u 1 Sam. 18. 11.  shall never have  
On thee their wills, though they the same do crave.  
For let them do to thee the worst they can,  
Thou needest not fear, 
x Esay 51. 6.  look thou up like a man  

y Prov. 21. 1 & 15. 11.  To him that rules the hearts of men: he'll please  
To rule them so, as thine shall have much ease.  

a Gen. 28. 15  And when God sees it fit thou hence dost go,  
Make him thy friend, 
b 1 Thes. 5. 15.  and thy time well bestow:  

c Jer. 37. 20.  That thou no more into this place dost come,  
Which is a place all wise men fain would shun.  
Whilst thou art here, 
d Deut. 31. 8  be not at all dismayed,  

e Esa. 26. 20.  Though for a little time thou art here stayed:  

f Prov. 3. 5.  But trust in God, 
g 2 Esd. 1. 6 67.  and let thy sins decrease;  

h Dan. 6. 16.  Then God out of this place will thee release.   

CHAP. VIII.  
To his son.  
When I in prison was, nine years ago,  

a 2 Esd. 8. 8. 9  Thou at that time in Prison wast also.  
I ne'er in prison was before that time,  
No more wast thou, for than thou wast not mine.  

b Gen. 5. 3. Prov. 23. 22.  I was the Sergeant that in prison laid thee,  

c Psal. 51. 5.  Thy mother was thy Gaoler that obeyed me.  
Ay, no close prisoner was, though I had foes;  

d Psal. 139. 13.  But thou wast shut up close, thy mother knows.  
In prison I could walk, and look about,  
But thou in prison than couldst not peep out:  
In prison I my sight had to my mind,  
But thou 'tis known in prison wast stark blind:  
In prison I was cold, and took much harm;  
But thou in prison wast kept very warm:  
In prison I hard shift made for my diet;  
But thou in prison hadst thy food in quiet:  
In prison I grew lean for want of feeding;  
In prison I know thou hadst thy first breeding:  

e Psal. 109. 24. Jub 33. 21.  My flesh in prison did consume away;  
But thy flesh then increased every day:  
In prison I had always company;  
But thou alone in prison then didst lie:  
My Keeper in prison did me neglect;  
But thy Keeper did never thee forget:  
My Keeper was a man that was above me;  
Thy Keeper was a woman that did love thee;  
My Keeper did at me ofttimes repine;  
But thy Keeper a dear friend was of thine:  
My Keeper often saw me in the light;  
But thy Keeper deprived was of thy sight;  
My Keeper I was fain to pray and pay;  
But thy Keeper cared for thee night and day;  
I was nine weeks in prison; so long tried;  
But thou 
a 2 Esd. 8. 8. 2 Macch. 7. 27  nine months in prison didst abide:  
When I came out of prison, glad was I;  
When thou cam'st out of prison 
b Wisd. 7. 3.  thou didst cry:  
When I came forth I then some clothes did lack;  

c Job 1. 21.  But thou than hadst not a rag to thy back:  
When I came forth, my friends I went to see;  
When thou cam'st forth, thy friends did visit thee:  
Into prison again I may adventure;  

d Joh. 3. 4.  But thou into thy prison shalt ne'er enter:  
Nine years have I my liberty enjoyed,  
But now in prison am again annoyed.  
Five times nine years and upwards have I lived,  
Sometimes contentedly, but often grieved.  
Nine years in sorrows hast thou lived with me,  
Which with thy tender years could not agree.  
But God, who for his children doth provide,  
Hath raised thee friends, with whom thou dost abide,  
Far distant from this naughty place; and yet  
They love thee dearly, which I'll ne'er forget;  
Where thou good breeding haste, and mayst have still,  
With all things else according to my will;  
And where thou willingly shunnest that that's nought,  

e Ecclus 30. 3. 4. Eccles 4. 13.  And also learnest apace what thou art taught.  
If thou continuest as thou hast begun,  

f Pro. 10. 1. & 23. 24. 25.  I then shall have of thee much joy my Son.  
And now to 
a Pro. 13. 22. 3 John 11.  goodness I hear thy mind's bent,  
In all my troubles I shall have content.  

b Ecclus 3. 6  The hope of comfort which of thee I have,  
Makes me rejoice in this living men's grave.  
Wherefore 
c Ecclus 6. 18 2 Tim. 3. 15. Pro. 22. 6,  learn now whilst thou art young and tender,  
Than thou hereafter wilt the same remember.  
Thou then mayst be a man of good esteem,  

d Pro. 17. 6  And my lost credit mayst at last redeem.  

e Ecclus 3. 12  Then thou mayst be to me a help and stay,  
When I am old, and ready to decay:  

f Ps. 22. 26.  Thou than the Lord wilt praise, 
g Pro. 18. 24  and thank thy friends,  
Endeavouring how thou mayst make them amends.  
Now though in prison I am here a while,  
By reason of those that did me beguile;  
Yet still my hope is, that I shall one day  

h 1 Thes. 2. 17. 3 Joh. 14.  See thee and all thy friends again with joy.   

CHAP. ix..  
To the scholar, a Prisoner.  

a Ps. 119. 179  when scholars have the truants played their fill,  
They must be 
b Pro. 15. 10.  whipped, though much against their will.  
The truant thou hast played, and eke 
c Ezek. 23. 35  neglected  
Thy Book to learn, for which thou art corrected.  
This Prison is thy school now for a time,  

d Mat. 4. 23. & 12. 16.  Christ thy schoolmaster is as well as mine.  
Now seeing thou unto this school art brought,  

e 2 Tim. 3. 14.  In practice put that which thou hast been taught.  
For Christ thy Master is with thee offended,  

f Mat. 21. 20 Jer. 26. 13.  Because thy life thou hast not yet amended:  

g Deut. 19 19 Job 9 28.  And yet thou needest not be too much afraid,  

h Ps. 78. 40.  Though thou the truant hast so often played.  

i Deut. 6. 3.  For if thou dost endeavour to do well,  

k Esay 1. 20.  And wilt no more against him so rebel;  
Then he to thee (I know) will be as mild,  
As any 
a Psal. 103. 13.  Father can be to his child.  

b Psal. 103. 9  He will not always angry be, nor chide  
With those that his corrections can abide.  

c Job 6. 2.  Yet thou complainest, thy punishment is great,  
And dost with grief the same ofttimes repeat;  

d Psal. 42. 5.  And art disquieted here in this school;  
Yet do not thou with others play the fool.  

e 2 Tim. 2. 14.  For thou shouldst rather teach, then learn of those  
Which have no breeding, though they wear good clothes.  
Be thou the usher of this school, that so  

f Esay 28. 9  Thou mayst teach others that which they don't know.  
Here are poor scholars, that are apt to learn  

g Psal. 52. 3.  Much ill: but goodness they cannot discern.  
Thou mayst observe, 
h Psal. 78. 32 33. 2 Chro. 28, 22.  how some are still addicted  
To wickedness, 
i Gal. 3. 4. Hag. 2. 17.  though they are here afflicted.  
Some 
k Ecclus. 19 &  give their minds to drink, others to 
l 23. 9  swear,  
And some 
m Hos. 4. 11.  their whoring will not here forbear.  
Some do delight at cards and dice to play;  

n Pro. 21. 17  And thus most of them pass their time away.  
Consider this; Instruct them to be 
o 1 Pet. 5. 8. 1 Thes. 5. 8.  sober,  
That they may learn a new lease to turn over.  
Omit no time, 
p 2 Tim. 24 25, 26.  good counsel now to give  
Unto such as in ignorance here live:  

q 1 Cor. 15. 34.  For some so ignorant are, that they scarce know  
So much, as little babes, the christ-cross-row.  

r Tit. 2. 7. 8.  Lead thou a godly life, and virtuous be,  
That they example may here take by thee.  

(s) Acts 27. 36  Cheer up thy heart, and be not now so muddy,  
Although thy books thou hast not here to study.  
It may be thou hast pawned, or sold away  
Thy books to such 
t Pro. 18. 2.  as seldom read or pray:  
Yet be not still so 
u Gen. 40. 7.  sad as thou hast been,  
Although those books thou canst not yet redeem:  
For if thou hast one book amongst the rest,  

x Ps. 119. 14●  The Bible, which of all books is the best,  
Thou hast enough, to study thereupon,  

a Psal. 119. 50.  And needest no other book but that alone.  
He that doth 
b Eccles. 12. 12.  study much (without all doubt)  
In other books, will soon be wearied out.  
But he that in 
c Psal. 1. 2.  God's word takes great delight,  
And therein 
d Ecclus. 6. 37.  meditates both 
e Ps. 119. 97.  day and 
f & 55. Josh. 1. 8  night;  

g Psal. 1. 3.  That man shall flourish, and see happy days,  
For God will prosper him in all his ways.  

h Esay 34. 16  God is the Author of that holy book,  
And therefore thou therein mayst boldly look.  

i 2 Tim. 3. 16  All holy Scripture's given by inspiration,  
And therefore is in such great 
k Job. 23, 12 Psal. 119. 127, 128.  estimation.  

l Joh. 5. 39 Acts 17. 11.  Search them alone, and thou therein shalt find  
Eternal life, 
m Psal. 63. 5. & 36. 8.  which satisfies the mind.  

n Psal. 119. 99 100  There wisdom thou mayst learn, for thy soul's health:  

o Pro. 8. 18. 19  The rich find there much joy, 
p Esay 55. 1.  the poor much wealth.  
There's choice of spiritual food; 
q Psal. 119. 103.  feed on it then:  

r 1 Cor. 3. 1, 2.  There's milk for babes, 
(s) Heb. 5. 12 13, 14.  and meat for stronger men.  
It's like a brook, that's large and deep, wherein  

t Ps. 19 7.  The lamb may wade, 
u Esay 40. 28  and th'Elephant may swim.  

x 2 Tim. 3. 15  All, that to our salvation tends, is there  
Penned down in holy writ; and not elsewhere.  
And yet God's word is to the stubborn Jews  
A 
y 1 Cor. 1. 23.  stumbling block; which makes them it refuse:  
And to the self-willed Gentiles it's likewise  
A 
z 1 Cor. 1. 23.  foolishness; therefore they it despise.  
To say the truth, 
a Mat 22. 29  this Book's not understood  

b Joh. 3. 10  By learned scholars, that seem to be good.  

c Luk. 24. 45 Acts 8. 30, 31.  There's none at all can understand this thing,  
Until God 
d Acts 16. 34 Psal. 119. 34.  open their understanding.  
Now study't with delight, 
e Ps. 25. 4, 5.  call on God's name,  
So shalt thou rightly understand the same.  
Then shalt thou be in a most happy taking,  

f Job. 36, 22. Psal. 119. 102.  When thou a scholar art of God's own making.  
Whilst thou art here, 
g Pro. 10. 14.  learn something every day,  

h Rom. 11. 25.  And teach such as are quite out of the way.  

a Pro. 16. 7.  Please thy schoolmaster, and contented be;  
So shalt thou break up school, and be set free:  
And afterwards 
b 2 Tim. 4. 7, 1.  thou having lived well,  
Shalt with thy Master Christ for ever dwell  
In heaven above, 
c 1 Cor. 13. 12  where thou shalt see and know  
More than thou ever heardest of here below.   

CHAP. X.  
To an ancient man, a Prisoner, exceedingly oppressed with grief, and sorrow upon sorrow.  
THy 
a Lam. 3. 12.  sorrows, old man, are sorrows indeed,  

b Psal. 88 7, 8  Which sorrows do all others here exceed.  

c Psal. 42, 6.  Thou art a man dejected in our fight,  

d Job 7. 3, 4.  And careful thoughts are with thee day and night.  

e Job 16. 8.  Thy countenance shows how thy 
f Pro. 17. 22. Ecclus. 13. 25.  heart is grieved,  
And thy 
g ● Sam. 12. 2  grey hairs show that thou hast long lived.  

h Ezek. 23, 21.  If thou thy youthful days didst not well spend,  

i Tit. 2. 2.  Now thou art old, endeavour to amend:  

k 2 Cor. 4. 16.  And then although thy body do decay,  
Thy spirit shall revive and live for aye  
In heaven with Christ, who 
l Job 34. 28 Acts 7. 34.  hears thy groans and cries;  
he'll 
m Rev. 7. 17.  wipe away all thy tears from thine eyes.  
If thou for debt art to this place committed,  

n Psal. 106. 46.  Thy case (if thou art poor) is to be pitied.  
It was thy 
o Ecclus. 7, 24.  daughter, whom thou lov'st full dear,  
That was th'occasion of thy being here.  
Thou didst her place with one, that did her keep,  

p Pro. 27. 27.  Where she no want had of food, clothes, nor sleep:  
But therewithal she was not well contented,  
And therefore she from thence 
q Gen. 16. 6.  herself absented;  

r Pro, 1. 10.  Being by wicked counsel much deluded,  
So that in danger she herself intruded:  

a Rom. 2. 21.  And proving false to him, with whom she dwelled,  
She than the misery of a Prison felt:  

b Pro. 6, 1, 2.  And thou having for her truth thy word past,  
Arrested wast, and into prison ●ast:  
When she came shortly after to be tried,  

c 1 Pet. 4. 15.  She was found guilty; for which cause she died:  
Then thy poor wife 
d Psal. 31. 10  fell sick, and died for grief,  
Hearing her child did suffer as a thief.  

e Jer. 45. 3.  Thus was thy grief and sorrow much increased,  

f Esay 64. 12  As with God's children 'tis, when they think least.  
Besides all this, now in thy great distress  

g Ecclus. 6. 10.  Thy friends do not themselves to thee address;  

h Ecclus. 6. 12.  But leave thee comfortless here in this place,  
To muse upon thy daughters great disgrace.  

i 1. Sam. 3. 13  If thou, like old Eli, didst e'er neglect  
Thy children in their young days to correct;  

k 1 Sam. 3. 14.  Then thou, like old Eli, for that cause art  
Corrected now thyself, and feel'st the smart.  
If thou, like David, (when thy girl was young)  
Was fond o'er her, 
l 2 Sam. 18. 5.  as he was o'er his son;  

m 2 Sam. 19 2.  Then thou like David must afflicted be,  
(For being then so fond) as well as he.  
Like Eli be, when thou corrected art,  

n 1 Sam. 3. 18  Submit to God, and take it in good part.  

o 2 Sam. 19 4.  Like David be, who after he had cried  
For his lost son, 
p 2 Sam. 19 8.  was then well pacified.  
Now David's son, 
q 2 Sam. 18. 14.  by his untimely death  
Died in his sins, and so gave up his breath.  
Thy daughter had a time before she died,  
To call on God: her 
r Psal. 32. 5.  sins she did not hide.  

(s) Luk. 23. 42, 43.  doubtless the Lord heard her humble request,  
And that her soul is now with him at rest.  

t 2 Sam. 12. 20.  Comfort thyself in God now she is gone,  

u v. 23.  And think that thou must follow her ere long:  
Thy Adversaries 
x Job 36. 15.  cannot long detain thee  
Here in this prison, where 
y Psal. 79 4.  they now disdain thee.  

a Jer. 15. 11.  When God his time sees fit, he'll thee release:  

b Tit. 2. 12.  Live therefore well, 
c 2 King. 2●. 20.  so shalt thou die in peace.  

d Eccles 12. 7  Thy soul shall then ascend to God on high,  

e Joh. 10. 28.  And live with him in heaven eternally.   

CHAP. XI.  
To his eldest Daughter.  
THere was a time, before thy time, in which  
I was beloved of the 
a Job 29. 12  poor and 
b Pro. 4. 20  rich.  
For in those days 
c Deut. 6. 11  I had good things about me,  
And many could not well subsist without me.  
I then alone did live, wherefore I sought,  

d Tob. 1. 9  And found her which into the world thee brought.  

e Tob. 4. 4.  A burden thou wast to her a long while,  
When she thee carried then many a mile,  
Into a Country which thou couldst not see,  
Where I had 
f Esa. 24. 11  Land, that caused my misery.  

g Jer. 31. 8.  And when from thence she brought thee back again,  
After a while 
h Rev. 12. 2.  thou put'st her to great pain:  
For thou so heavy wast, and big also,  

i Jer. 4. 31.  That she then could no longer with thee go.  
So weak was she, that thou mad'st her to fall,  
So that for help 
k Esa. 42. 14.  she did both cry and call.  
And then between you both there was such strife,  

l Gen. 35. 16  That she therewith had almost lost her life.  
After which combat, though she had the worst,  
Yet she thy best friend was, 
m 1 Sam. 1. 23.  for she thee nursed.  
And though her pains were great, yet shortly after  
We both rejoiced in thee 
n Gen. 30. 21  our elder daughter.  
I then in credit lived, and did enjoy  

o Eccles 2. 1  The pleasures of this life, which seemed so gay.  

p Job 17. 11  But now those days are past, my credit's lost,  

q Tob. 1. 20.  My means are gone, and my designs are crossed.  
Much trouble I of late have undergone,  
And now at last 
a Act. 12. 4.  am in a prison strong,  
Deprived of that which heretofore I had,  

b Pro. 15. 15. Psal. 88 4.  'twas never with me as 'tis now so bad.  
So that to say the truth, I may be here  
Compared to the four 
c Gen. 1. 14.  Seasons of the year.  
The joyful 
d Wisd. 2 7.  Spring, the dainty 
e Mat. 24. 32.  Summer fine,  
The fruitful 
f Joel 3. 13  Harvest, and the 
g Joh 10. 22  Winter time.  

h Cant. 2. 12  The Spring time of my youth 
i Eccles 9 7.  I lived in pleasure,  
Than God gave thee to me, thou wast my treasure.  

k Job 1. 10.  In those days I knew not what troubles meant,  
For then my countryhouse I had in Kent.  
The Summer time 
l Eccles 7. 0  of my good days had I  
Much trading and withal, my girl Mary.  

m Ecclus 11 24.  In those days I got means, and lived well,  
My credit then was good, my friends can tell.  
I'th' Harvest time 
n Pro. 13. 11  I gathered much, and than  
I lost much, yet, God gave me my girl Nan.  
In those days 
o Luk. 10. 41  I much care had to uphold  
My credit, which I valued more than gold.  
The Winter season, when 
p Psal. 88 3.  I had my fill  
Of troubles, than God sent me my son Will.  
In those days I was then, as now I am,  
In great distress, 
q Psal. 88 4.  and counted a lost man.  
Great losses I sustained that stormy time,  

r Phil. 4. 12.  Which makes me now to suffer and repine.  

s Esay 47. 8.  The loss of (Nan) thy sister, was then more  
Grievous to me, than all I lost before.  
A tedious Winter 'tis as I suppose,  

t Psal. 13. 7.  How long 'twill last, the Lord above best knows.  
Thus in this world have I been 
u Ps. 109. 23  tossed and tumbled,  
Sometimes advanced aloft, and sometimes humbled.  

x Job 16. 12  The daylight of my former days are done,  
The dark-night of my latter days are come.  
Yet still I hope 'twill not be so with thee,  

y 1 Pet. 3. 10  But that thy best days will hereafter be.  
Although thy worst days be now for a season,  
Yet doubtless thou hast so much wit and reason,  
To think, if thou 
a Psal. 2. 11.  serve God, 
b Pro. 18. 24  and thy friends please,  
That thou hereafter mayst live more at ease.  

c Lam. 3. 27. Pro. 29. 15.  The more thou art in thy young days depressed,  
The more one day will be thy joy and rest:  
And if thou live to be a woman grown,  

d 1 Cor. 13. 11. Pro. 31. 25.  Thou wilt rejoice that thou so much hast known.  
Thou now art with 
e Ecclus 6. 14  thy friends, who love thee well,  
Give them content, whilst thou with them dost dwell.  

f Pro. 19 15  Give not thyself at all to idleness,  

g Ruth 3. 5.  But be thou doing something, more or less:  
Be 
* Ecclus 22. 4.  modest, loving, and of good behaviour,  
So shalt thou be esteemed of, and in favour.  

h Rom. 11. 22  And if to goodness thou dost now incline,  
Thou then art God's dear child, as well as mine:  
Thou then two father's haste, be of good cheer;  

i Luke 11. 2.  The one's in heaven above, 
k Gen. 44. 10  the other's here.  

l Psal. 69. 29  Thy earthly father's poor, and weak withal,  

m 2 Esdr. 17. 65.  Thy heavenly Father's rich, and liberal.  
If thou want that which I have not to give thee;  
Go to 
n Mat. 6. 32.  thy heavenly Father, he'll relieve thee:  
Make thy case known to him, the 
o Pro. 12. 19  truth declare,  
And 
p Pro. 12. 22 Ecclus 7. 13.  tell no lies, but thereof have a care:  
For God will never grant such their desires;  

q Joh. 8. 44.  The devil is the father of all liars.  
Now if thou learnest good manners every day,  

r Ecclus 22. 4  And carriest thyself well, not being coy;  

s Pro. 15. 9 Titus 2. 12.  If thou to godliness dost give thy mind,  

t Judith 8. 8.  And wilt live virtuously, than thou shalt find,  

u Ecclus 30. 8.  That though thou many things art now denied,  
Yet shalt thou be hereafter satisfied.  
In the mean while 
x 2 Tim. 2. ●  consider well these things,  
That I may from thee hear some good tidings.  

y Pro. 23. 15.  It will rejoice my heart, though I am here  
In prison, where I want means to be clear.  

a Ecclus 3. 6  Be thou my comfort now, and thou shalt see,  
I'll be thy comforter, when I am free.   

CHAP. XII.  
To the domineering Creditor over a poor Debtor of his in Prison.  
THou domineering man, 
a Pro. 28. 11. Rom. 12. 16.  that art so 
b Pro. 11. 12  wise  
In thy conceit! 
c Mat. 18. 30  why dost thou so despise  

d Jer. 38. 9  Thy Debtor, which at thy suit here doth lie,  
Where he for want of food in time may die?  
He hath good friends (sayst thou) that will not see  
Him lie in Prison long, in misery:  
But rather will some order take to pay  
His debts, that he no longer here may stay.  
Alas! thou art deceived, 'twill not appear,  

e Ecclus 6. 12  That they'll do any thing whilst he is here.  

f Ecclus 37. 4  He rather fares the worse for them, so that  
He's like a Mouse that's taken in a Trap.  

g Psal. 52. 1.  Yet thou dost boast and brag what thou hast done,  
In laying up a poor man in prison.  
What hast thou gotten now by doing so?  
The 
h Psal. 109. 6  devil for thy friend, and 
i Psal. 11. 5.  God thy foe.  

k Job 2. 7.  The devil takes delight in cruelty,  

l Jam. 2. 13.  And God rejects him that shows no mercy:  

m Ecclus 11. 24.  Yet thou thyself, having the world at will,  

n Ecclus 11. 25. Amos 1. 11  Tak'st no pity on him that is so ill.  

o Pro. 21. 17.  Thou tak'st thy pleasure, 
p Psal. 6. 7.  he grieves at the heart;  

q Job 34 19 Pro 22●●. Mal. 2. 10  Yet he's God's creature, even as thou art.  

r Luk. 18. 11.  Yet thou believest thou art better than he,  

s 〈◊〉, 22 7.  Because thou hast him made subject to thee.  
Yet when all comes to all, one day thou must,  
As well as he, 
t Gen. 3. 19 Eccles 3. 20.  be turned into dust.  
Then who shall judge, which of you is the better,  
Whether the Creditor, or the poor Debtor.  

a Job 21. 26.  Your bodies in the dark grave may be there  
Alike unto the worms without compare.  
Your souls may differ much, 
b Eccles. 12. 7.  for they must fly  
Up to the 
c Psal. 50. 6.  Judge (of heaven and 
d & 94. 2.  earth) on high:  

e Mat. 25. 31, 32.  Where that great Judge pronounce shall to all men  

f v. 33.  Both 
g v. 34.  good and 
h v. 41.  bad, their sentence just; and than  

i John 5. 29.  The soul that hath done well, heaven shall enjoy;  

k John 5. 29.  The soul that hath done ill, God will destroy.  
Consider this, 
l Rom. 14. 10  thou that dost domineer  
O'er thy poor debtor whom thou hast lodged here:  
For thou thyself 
m Amos 5. 12.  art mightily in debt  
Unto the Lord, which thou shouldst not forget;  

n Rom. 8. 9  And if Christ will not for thee undertake,  
Thy debts to pay, 
o Esa. 43. 25.  for his own mercy sake;  
Then thy poor soul and body shall at last  

p Mat. 25. 30  Be into Hell (that fearful prison) cast.  

q Ecclus. 35. 20.  If thou therefore wouldst mercy now obtain,  

r Eph. 4. 32.  Be thou to others merciful again.  

(s) Job 30. 25  Come to thy poor debtor that's in distress;  

t Psal. 105. 20.  Give him his liberty, and so express  

u 1 Pet. 3. 8.  Thy love to him, that he hereafter may  
Be able (with God's help) his debts to pay.  
Thus thou mayst do him good, and thyself too;  

x Heb. 13. 16 Pro. 3. 28.  Wherefore delay no time this good to do;  

y Mat. 6. 14.  Then doubtless thy great Creditor will forgive  
Thee all thy debts: 
z 2 Tim. 28 11.  and thou with him shalt live.   

CHAP. XIII.  
To the men, which are Prisoners in the Hole.  

a Esay 42. 22  YOu that are prisoners in the Hole, do not  

b a Cor. 4. 8.  despair of help, although it be your lot  
To be thronged up together in a hole,  

a 1 Pet. 8. 8.  Where you each others misery may condole.  
Experience you have had of 
b Psal. 107. 9  God's goodness,  
Which he to you hath showed 
c Ver. 10.  in your distress:  

d Psal. 23. 4.  The Lord your help and comfort will be still,  

e Esa. 1. 19  If you obedient are unto his will.  

f Jer. 15. 11.  'Tis God alone that moves men's hearts to pity  
Poor prisoners both in Country and in City.  

g Psal. 69. 33  Your Benefactors he makes liberal,  
And therefore you 
h Ps. 145. 18  should daily on him call  

i Ps. 115. 13.  To bless and sanctify the means you have  

k Mat. 6. 26.  To feed your bodies, 
l Jam. 1. 23.  and your souls to save.  
'Tis like in former time that some of you  
Did not fare half so well as now you do:  
And if again you had your liberty,  
It may be you so well could not supply  
Your hungry bellies with such food, as now  
Provided is, which none can disallow.  
Your bodies likewise need endure no cold,  
For you have fire enough for young and old.  
Many besides you are here in this place,  
That think they are not in so good a case;  
Because they often times in great want are  
Of that (God knows) which you sometimes can spare:  
But if their chamber rent they cannot pay,  
Then in your Hole they must be put to stay.  
Consider also how 
m 1 Cor. 10 3.  your souls are fed  
With God's Word, 
n Neh. ●. 8.  which to you is daily read.  

o Heb. 12. 25  God by his Word to you speaks very plain;  

p Dan. 9 25.  And you by prayer speak to him again.  

q 1 Tim. 4. 7.  This exercise you have now twice a day,  
Having occasion just to sing and pray.  

r Jam. 5. 13.  If inward mirth you have, sing heartily;  
If outward crosses, 
s 1 Thess. 5. 17.  pray continually:  

t 1 Cor. 14. 15.  If you those godly psalms of David sing  
Without true knowledge, or understanding,  
than you sing like the Bird that doth rejoice,  
The nightingale, that's nothing but a voice.  

a 1 Cor. 14. 15.  If you to God do pray, and not regard  
How you speak to him, 
b John 9 31.  than you are not heard:  
Much like the Papists you are, when they pray,  
Who utter words, but know not what they say.  

c Jer. 6. 10.  If you Gods word do hear with no delight,  

d Ezek. 20. 32.  And live like Heathen people in our sight;  

e Ezek 36. 19  You then like Heathen shall be cast away,  
The Lord will not your punishment delay.  
There are amongst you, doubtless, that have been  
In drink, and otherwise much overseen:  
At taverns and Ale houses were your meetings,  
Where you with others had your merry greetings:  
And there, and at worst places you have spent  
Your time away in beastly merriment.  
In stead of David's psalms, you have sung out  
Your 
f Ps. 69. 12.  drunken songs, and so kept revel rout:  
In stead of prayer, prattling you have used,  

g Ezek. 36. 20.  And God's most holy name have much abused:  
The fiddlers you have heard with more delight  
Than 
h Psal. 119. 140.  God's pure word, which is so just and right.  
Thus most of you have done when you were free,  
But now i'th' Hole such things you cannot see:  

i Ezek. 23. 27.  From such lewd courses you are now restrained,  
And to do better things you are enjoined.  
Thus in your bondage 
k Acts 6. 4.  you exercise more  
Yourselves in prayer, than you did before.  
A happy bondage 'tis, you can't deny,  
If you your sinful 
l Col. 3. 5. Ecclus. 18. 30.  lusts can mortify:  

m Rev. 2. 22.  But if for all this you will not amend  
Your lives; than you shall find, that in the end,  
Although your bellies be with food suppli'de,  
Your backs may want course rags your skin to hide.  
Your bones in time by lying hard, will ache,  
Your flesh the lice will not at all forsake.  
Until you die; and then they'll turn you over  
Unto the 
a Job 17. 14.  worms, which then shall be your mother:  
And then the 
b Mar. 9 46.  worm of Conscience, which ne'er dies,  
Shall feed upon your souls with woeful cries:  
And though your bodies in the 
c John 5. 28.  graves remain,  
And turn to dust, 
d Acts 24. 15  yet they shall rise again  
To judgement, at which time they must needs dwell  

e Mat. 10. 28.  With your poor souls, in the dark hole of hell.  
How soon that day will be, you do not know;  
But when death comes, you to that place must go.  
Your state is wretched now, 'twill then be worse,  
For you shall ever be under God's curse.  
Thus 'twill be with you, if your minds are bent  

f Rom. 8. 13.  To live and die in sin, and not repent.  
Wherefore 
g 2 Chro. 6. 37.  bethink yourselves what you have done,  
And be reclaimed, that you the 
h Heb. 12. 1.  race may run  
Of Christians pure, who never cease to 
i Pro. 15. 24. Hos. 14. 9  walk  
The way to heaven, 
k Psal. 145. 11. & 119. 46.  of which they joy to talk.  
That 
l 1 Cor. 9 24  race you may now run, and get the goal,  
Though you are stayed, and shut up in a hole.  

m Pro. 3. 6.  God's word is your direction, 
n John 8. 47.  hear, and 
o Luke. 22. 40  pray  

p Jam. 1. 6.  In faith; and than the hole will be the way.  

q Acts 14. 22  Through troubles and afflictions you shall find  
The readiest way, if you are not stark blind.  
Whilst you therefore are here, 
r 1 Pet. 2. 17.  fear God, and 
(s) Ps. 146. 7.  feed  
Your bodies, 
t 1 Cor. 10. 3, 4.  and your souls, that have such need.  
Yet be not like the Fox, or like his brood,  
Which loves his hole, if he there can have food.  
But rather use good means to get out hence,  
That you may have such food without offence,  
Abroad in other places, being free,  
Which to good minds doth best of all agree.  
Then doubtless God in his due time will send  
You liberty, and 
u 2 Cor. 1. 4.  comfort in the end.  
And if the Steward of your hole be just,  
Your Reader chaste, not given to his lust;  
Your cook a cleanly fellow in his place;  
Your Constable well ordered, and not base;  
And you that are inferior to all these,  
That are so full of Lice and biting Fleas;  
That have no beds to lie on, but must needs  
Lie in your clothes, where all your vermin breeds;  

a 1 Pet. 1. 15.  If you together in good sort do live,  

b Joh. 14. 14.  The Lord will change your lodging, and soon give  
You such a place to dwell in, as shall be  

c Heb. 11. 16.  The place where you for ever shall be free.   

CHAP. XIV.  
To his youngest Daughter.  
WHen thou into this wretched world 
a Wisd. 7. 3.  cam'st crying,  

b Psal. 91. 7  Ten thousand round about thee lay a-dying.  
Many which in the morning had their breath,  

c 2 Chron. 20. 24.  Before night were deprived thereof by death.  
Death in those days with his sharp poisoned Dart,  

d 2 Chron. 24 25.  Smote thousands weekly through the very heart;  
And led them captives to their graves, where they  

e John 5. 28.  Must needs remain until the Lord's great Day.  

f Ezek. 31. 14 Rom. 5. 12.  This domineering Death took rich and poor,  

g J●r. 9 21. Ps. 107. 18.  And some that lived with me were at his door.  
He at that doleful time was fierce and bold,  
And made more havoc of the young then old.  
Great was his privilege then in the City,  

h Eccles 2. 16  For fools and wisemen he took without pity.  

i Psal. 78. 50  He then spared none at all that were in's reach,  
But did amongst all callings make a breach.  
The Belfrees he caused to be full of people,  
Who made the Bells to ring in every Steeple.  
A doleful sound there was, 
k Eze. 32. 22.  than graves were plenty,  

l 2 King. 21. 13. Lam 1. 1.  Which made the streets of London to be empty.  

a Ezek. 27. 34.  And then most trades did fail, I knew but one  
That flourished, which were wooden cooks alone.  
Their wooden crust Death furnished with great store  
Of flesh, 
b Gen. 23. 4.  which living people did abhor:  
And therefore they conveyed were under ground,  
For 
c Ecclus 10. 11.  worms to feed on, which did then abound.  
The piecrust which was framed and made of wood,  
They did dislike, yet 
d Job 24. 20  th'inside they found good.  
Death was their friend, he daily did provide  
Such food, and yet they were not satisfied.  

e Psal. 91. 3▪  Thou than death's hands escap'dst, as well as I,  
Yet when he comes we cannot from him fly.  
My Country house in those infectious days  
I had, where grew much Rosemary and bays,  
I'th' town of Battersey, where thou didst make  
Thy mother's belly, sides and back to ache,  

f Gen. 25. 22  With struggling over much with her to be  
Discharged out of that place where she kept thee  
As long as e'er she could, yet at the last  

g 1 King. 3. 17.  She let thee go, because thou wast in haste,  
Now when thou cam'st into the world stark naked,  

h 1 Cor. 12. 18. 24. Psal. 139. 15.  Having thy limbs and members all well shaped,  
Yet thou a name didst want, 
i 1 Sam. 4. 21.  which those did give  
Unto thee then, with whom thou now dost live:  
Thy Godfather and Godmother are they  
Which thy name gave thee; and the self same day  
By promise they engaged themselves for thee,  

k Eph. 4. 27.  That thou from Satan and his works shouldst flee,  
And likewise shouldst abstain 
l 1 Sam. 12. 21.  from vain delights,  

m Gal. 5. 17  And sinful lusts, which 'gainst the spirit it fights:  
And that thou shouldst 
n Rom. 10. 9  believe all in thy Creed,  

o Ps. 119. 34  Keeping God's holy laws, and so proceed  
To 
p Ps. 119 1.  walk therein all the days of thy life,  

q Rom. 8. 6.  That thou in peace mayst live, and not in strife.  
All these things they have promised for thee,  
Which thou oughtst to perform, than they are free.  
They are thy sureties, till th' art of age,  
And then thy sureties thou shouldst disengage.  
When they that charge first took of thee, I then  
In credit lived among all sorts of men.  
I in that sickly time was forced to walk  
The City streets, 
a Job 16. 7.  yet with few men did talk.  
For then was I to them much like a stranger,  

b Job 2. 4.  Because my life I would not then endanger.  
But afterwards when losses came upon me,  

c Job 2. 11.  In my first troubles, some friends did bemoan me.  
And when by many men I was undone,  
I walked the streets, yet was I fain to shun  
The company of many, which to me  
Seemed Officers, 
d Job 3. 25.  so that I feared to be  
In danger of that, which I now at last  
Am brought unto, 
e Psal. 88 8.  where I am locked up fast  
In a poor prison, where are good and bad,  

f Job 29. 2 & 30. 16.  And where I want that which before I had.  
Yet if thy mind thou now giv'st 
g 1 Pet. 3. 6.  to do well,  
Then comfort I shall have, though here I dwell.  

h Psal. 34. 12  fear God above, and thy 
i & Eph. 6. 1 &c.  parents obey,  
So shalt thou 
k Eph. 6. 3.  live many a happy day.  
Thy Godfather and thy Godmother love;  

l Ecclus 22. 5  Be thou not wild, 
m Hos. 7. 11.  but gentle as a Dove.  
Be ruled by them, 
n Ecclus 6. 16. 17.  for they thy best friends are,  
They love thee well, that art from me so far.  
Thou art their Godchilde, 
o Phil. 4. 9  learn of them, and know  
Some goodness now, 
p Col. 1. 10.  and therein daily grow.  
Such Godfathers and Godmothers as those  
Are much to be respected (I suppose:)  
There are not many such now to be found,  
Whom thou enjoyest, though I am in Lob's pound.  
Wherefore whilst thou art with them lose no time,  

q Eccles 9 8.  Be cleanly, and do not thyself begrime.  

r 1 Tim. 4. 13.  read thy book often, 
s Judg. 5. 30.  let thy Needle be  
Always in use, and a delight to thee.  

a Pro. 20. 11.  do willingly such things thou go'st about,  

b Pro. 4. 24.  Be not at all dogged, frown not, nor pout.  
But let thy carriage be now, and always,  

c Judeth 8. 8.  Such as hereafter may get thee the praise.  

d Phil. 1. 27. Tob. 10. 12.  If I could now from thee such good news hear,  
It would revive me more than Wine or beer:  
For though 
e Gen. 40. 23  I am neglected in this place,  
If thou do well, I shall be in good case:  
My mind will be at ease I make no doubt,  

f Jer. 38. 7. &c.  And some good friend at length will get me out:  
And when my liberty I shall obtain,  
I hope to 
g 2 Tim. 1. 4  see thee with much joy again.   

CHAP. XV.  
To the prodigal young man, a Prisoner.  
THou 
a Pro. 29. 3.  that a spend-thrist art, claped up for debt  
In Prison▪ where no goodness thou canst get!  
Thou seeest here are 
b Ecclus 13. 15.  companions to thy mind,  
Which are like thee to vain 
c Pro. 21. 17.  pleasures inclined.  
Though thou now art a prisoner here deprived  
Of liberty▪ yet being here arrived,  
Thou tak'st thy liberty 
d Esa. 5. 11.  to drink 
e Levit. 19 12  and swear,  

f Ecclus 23. 9  Which wicked custom thou shouldst here forbear:  

g Psal. 73. 9  For this a place is of disconsolation,  

h Levit. 26. 23. 24.  Which ought to work in thee a reformation.  
And if this place will not at all thee tame,  
Then must I needs conclude, 
i Zeph. 3. 5.  thou art past shame▪  
Though thou hast money to swagger and roar,  
When that is spent, how think'st thou to get more?  
Thy friends and parents, by whom thou hadst means,  

k Luk. 15. 39  Which thou hast spent amongst base knaves and queans,  
Will now leave thee unto thyself to shift,  

l Luk. 15. 14.  Because thou hast been such a wild unthrift.  

a Acts 17. 5.  Thy lewd companions now will forsake thee  
Although they were the only lads that broke thee.  

b Ecclus. 18. 31.  Thy wenches, with whom thou didst take delight,  
Will scorn thee now, and not come in thy sight.  
The truth is, whether thou be rich or poor,  
A bear is fitter for thee than a whore.  
Thy credit in this place will soon be lost,  
Though thou hast been here long to thy great cost.  
If thou the Tapster shouldst owe but a groat,  
He would go near to pluck't out of thy throat:  
Though thou shouldst spend here forty pound a year,  
Yet he'll scarce trust thee for a pot of beer.  

c Pro. 13. 25  Though thou in want shouldst make to him thy moan  
For bread, drink, or tobacco, 
d Luk. 15. 16  he hath none  
For such as have no money; and therefore  
he'll bid thee get thee gone, for he'll not score.  
Now when thou art 
e Pro. 23. 21  brought to so much disgrace,  
The Hole 'tis like will be thy dwelling place.  
Many a worse lodging thou hast had, when  
With harlots thou didst lodge, thou know'st, for than  
'Twas worse with thee, 
f Pro. 9 13.  thou then wast in great danger  

g 2 Tim. 2. 26.  To be ensnared by Satan, that great ranger:  

h Pro. 7. 22, 23.  For thou then wast plunged over head and ears  

i 2 mi T 2. 22.  In sin, which thou shouldst here bewail with tears.  
Thy case was desperate then, and now is like  
To be worse, if 
k Acts 26. 18  God give thee not a sight  
Of thy great sins, the which thou hast committed  
Against him, 
l Micah 6. 13.  for which thou art here afflicted.  

m Esd. 3. 20.  And though much sorrows thou hast, do not think  

n Pro. 20. 1.  To mitigate thy sorrows by much drink:  
For if that course thou tak'st, thou mayst be sure  

o Esd. 3. 23.  Thy sorrows will increase, and long endure:  
Such seeming remedies have some undone;  
Wherefore be thou like the prodigal son,  

p Luk. 15. 14  Who when his substance he had vainly spent,  

q Luk. 15. 15 16.  Being in extreme want, 
r 18, 19  did then repent,  

a v. 18.  Confessing all his faults, and then resolved  
To go to his Father to be absolved;  

b v. 20.  His father, when he saw him in that ●ase,  
Took pity on him, and did him embrace:  

c Psal. 103. 9  He did not with him chide, although he were  
A naughty child, such was his love and care,  
And joy withal, when he his 
d Luk. 15. 32  lost son saw  
Returned, and found obedient to his law;  
Then he received him, and him entertained,  
Although before 
e Luk. 15. 15  he was so much disdained:  

f v. 22.  He clothed him bravely then from top to toe,  

g v. 23.  And feasted him most sumptuously also:  
Besides all that, this loving father had  

h v. 25.  music and dancing, to make his heart glad.  
Now if this prodigal thou wilt resemble,  

i Ps. 119. 120 Esay 66. 2. Heb. 10. 27.  And at God's fearful judgements quake and tremble:  
If thou thy wicked ways wilt leave, and 
k Hos. 14. 2.  turn  
Unto thy heavenly father, and so spurn  
At thy 
l Psal. 119. 115.  companions, 
m Pro. 1. 10.  that would thee entice  
To leave all goodness, 
n 2 Pet. 2. 2.  and to follow vice.  

o Psal. 40. 1.  If thou with patience canst a while abide  
This chastisement, 
p Job 9 34.  and not be terrified,  

q Psal. 119. 67.  But thereby brought to goodness, and so love  
Thy Father, 
r Psal. 113. 5.  whose dwelling's in heaven above;  

s Ps. 119. 37.  Thou than all sinful pleasures wilt detest,  
And 
t Psal. 63. 1.  long to be with him in heaven at rest:  

u 1 Pet. 1. 4.  A portion there he'll give thee to content,  

x Heb. 10. 34  Of such good things as never shall be spent:  
Nay furthermore, he'll likewise give to thee  

y 1 Pet. 5. 4.  A Crown of glory, and there thou shalt be  

z Rom. 8. 17.  coheir with his son Christ, 
a Mark 3. 35  thy elder Brother,  

b Rev. 19 7. 14.  With the triumphant Church 
c Cant. 4. 9  his Spouse, thy mother.  

d Heb. 12. 22 23.  Angels and Saints shall be thy company  
(In that most glorious place) continually.  

e Phil. 3. 19▪ 20, 21. Psal. 137. 6.  All earthly pleasures, and the chiefest joys  
Are to those heavenly pleasures but mere toys.  

a 1 Cor. 15. 48.  think on those heavenly things, and let thy 
b Mat. 6. 21.  heart  
Be there, although in this place now thou art.  

c Ps. 119. 92 Hos. 5. 15.  Thou then shalt find, that this affliction shall  
The best thing prove, as ere did thee befall:  
For God hereby hath brought thee in the way  
To heaven: wherefore 
d Heb. 13. 14  thou shalt not long here stay.  
Thou art still going, though thou stir not hence;  

e Ps. 119. 32. &  Keep on thy way, 
f 62. 6. Job 22. 25.  God will be thy defence:  
And though in prison thou art now so fast,  
he'll bring thee safely 
g 1 Pet. 1. 4.  to that place at last.   

CHAP. XVI.  
To the Prisoners called by the name of Rats, which are debauched men, taken at unlawful hours in the night by the Watch, and brought into Prison.  

a Eph. 2. 2.  YOu that the Black Prince are forced to obey,  
(I mean the 
b Eph. 6. 12.  Prince of darkness) night and day:  

c Mat. 23. 33  The end of your obedience is damnation,  
Which shall begin in his 
d Mat. 25. 30 Jude 6.  dark habitation.  

e 1 Thes. 5. 3.  How soon you know not, too soon you shall know  

f Dan. 12. 2. Jam. 5. 1.  To your eternal shame, misery and woe.  
The places you tick out 
g Esa. 56. 12.  to drink and roar,  

h Rev. 18. 2.  Are doubtless the suburbs of hell; therefore  

i Wisd. 2 9  You rather choose to be there then elsewhere  

k Heb. 13. 4. Pro. 23. 27.  With your base whores, with whom you drink & swear.  

l Judg. 19 25  The longest night i'th' year you think too short  
To spend like wicked wretches in that sort.  

m John 3. 19  Seeing therefore the night you love so well  
You shall have night enough, being in hell:  

n Jude 13.  For there the night shall never have an end,  
Which loathsome night you shall be forced to spend  

a Mat. 25. 41  With Devils, and with all their damned crew,  

b Luk. 16. 26  From which place none shall ever you rescue;  

c Wis. 16. 15. Nahum 1. 3.  You by no means those judgements can escape,  
Because 
d Esa 5. 14.  hell for such wicked men doth gape.  

e 1 Pet. 5. 8.  The devil, he's always ready to take  
Your souls away, if you do not forsake  

f Gen. 18. 20  Your grievous sins, which to the Lord on high  
For vengeance daily do both call and cry.  

g Psal. 50. 22.  You little think on this, it doth appear;  
For if you did, you would not now be here.  

h John 20. 26, 27.  But you those secret places do frequent,  

i Joh. 21. 13.  Where you your time have oftentimes misspent:  

k Eph. 4. 19  In drinking, dicing, whoring, and such like  

l Eccles. 11. 9  You take your pleasure, and in the dark night  
You 
m Ps. 55. 10.  walk the streets, where Watchmen then, like Cats,  
Seize on you, as you are, like drunken Rats;  

n Psal. 59 6.  And hither they you bring, where you are mad  
Until the 
o Joh. 24. 17  morning, and then you grow sad,  
Because th'officious Constable so witty,  
That's never out of office in this city,  

p Pro 7. 7, 8.  Who finding you disguised and void of wit,  
Could do no less but speedily commit  
You to this Prison, from whence you must go  
Along with him, like sodden sheep; and so  
You bring before the next Justice of Peace,  
Who will out of this Prison you release,  
When you have paid for swearing, and likewise  
Your fees discharged, than you will soon advise  
What place to go to, where you may relate  
To your companions, at what a cheap rate  
You have escaped the punishment then due  
For your foul misdemeanours, which is true:  
And then your wicked crew, when they hear this,  

q Ecclus. 5. 4.  They'll do the like, and think it not amiss:  
For they think, if they money have to pay,  

r Pro. 14. 9  They may commit such follies every day.  

a 2 Esd. 7. 56.  Not knowing what vengeance hangs o'er their heads,  

b Judith 13. 2. 8. 15.  Whilst they lie sleeping in their drink on beds.  

c Hab. 1. 4. Eccles 8. 11.  think not though earthly Judges do forbear  
To punish vicious fellows as you are,  

d Jude 15. Ecclus 41. 8.  That God will spare to execute his just  
And severe judgement on you for your lust.  

e Pro. 5. 21. Ecclus 17. 19 20.  He notice takes of all your ways, therefore  

f Ecclus 17. 25. & 35. 3.  Your sinful wicked courses now abhor:  

g Hos. 14. 4. Jer. 3. 12. 2 Pet. 3. 9  His anger then from you he'll turn away,  
So that you shall ne'er perish nor decay.  
Go then from hence, 
h 2 Tim. 2. 22. 1 Pet. 2. 11.  abstain from vain delights,  
Forsake all such 
i Job 17. 12.  as turn days into nights.  

k Psal. 10●. 2  Behave yourselves like men that live in fame,  

l Jude 10.  And not like to bruit beasts, 
m Zeph. 3. 5.  that have no shame.  
'Tis known that you have got by being here  
The title of base Rats, at which men jeer;  
And not unfitly are such names imposed  
On you, that are within this place enclosed:  
For you like Rats, in the dark silent night,  

n Jer. 6. 5.  More mischief do, than in the day that's bright.  
If Rats find food, they I feed on't all night long,  

o 1 Thes. 5. 7  At which time you drink most, be't ne'er so strong.  
I'th' night Rats are more troublesome then i'th' day:  
And so are you, 
p Job 36. 12 Jude v. 8.  that will no laws obey.  
Rats in the night, when they think least, are taken,  

q Esa. 8. 15.  And so are you; you are not then forsaken.  
Rats of themselves go freely in the Trap;  

r Job 18. 10  But you to this Trap are brought, 'tis your hap.  
The greatest difference I find between you,  
Is, that they have four legs, and you but two.  
I wish your fellow Rats which us annoy,  
Would go with you when you hence go away.  
I wish when you from hence are gone, you would  

s Pro. 26. 11.  Never more be (as you are now) befooled.  

t Ecclus 19 2. 3.  drink (and Tobacco) taken in excess,  

u Ecclus 19 2. 1 Esdr. 3. 22.  Make wise men fools, 
x Ps. 107. 17  and fools come to distress.  

a Ecclus 19 23.  Those that delight in harlots shall at length  

b Ecclus 23. 16.  Be full of foul diseases, and want 
c Pro. 31. 3.  strength.  
The rich man that's a gamester, let him know,  
Whether he win or lose, he'll be brought low,  
The wretched swearer, that may swear his fill,  
If he can pay for oaths, the Judge than will  
Let him go free, yet he's the devil's slave,  

d Ezek. 5. 3.  The curse of God will folo him to his grave.  

e Hos. 4. 2.  You that to these vices are now addicted,  

f Hos. 4. 3.  Shall for the same be one day much afflicted;  

g Col. 3. 5. 6.  If you your wicked lives do not amend,  

h Heb. 10. 31 Pro. 19 29.  God's judgements shall o'ertake you in the end,  

i Psal. 1. 5.  Which judgements you by no means can prevent,  

k Acts 8. 22.  unless the Lord give you grace to repent,  
Which he will do, 
l Jam. 3. 17.  if you can him entreat,  
And 
m Esa. 1. 18. Jer. 26. 13.  pardon all your sins, though ne'er so great.  
Oh, what a happy thing will it be then,  
When you all vice give o'er, 
n Gal. 6. 15. Eph. 4. 24.  and be new men!  

o Phil. 4. 8.  You'll then bethink yourselves of better things,  

p Psal. 18. 44  And yield obedience to the 
q 1 Tim. 6. 15  King of Kings.  

r Joh. 12. 26.  Your service he'll reward here and above,  

s Mat. 22. 37. Tob. 13. 14.  Wherefore above all things do you him love:  

t Ecclus 2. 15. 16. Psal. 119 104.  And then all vice and wickedness you'll hate,  

u Ps. 128. 1.  So that you'll be in a most blessed state.  
Then 
x Jam. 4. 7.  shall the devil away from you fly,  

y Rom. 14. 8.  And you in God's favour shall live and die.   

CHAP. XVII.  
To the Carrier, a Prisoner.  
THou that a Carrier art, I must thee tell,  
Thou hast not carried thyself very well:  
For if thou hadst, it might be well supposed,  
Thou hadst not at this time been here enclosed.  
Doubtless thou wast very much overseen,  
To take up this base prison for thine inn.  
But seeing now thy nest thou hast here built,  
Think not thou canst depart hence when thou wilt:  
For now thou art here, here thou shalt be stayed,  
Until thy reckoning to a Doit be paid:  
And what thy chamberlain doth say is due,  
Thou must needs pay, be't ne'er so false or true:  
When thou call'st to thine Host out of the grate  
For food, he'll send it thee at his own rate.  
Yet if thou pay not for it beforehand,  
For all thy calling he'll not understand.  
I'll undertake thou shalt be here so yoked,  
That the proud Tapster will first see thee choked  
Before he'll trust thee for a little drink,  
Though thou entreat him, yet he'll from thee slink.  
Corpse entertainment thou shalt find and see,  
The longer thou art here, the worse 'twill be;  
So well 'twill like thee, that I dare maintain,  
When thou art gone thou'lt ne'er come here again.  
Yet let me tell thee one thing by the way,  
If thou shouldst be disordered every day  
In drink or otherwise, with knaves or whores,  
Yet will not thine host turn thee out of doors:  
Nay though thy carriage should be ne'er so base,  
Thou shalt be kept safe in this lawless place.  
Wherefore discharge thy reckoning and be trudging;  
Do not delay the time to change thy lodging.  
But how cam'st thou behind hand, canst thou tell,  
That thou shouldst be constrained here now to dwell?  
Thou must needs say, that 
a Pro. 23. 21.  thy ill husbandry  
Hath brought thee to this great calamity.  

b Exod. 9 21  Thou hast been careless, 
c Pro. 14. 15.  and too credulous,  
And therefore it must needs be with thee thus.  

d P●●●6 25▪  For he that will believe every tale,  
And make mad bargains, 
e 〈…〉  when he's in his Ale,  
And his calling neglects, which should maintain  
His charge so great 
a Ps. 104. 23  by his labour and pain,  

b Job 34. 8. Pro. 28. 7.  He that's thus drawn away by company,  

c Pro. 28. 19  doubtless shall come to extreme poverty.  
In all which thou canst not thyself excuse,  
Though late, yet now, 
d 1 Cor. 5. 11  bad company refuse.  
Where are thy pot-companions, and thy crew  
Of good fellows? they bid thee now adieu:  

e Esa. 57 13.  They'll not come near thee, now thou art in trouble▪  
Because thou hast not means with them to fuddle.  
Such 
f Joel 1. 5.  drunkards are by drunkards called good fellows,  
Which rather should be called the devil's bellows.  
For he with them blows and kindles the fire  

g Pro. 23. 29, 30. Ecclus 31. 29.  Of quarrels and debate, which they desire.  
A good riddance thou hast of them, therefore  

h Psal. 26. 5.  Desire thou their company no more.  
And when thou hast thy liberty, do not  
Count him thy friend that's given to the pot.  
For such a one will 
i Ecclus 19 1  cause thee to foreslow.  
Thy business, which may cause thy overthrow.  
Thy wise and servants may do what thy can,  

k Ecclus 11. 11.  Yet 'twill not thrive till thou be 
l 2 Cor. 5. 17.  a new man.  
But thou thy freedom hast not yet obtained,  

m Lam. 3. 7.  'Tis God that hath thee hitherto restrained,  

n 2 Chron. 33. 12.  And if thou unto him dost now repair  
In all humility by hearty prayer:  
Confessing all thy sins, then make no doubt,  

o Jer. 38. 10.  But he will raise thee friends to get thee out.  
Consider how the Lord thou hast offended,  

p Amos 6. 6.  And yet thy sinful life hast not amended:  
Thy Carts were ne'er charged with commodity,  

q Esay 1. 4.  As thou art laden with iniquity.  
Yet when unto the inn they come, than they  
Unladen are without any delay:  
So 
r Mat. 11. 28.  thou that laden art so much with sin,  
Go to thy Saviour Christ, and seek to win  

a Joh. 14. 21.  His love by thy obedience to his will,  

b Mat. 11. 29  And he will ease thee, be thou ne'er so ill.  
Thy waggon wheels, when they want grease, do cry,  
And keep a squeaking, till thou them supply.  
So when thou feel'st the want of grace, 
c Heb. 4. 16.  cease not  
To cry to God, till thou the same hast got:  

d Heb. 12. 15  For wanting that, thou canst not but offend  
Thy gracious God, 
e Jer. 14. 10.  for which cause he doth send  
These troubles, which his rods are to reclaim  
Thee from those sins, 
f Ezek. 33. 10.  in which thou hast long lain:  

g Psal. 44 10 Hos. 5. 15.  That by his chastisement thou mayst be brought  
To serve God likewise, 
h Col. 2. 7▪  as thou hast been taught.  
Thou know'st, thy team of horses, though well fed,  
Like pampered Jades, they care not to be led  
Out of the Stable to thy wagons, where  
They are put to do service, 'tis thy care:  
Yet if sometimes they are not whipped and beaten,  
They'll do no service, though thou them dost threaten.  
If God in like manner should not thee give  

i Ps. 119. 71.  Correction, then in sin thou wonldest still live,  

k Deut. 8. 11  And him forget to serve, that hath always  

l Ps. 121. 7, 8.  Defended thee from danger all thy days.  
Wherefore be 
m Ps. 100 4.  thankful to the Lord for this  
His love to thee, 
n Joh. 5 14.  and do no more amiss;  
Then when thy liberty thou shalt obtain,  
Thou mayst with credit 
o 2 Thes. 3. 12.  do thy work again,  

p Luk. 19 15, 16, 17.  And thy calling discharge more faithfully  
Then ere thou didst when thou hadst more plenty.  
Thy waggon wheels, if thou not'st, when they go,  
That part that's now above, anons below:  
Then that part that's below, again's on high;  
Thus are all men subject to casualty:  

q 1 Cor. 10. 12.  There's no man breathing can say he stands fast;  

r 1 Sam. 2. 7.  The rich man that's up now, is soon down cast:  
Again 
(s) 1 Sam. 2. 8.  the poor man that is full of sorrow,  
May be a poor man now, and rich to morrow.  
Observe thy waggon wheels on the high way,  
Which never cease turning about, till they  
By turning, gain the place where thou wouldst be  
Of thy lading discharged: then thou art free.  
So likewise shouldst thou turn about, until  
Thou turn not, as the wheels turn in a mill.  

a Job 36. 10. Ecclus. 17. 26.  But turning from thy sins, thou shalt have rest,  

b Rom. 8. 28.  And then the Lord will turn all to the best.  
And if by chance one of thy wheels should break  
Upon the way, thou then wouldst send to speak  
Unto the wheel-right, to come and repair  
That breach, lest thou shouldst be forced to stay there.  

c John 3. 4.  So when thou dost fall into any sin,  

d 1 Pet. 4. 1, 2.  do not at any hand lie long therein;  
But quickly 
e 1 John 2, 1  go to Christ, and he'll thee give  
Grace to amend, 
f Rom. 6. 2.  that thou in no sin live.  
Observe thy horses, (which do stand in awe)  
Their heavy lading they do forward draw,  
So that by drawing thus, it's often seen,  
They in due time come safely to their inn:  
But if one of those horses should draw back,  
Their labour then were lost, and thou shouldst lack.  
Now if thou, with thy wife, and servants all  

g 1 Thes. 4▪ 11, 12. Ps. 133. 1.  Agree together, than thy business shall  
Go forward, and no doubt but 
h Deut. 28. 12  God will bless  
And prosper thy endeavours more or less.  

i Jam. 3. 16. Gal. 5. 15.  But if together you do not agree,  
Thou canst not thrive, 'twill be the worse for thee.  
Wherefore 
k Psal. 25. 1.  lift up thy soul to God on high,  
For he's 
l Heb. 13. 20.  the God of peace and unity:  

m Psal. 5. 8.  he'll set all straight, and thou shalt quickly find  

n Job 14. 14.  A happy change, according to thy mind.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
To the Master of the taphouse.  
THou art 
a Judg. 3. 17. Psal. 73. 7.  so fat, that thou canst hardly run,  
And half as bigi'th middle as a Tun:  

b Luk. 12, 19  Thou tak'st thine ease, and hast 
c & 16. 19  daily good fare,  

d Amos 6. 6:  Thou drinkest good wine, until thine eyes do stare.  
Though thou a mighty man art in this place,  
Yet liv'st thou by those that live in disgrace.  
Thou dost 
e Luk. 3. 13.  exact on prisoners that are here,  
By selling such things as thou hast, too dear.  
Thy beer, though dead and low, yet dost thou think  
It's for poor prisoners good enough to drink:  
Thy ale though small, and measure very little,  
Poor prisoners must have that, or none to tipple.  
Thy bread though not full weight, 
f Josh. 9 12.  and ne'er so stale,  
Thou think'st it good enough to sop in ale.  
Thy cheese which thou mark'st out so neat and round,  
At thy rate is almost two groats a pound.  
Thy rich tobacco, which poor fools are fain  
To buy at thy dear rate, yields thee sweet gain.  
Thy pretty fine faggots, as green as geese,  
Thou think'st too cheap at seven tokens apiece.  
Thy candles, which are made of kitchen stuff,  
Are quickly burnt out to a stinking snuff.  
Thou art so wise, that thou no coals wilt sell  
To prisoners which within this house do dwell;  
Neither wilt thou suffer their friends to bring  
Them such fuel, though it them cost nothing.  
What is the reason? let me tell thee plain,  
Because by faggots thou so much dost gain,  
Regarding not 
g Jer. 38. 9  what prisoners do endure,  
So thou getest means to satisfy the Brewer:  
For by thy liquour thou gainest most of all,  
And that by drunkards: who do cry and yall  
For drink, though they are full; yet when they will  

a Hab. 2. 15.  Have more, their pots thou wilt be sure to fill.  
Then they will drink till they 
b Ps. 107. 27.  reel to and fro,  
Not being able of themselves to go.  
These are thy friends, which thou wilt not see lack  
So long as they have a coat to their back:  
And if such fellows were not in this house,  
Thy trading then would scarce be worth a louse.  

c Est. 1. 8.  Now when a civil man comes, that can't drink  
More than will do him good, thou then dost think  
he's no good customer, let him stand by,  
For his room's better than his company.  
An honest man, 
d Levit. 25. 35.  that's fallen to decay,  
If he ask credit of thee for a day,  
But for a penny loaf, or pot of beer,  
Though he entreat thee, yet thou wilt not hear:  
Nay, if he should be sick, ready to die,  
For want thereof, thou wouldst not him supply.  
If prisoners have a mind to drink i'th' night,  
No room thou'lt spare, unless they'll pay for light.  
Such orders thou hast made, which I dare say,  
May hold a while, which prisoners must obey:  
But if thou thus continuest 
e Col. 3. 25.  to do wrong,  
Thou mayst thyself a prisoner be ere long.   

CHAP. XIX.  
To the Card-player, a Prisoner.  
ALl thy delight's here in playing at Cards,  
And usually with those that have 
a Pro. 20▪ 29.  grey beards,  
Old men that dote, 
b Zech. 8. 4.  and have one foot i'th' grave,  
Although in prison, yet they needs must have  
A pair of Cards, to drive the time away,  
And then their heads together they will lay:  
Making their matches with such eagerness,  
As if they were about great business.  
All which is for Tobacco and strong beer,  

a Tit. 2. 2.  Which they will have, although it cost them dear.  
And when they do mistake, they then fall out,  
And in great choler throw their Cards about.  
But why shouldst thou, 
b Pro. 20. 29.  that art lustily and strong,  

c Pro. 21. 17.  Sit at this idle sport all the day long?  
Before thou cam'st to prison, thou didst spend  
Thy chiefest time in Carding most an end.  

d Pro. 18. 19  Which idle course of life, I must needs say,  
Hath been the only cause of thy decay.  
But now thou art a prisoner in this place,  
Me thinks thou shouldst not have so little grace  
As to continue playing in this kind,  

e Heb. 6. 9  When thou to better things should give thy mind.  
I wonder of what mettle thou art made,  
That thou shouldst always follow such a trade.  
But seeing now thou wilt not be reclaimed  
From Carding, by which thou sayst thou hast gained;  
Know this from me, whether thou lose or win,  
Thou art a loser 
f 1 Joh. 3. 4.  by committing sin.  
When thou the Cards dost deal▪ afraid thou art  
To lose thy dealing, for 'twill vex thy heart.  

g Pro. 10. 4.  Yet thou thy dealing haste now lost with those  
By whom thou gotest money, meat, drink, and clothes.  
When thou the Cards didst cut, thou know'st not where  
To cut them, yet thereof thou hast a care.  

h Ps. 106. 1●  If thou hadst been cut short of thine own will,  
When thou wast free, thou might'st have been so still.  
When thou the Cards dost shuffle at thine ease,  
Such a game thou mayst have as may thee please.  

i Tit. 1. 1●.  A shuffling fellow thou hast been, those say,  
Which oft advised thee to give over play.  
When thou a good game hast, thou bend'st thy wits  
Thy game to play well, to get many tricks:  
If all be true, I lately understood,  

a Micah 2. 1.  Thou hast more tricks than e'er will do thee good.  
When thou hast store of Trumps thou then dost grin,  
And fleer, because thou then art sure to win.  

b Pro. 15. 14  Thou with much trump'ry art stored every day,  
Which thou wilt keep, and never play away.  
When one a ten doth play, the trick to save,  
Thou that trick winn'st by playing of the knave.  

c Psal. 7. 14.  Thou hast oft times the knave played, and yet hast  
Not got thereby, but greatly lost at last.  
When thou dost rub, thou then art very glad,  
Because thy game can then be hardly bad.  
A dangerous 
d 2 Chron. 28. 26.  rub thou hast in this place, which  
Will make thee rub and scratch where't doth not itch.  
Again, when thou dost rub thou art a getter,  
The stock thou gainest, which makes thy game the better.  
Thou hadst in former time a pretty stock,  

e Job 15. 29.  Which thou by play hast lost, like a woodcock.  
If thou renounce, and wilt not follow suit,  
Thou playest foul play, and causest a dispute.  

f Jam. 47.  Renounce the devil, and his works, lest he  
Follow thee close, and never renounce thee.  
When thou a Card discardest, it is conceived,  
'Tis for the best, yet mayst thou be deceived.  
Those that discarded thee, did play their game  
Exceeding well, 
g Pro. 9 7.  for thou those friends didst shame.  
If these the fruits of idle Carding be,  
For shame give't o'er, that thy best friends may see  
Some alteration in thee in this place,  

h Psal. 65. 4.  And that thou wilt some goodness now embrace.  
'Twill be a means thou mayst once more obtain  
Their love 
i Pro. 11. 27.  and favour, to help thee again  
Out of this nasty place, where 
k Psal. 70. 5.  thou dost lack  
Food for thy belly, and clothes to thy back.  
And likewise may for thee a way contrive,  
How in some honest calling 
a Deut. 29. 9  thou mayst thrive.  
Which course of life no doubt but God will bless,  

b Ps. 118. 5.  And keep thee from living in such distress.   

CHAP. XX.  
To the Papist, a Prisoner.  
THou art not here afflicted (as thou know'st)  
For thy Religion, but for what thou ow'st.  
Thy creditor 
a Rev. 3. ●6.  doth not much stand upon  
Religion, so he may but have his own.  
For he's a man that's rich, and 
b Col. 3. 5.  covetous,  
Which makes him, as thou art, idolatrous.  
Now thou art here, 
c Job 21. 34.  small comfort thou shalt find  
From him, and others, 'twill trouble thy mind.  
For when thou art in want, and otherwise  
Afflicted here, thy friends 
d Job 12. 5.  will thee despise.  
Then wilt thou in a poor condition be,  

e Num. 14. 43.  If God be not thy friend, to stand by thee.  

f 1 Sam. 28. 16.  But thou that hast made God thine enemy,  

g Esa. 42. 17.  By trusting gods that are mere vanity:  
Adhering to the 
h Rev. 17. 1. 5  Whore of Babylon,  

i Rev. 17. 14.  The enemy of Christ, God's only son,  

k Ezek. 14. 7, 8.  Canst not from that great God true comfort have,  

l Rev. 14. 8.  That art to that 
m & 17. 4.  great Whore such a bondslave.  
What an erroneous Church dost thou live in,  
That to all men 
n Gal. 5. 13. Ecclus 15. 20.  gives liberty to sin?  
The Pope, 
o 2 Thes. 2. 3  that man of sin (who is misled  
By Satan) is of that false Church the head.  
That head that hath on it a triple crown,  

p 2 Thes 2 8  Shall one day be by 
q Eph. 5. 23.  Christ our Head pulled down.  
The Pope, with his 
r Rev. 9 3.  Locusts, his underlings,  
Have power, as thou believest, 
s Mar. 2. 7.  to pardon sins.  
But if such sinners as to them do go  
To have their sins forgiven, they must know,  
If they fall short of money to obtain  
Their pardons, than their labour's but in vain.  
In what a poor deistressed case art thou,  
That want'st thy liberty, and know'st now how  
A little means to get, that art in debt,  
That thou a pardon for thy sins mayst get?  
What though thou think'st thy sins be ne'er so small?  
No pardon thou shalt have for them at all,  
Unless thy ghostly Father thou content  
With money, then though thou do not repent,  

a Esa. 43. 25  He'll pardon them, though they be ne'er so great;  

b Rev. 12. 9 2▪ Cor. 4. 4.  Thus doth the devil all such blind fool's cheat.  
Oh! how are all the members of thy Church  

c 2 Thess. 2. 11.  Deluded, and at last left in the lurch?  
That cannot be a true, but false religion▪  
Which most wise men thereof have in derision.  
The Religion of the Romish Church is such,  

d Rev. 17. 4.  As is polluted and defiled much:  
The wickedness thereof cannot be hid,  

e Mar. 7. 9  For that maintains that, which God's laws forbid,  

f Lev. 26. 1.  Idolatry, 
g 1 Cor. 10. 4.  which true Christians abhor,  

h 1 King. 12 19 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14  Rebellion against Princes, and yet more,  

i Lev. 20. 10.  Adultery, and 
k 1 Cor. 6. 18.  fornication, which  
Them permitted is, to poor and rich;  

l Zach. 5. 4.  Perjury, 
m 1 Tim. 1. 10.  Buggery, 
n Gen. 19 36.  Incest, and such like  

o 2 Chron. 36. 14.  abominations, of which they make light.  
Those Popish Clergy do and will maintain,  
Because thereby they have much 
p 1 Tim. 3. 3  filthy gain:  
This seems a brave Religion to th'unwise,  
That's stuffed with 
q 2 Pet. 2. 1.  base old heresies, and lies.  
What good dost think from thy Religion springs,  

r Rom▪ 16. 17.  That contradicts itself in many things?  
But when 
s Psal. 119. 140.  the Word of God, which is so pure,  

t Heb. 12. 3.  Is thereby crossed, who can the same endure?  
But 
a 2 Cor. 6. 15  truth and falsehood we shall never see  
As long as this world lasts, e'er to agree.  

b Acts 3. 17.  Thou that in ignorance hast been so long bred,  

c 1 Joh. 2. 21  Know'st not the truth, no more than he that's dead.  
Those 
d Mat. 23. 4.  ignorant clergy, 
e Heb. 10. 26  that the truth would smother,  
Say, Ignorance of devotion is the mother.  
What greater ignorance then, can there be found,  
Then in the Romish Church, 
f Hos. 4. 6.  that's therein drowned?  
How can it otherwise be, when they deny  

g Acts 17. 11  The Scriptures to be read to the Laity?  
Such orders they have made; and besides this▪  
Whatsoever they do, be't ne'er so much amiss:  
Yet will they not by God's pure 
h Ps. 105. 19  word be tried,  

i Jer. 8. 9 Pro. 13. 13.  Because they never could the same abide.  
It is no marvel then, they are so vile,  

k 2 Thess. 2. 10.  Whom Satan their leader doth thus beguile:  
For he conducts them clean 
l 2 Pet. 2. 15.  out of the way,  

m 1 Joh. 4. 6.  From truth to errors, for they him obey.  

n Rev. 19 19  Such as under the devil's banner fight  
Against their Maker, the great God of might,  

o Rev. 19 20  Shall lose the battle▪ and likewise be sure  
Eternal captivity to endure.  

p Rev. 14. 9 10.  Such shall th'estate and the condition be  
Of all Idolaters▪ that from God flee.  

q Wild. 14. 27, 28.  for such regard not what sins they commit,  
As dumb Idols and Images worship.  

r Psal. 37. 12. Micah 2. 1.  What devilish plots and practices have been  

s Psal. 124. 7.  discovered here against our King and Queen,  
And all our royal Issue, with our State▪  
By all the Romish Sect, 
t Mat. 5. 12.  who scorn and hate  
All Christians, which the gospel do profess  

u 2 Cor. 1. 12  With all sincerity: yet ne'er the less  

x 1 King. 6. 20.  They would have blown up all, ('twas their intent)  
When they assembled were in Parliament.  
Those that unto their 
y Mat. 15. 9  Doctrine will not yield,  

z Heb. 11. 39  Shall be tormented, scourged▪ and at last killed:  

a Heb. 11. 37  Such cruelty they use to Christ's poor members,  
As if in hell there were no such offenders.  
This Church 
b Rev. 17. 5.  (the mother of harlots) is known  
To be the Church 
c Acts 17. 22  of Ceremonies alone:  

d Job 21. 12.  Organs with other sweet music, and singing,  
Wax 
e Baruch 6. 19  candles lighted, books, and Bells oft ringing:  
Rich Copes, fine Beads, and holy water, which  
With other rare conceits that some bewitch:  

f Ps. 115. 4. Baruch 6. 39  Brave images, and pictures of some Saints,  
And Angels, which they say, hear their complaints.  
Crosses guilded with gold, beset with stones,  
And relics, whereof some are dead men's bones,  
And some are teeth, heads, arms, and other parts  
Of Saints dismembered, which grieves not their hearts  
To see what monsters they of some Saints make,  
At which the wiser sort their heads do shake.  
One Saint at several places had three heads,  
Six arms another, and a third four legs.  
There was a Saint in England, we are told,  
That had more teeth than two hogsheads could hold.  

g 2 Thes. 2. 11.  Such lying fopperies Papists maintain,  

h Ps. 106. 39  As merely are devised by their own brain.  
A man would wonder, in this age, to see  
What strange disordered orders now there be  
Ordained in the Church of Rome, whereby  
That Church is much enriched; but the Country  
And kingdoms that are subject thereunto,  
Are much impoverished, some they quite undo.  
So many Sects there are, both high and low,  
Of clergymen, which they themselves scarce know:  

i Esay 2. 17.  The lofty Cardinals, proud and ambitious;  
The Jesuits, 
k Acts 13. 50  which are everywhere seditious;  

l 1 Pet. 5. 3.  The domineering Bishops, which have cures;  
The lazy [Monks] 
m Mat. 23. 4 Psal 37 7.  that are mere Epicures▪  
The drunken Priests, 
n Esay 44. 15. 16.  who eat their breaden Gods;  

o Jer. 5. 8.  The lecherous [friars] who whip Nuns with rods;  
The Capuchins, who wear to shirts, and go  
By two and two, 
a Mat. 23. 28.  are hypocrites we know▪  
And divers other Orders from Rome sent,  
With unchaste Nuns, make up the 
b Jer. 5. 27.  Rabblement.  
These Popish clergy are 
c 1 Tim. 4. 3.  forbid to marry,  

d Hos. 7. 4.  And yet from common whores cannot long tarry.  

e 1 Cor. 7. 9  Their reins must needs be purged by maids or wives,  
Else they'll be sick, and endanger their lives.  
It is more lawful for a Priest to have  
Ten Concubines, than one wife, ne'er so brave.  
This 
f 1 Tim. 4. 1.  devilish doctrine is taught unto those  
That are apt scholars, whom their Master knows.  
They likewise do on certain days 
g 1 Tim. 4. 3.  forbid  
Flesh to be eaten; and yet they instead  
Of flesh may eat of other things their fill,  
With dainty Cakes and sweetmeats, if they will,  
And several sorts of wine of pleasant taste;  
This is the manner of the Popish Fast.  
If thou such fasting days couldst here observe,  
Though thou fast often, yet thou needest not starve.  
But what a wicked custom have those got,  

h 1 Cor. 14. 14.  That in a strange tongue pray, which they know not?  
Yet ignorant Papists pray as they are taught,  
Although their prayers (God knows) are stark nought:  
For when they understand not what they say,  
They do but prate; a parrot may so pray.  

i 1 King. 18. 26.  The form and substance of their prayer's such  
As doth the Lord dishonour very much:  

k Luk. 11. 2.  For to some Saints they pray, and cannot tell  
Whether those Saints in heaven be, or in hell.  
Whether true Saints, or Popish Saints, 
l Jer. 11. 12.  they fail  
That to them pray; 'twill nothing them avail:  
Yet when this Popish crew want help, they then  
Pray to those Saints, which were but mortal men.  
The Virgin Mary, 
m Jer. 7. 18.  she's more called upon  
Then Christ 
n Luk. 1. 47.  her Saviour, the 
o Mat. 21. 42.  chief corner stone.  

a Rev. 19 10. & 22, 8, 9 Col. 2. 18.  Angels that are God's servants, as Saints be,  
They worship, for their Church doth so agree.  

b Exo. 20. 4.  carved Images and pictures on the wall,  
Crosses, relics, and other things withal  

c Psal. 115. 4, 5, 6, 7.  That have no life, yet 
d Jer. 50. 38.  they like beasts do creep  
And crawl to them, sometimes i'th' open street:  

e Exo. 20. 5.  And when they are thus prostrate, than they cry  
Unto those Idols, their wants to supply.  
So soon as people die, their 
f Mat. 25. 46.  souls do go  
To heaven or hell, the word of God saith so.  
Yet those ungodly Papists have invented  
A place besides hell, where souls are tormented;  
That place of Purgatory, where they say,  
The souls must needs be 
g Heb. 1. 3.  purged before that day.  
They are delivered thence, therefore they make  
For those soul's prayers, which lie in that lake.  
Thus those, that are in thy religion bred,  
In vain do pray for their friends, which are dead.  
Believe me, if a Purgatory be  
On earth, 'tis here, thou canst not choose but see.  
This place will thee so purge, thou needest not care  
To be purged again, thou know'st not where.  
The Romish Church, like Pharisees and Scribes,  

h Mar. 7. 13.  prefer men's vain Traditions▪ (like 
i Mat. 23. 24.  blind guides)  
Before the written word of God, which none  
But such blasphemers 
k Lev. 26. 15▪ 16. Pro. 13. 13.  do despise alone:  
For they 
l Rev. 22. 18.  add thereunto, and 
m & 19  from it take  
That which shall make their souls in hell to quake.  
Their great legend of 
n Psal. 52. 3.  lies is more set by  
Then 
o Pro. 30. 5.  God's pure word, 
p Job 37. 22.  that's full of Majesty.  
The 
q Exo. 34. 28  ten commandments of God, wherein  

r Deut. 32. 34 Col 2. 3.  A mass of treasure's locked up to the brim:  
Those clergy have the second clean left out:  
And of the last made two: there is no doubt  

s Esa. 33. 22.  But God, that gave those laws, will suddenly  

t Psal. 97. 7.  Bring them to shame for their Idolatry,  
Which sin's against that great commandment,  
And that's the reason the counsel of Trent  
Would not have that once mentioned, lest thereby  

a Act. 17. 16 Jer. 5. 31.  Their people should forbear Idolatry.  
Though in 
b Pro. 7. 2.  God's Law all sins are comprehended,  
Yet have those outlawed Clergy recommended  
Unto their people five commandments more  
Than e'er the primitive Church heard of before.  
Which laws are so observed without excuse,  

c Jer. 9 13. 14, 15.  As God's laws now are almost out of use.  

d Luk. 11. 42.  That man that breaks but one commandment  
Of theirs, must penance do, though he repent:  
But if he should at once break all God's laws,  
No penance he should do: and why? because  

e Ezek. 16. 20  The sins against those laws are very small,  

f 1 John 3. 4. 8.  And some such sins they count but venial:  
The Priest therefore no penance will enjoin  
To such a sinner, though he have no coin.  

g Exod. 20. 8.  The Lord's day all true Christians sanctify  
An holy rest to God our Lord on high:  

h Act. 20. 7.  Which day's appointed to read, hear, and pray,  

i Exod. 20. 10.  And no work to be done upon that day.  
But those profane and wretched Papists hold,  

k Neh. 10. 31  That wares on that day may be bought and sold.  
After they have i'th' morning been at mass,  

l Neh. 13. 15.  Some go to work, and some their time do pass  

m Esa. 58. 13  In wanton sports; thus they may work or play  
On that day more than any holy day.  
Christ only hath 
n Eph. 4. 5. 1 Cor. 11. 26.  two Sacraments ordained,  
Which in his Church shall ever be maintained:  
The Church of Rome hath added thereunto  
Five Sacraments more, which they ought not to do.  
The two which Christ ordained, these men unwise  
Sophisticate with their ceremonies:  
The other five they never could maintain  
As Sacraments to be joined with those twain.  
Now this corrupted Church, with much envy,  

a Pro. 30 6.  add what they list to God's Word wrongfully.  
The Canons of the mass they hold equal  
Unto the 
b Rev. 14. 6.  Gospel, which is eternal.  
This hellish doctrine they hold, and so would  

c Heb. 13 9  Have all the world believe it, if they could:  
And to win credit thereunto, we know  

d Rev. 16. 14  They did false miracles devise, and so  
Amazed the people, and made some to jar;  

e Rev. 19 20 Bell and Dra. 13. 14. 20. 21.  But now their juggling tricks discovered are.  
These are the blind Scribes, and Pharisees, that  

f Mat. 23. 24  Swallow a camel, and strain at a Gnat.  
And yet these merit-mongers, though they be  

g Psal. 101. 8  Such wicked livers, as the world may see:  

h Luk. 17. 10  They think to merit heaven by their good works:  
Such wicked Christians are as bad as Turks.  
Nay 
i Joh. 8. 44.  these sons of their Father, that old liar,  
Say men may do more than God's laws require.  

k Jude 11.  Such damnable and wicked errors these  
Base Antichristians teach, even as they please.  

l Psal. 106. 35 36.  Thou art one of their scholars, here despised,  
Forget their lessons, 
m Pro. 19 20.  and be well advised.  
It may be God to this school hath thee brought,  

n Esa. 29. 24.  To learn a lesson which thou ne'er wast taught.  
If thou wilt therefore 
o Esa. 34. 16.  God's Book take in hand,  

p Luk. 24. 45  And learn the same rightly to understand,  

q 1 Cor. 10. 14.  Thou wilt abandon all that Popish crew,  

r Luk. 12. 32  And be of Christ's poor flock, though they be few:  

s Act. 8. 32.  read then the holy Scriptures with delight, 
Tim. 4 13.   

t 1 Joh. 1. 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  O that will make thee see darkness from light.  

u The prayer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Though thou a great idolater hast been  
Long time, 
x Eph. 5. 16.  yet now thy time seek to redeem:  

y Psal. 69. 5.  And if thou call'st thy grievous sins to mind,  

z 〈◊〉 21.  Seeking to God for mercy, thou shalt find  

a ● Pet. 2. 10 〈◊〉 45. 8.  That he his gracious favour will extend  
Unto thee here, 
b 〈◊〉 4. 1.  and free thee in the end.  

a 2 King. 21▪ 2. &c.  Manasseh was a great idolater,  
As thou and others of thy Church now are:  

b 2 Chron. 33. 10.  He would not harken to the Lord, until  

c V. 11.  He was in great affliction, very ill;  

d V. 12.  He being led into captivity,  
Humbled himself, and to the Lord did cry;  

e V. 13.  Who heard his voice, that was in such distress,  
And did out of that bondage him release;  

f Prayer of Manasseh.  Be thou like him, now thou afflicted art,  

g Psal. 32. 5.  confess thy sins to God, with all thy heart.  

h 1 Joh. 2. 28 Psal. 31. 6.  In him alone put all thy confidence;  

i Ps. 86. 11.  Embrace the truth, let it be thy defence.  

k Ps. 51. 13.  Thou being thus converted, God will thy  
Body and soul 
l 2 Tim. 4. 18.  preserve continually.  
Then as Manasseh was delivered, so  
Shalt thou likewise, than 
m 2 Chron. 33. 13.  thou the Lord wilt know.  
Thou being then 
n 1 Cor. 1. 4.  endued with God's grace,  

o Psal. 92. 1.  Wilt give him thanks that brought thee to this place,  
Where thou shalt not stay long, if thou him love,  

p 1 Pet. 1. 4.  For he'll remove thee to a place above;  

q 1 Cor. 6. 9  To which place no Idolater shall go,  

r Rev. 14. 11  For their dwelling shall be in hell below.  
But those that are 
s Eph. 5. 30.  Christ's members, when they die,  

t Joh. 17. 24.  Shall live with him their 
u Col. 1. 18.  head eternally.   

CHAP. XXI.  
To his Brother:  
I Must confess thou art 
a 1 Sam. 17. 28.  my elder brother,  
But if in Berkshire there be such another,  
I am deceived; yet can I not forbear  
In my distress, 
b Job 13. 17.  but this to thee declare:  
Five months and upward in this place have I  
A prisoner been, thou canst it not deny;  
In all which time 
a 2 Chron. 18, 26.  although thou knew'st my grief,  
Wouldst not at all send me the least relief.  
Had it not been for some here, that me cherished  
At certain times, 
b Psal. 9 18.  I might have starved and perished  

c Ruth 2. 14. Luke 10. 33.  More love have I from these poor strangers found,  
Then from thyself, since this world on me frowned.  
But now in prison I am, thou know'st where,  

d Luke 10. 31. 32.  Whether I sink or swim, thou tak'st no care.  
Hadst thou a feeling of my misery,  

e 1 John 4. 20.  Thou couldst not have so little charity  

f Psal. 69. 8.  Thus to neglect me, now I am in thrall,  
But that thou art 
g 2 Tim. 3. 3  to me unnatural.  
Consider therefore, 
h Zech. 7. 9  and do not forget  
Thy brother, that's imprisoned for debt.  
I was thy friend, and am thy brother, tho  
In Prison, 
i Job 16. 20.  where false friends will not me know.  
Thou art my brother, yet I must thee tell,  

k Pro. 18. 24  A true friend's nearer to me, I know well.  
Let me therefore not only thee advise  

l 1 Thes. 4. 9  To be my brother, but my friend likewise.  

m Mat. 7. 12.  do as thou wouldst be done unto, thou then  
Wilt please the Lord, and be beloved of men.  

n Rom. 14. 10.  howsoe'er thou dealest with me, I'll strive to be  

o Heb. 13. 5.  Contented, and 
p 1 Thes. 5. 25  pray to the Lord for thee:  
Hoping, though I in this extremity  
Have not thy help, yet 
q 1 Thes. 1. 6  God will sanctify  
These great afflictions to me, and me send  
Help and 
r 2 Pet. 2. 9  deliverance out of them i'th' end.  

s Num. 27. 3  Our father's dead, be not so strange to me,  
Whilst we have breath 
t Psal. 133. 1.  let us not disagree.  
Then though we have no father, he'll us bless,  

u Psal. 6●. 5.  Who is a father of the fatherless.   

CHAP. XXII.  
To the merciful creditor.  
A poor man thou hast in this Prison laid,  

a Philem. 11  Who heretofore was by thee well employed.  

b 2 King. 12 15.  Credit thou gav'st him, and didst him well use,  
Whilst he dealt with thee, yet did he refuse  

c 2 Kin. 4. 7.  To give thee such content as he was able,  
And yet without just cause 
d Pro. 10. 31  did with thee brabble:  
Wherefore when thou in him couldst find no reason,  

e Psal. 55. 19  Hither thou sentest him, which was in due season:  
For since his being here, 
f Rom. 8. 13.  he's mortified,  

g Tit. 3. 3.  That heretofore was stout, and full of pride.  

h Ecclus 35. 20.  Now in his great distress, when he to thee  
Did make his moan, thou quickly didst agree,  

i Jer. 52. 31  Not only to release him, but also  
To set him up again, that's brought so low.  
In all which thou thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be  

k 1 Pet. 3. 8.  Compassionate, loving, courteous and free.  

l Mat. 5 7.  Such men are blessed that in 〈◊〉 delight:  
For they shall at God's hands receive the like.  
Thy poor debtor when he's out of this place,  
May by thy means be in a happy 〈◊〉  

m Proc 9 6.  Leaving his former folly and betake  
Himself to that which may 〈◊〉 make  

n Pro. 6. 1, 2▪  Him fear to run in debt, having a 〈◊〉  
To live within his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
And by degree, 
o 1 Pet. 4. 2.  make best use of his time  
As may appear to that to be a sign  

p Col. 3. 10.  That he'll a new man be, and by God's grace  

q 2 pet. 3. 18  Will learn in 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 a pace:  
Then though thy debt he do discharge, yet still  

r Philem. 19  He's thy debtor, but not against thy will.  
For debts of such a high nature are not  

a 1 Cor. 16. 18.  To be by honest Christians e'er forgot:  
Which debtors, though 
b Jam. 2. 5.  they may be poor in spirit,  
Will make thee rich, that shalt one day inherit  

c Mat. 25. 34.  A kingdom, that's for all good men prepared,  
Which shall be their everlasting reward.  
Such creditors God will preserve and keep,  

d Psal 71. 20.  Though they in troubles are plunged ne'er so deep.  
If other creditors were like to thee,  
This prison which is full, would empty be.  
The jailer and his underlings might then  
Go shake their ears, like poor conditioned men.  
But in these days we know it to be true,  

e Esa. 57 1.  The number of such creditors are few.  

f Psal. 18. 25  Thou being now thus to thy debtor kind,  

g Ecclus 12. 2,  Shalt favour from God thy creditor find.  

h Ps. 103. 2.  bless thou the Lord, 
i Jam. 1. 17.  for besides him there's none  
That moves men to do good, but him alone.   

CHAP. XXIII.  
To the captain, a Prisoner.  
WHen captains are surprised, and lose the field,  

a 1 Sam. 4. 2.  They then unto the enemy must yield.  
By thy relation, 
b 1 M●●h. 11. 69 70.  thou hast been upon  
Hot service, which unto thyselfe's best known.  
howsoever thou hast to danger been exposed,  

c Gen▪ 40. 3.  Thou now art here, within this sort enclosed.  
Brought in by 
d Mat. 5. 15.  those, whose daily exercise  
Is to endeavour how they may surprise  
And get into their clutches such brave sparks,  

e Ecclus. 29. 5. 6.  As study how to run in debt like sharks:  

f Ecclus 29. 4  But take no care their debts to satisfy,  
Until they are put to extremity.  

a Luk. 12. 58.  The Sergeants, when they meet with such a one,  
Although he be a valiant blade, well known,  
They'll venture on him, be it day or night,  
And make him yield, although he rail and fight.  
And when they have him, they'll make him to know  
(Unless he bribe them well) he must needs go  
To prison, where he'll want his liberty,  
To spend his youthful days in vanity.  

b Ezek. 6. 9  The Prison therefore is the fittest place  
For such a captain, that runs such a race.  
In these days 
c Judith 12. 17▪ 20.  that captain is counted brave  
And valiant, that's 
d Psal. 81. 12.  unto his lust a slave.  
Which lusts are cause of much 
e Ecclus 28. 9  unquietness,  
And unjust quarrels there upon increase,  
Which cannot be appeased by friend nor brother,  

f Ecclus 28. 11.  until they stab and 〈◊〉 one another.  
Such captains do more hurt at home, than they  
Do good abroad i'th' wars, as many say.  
How many likewise are there at this time  

g Judg. 3. 2.  That have no skill in martial discipline,  

h 1 Sam. 17. 10.  And yet they'll brag, as if they durst to fight  
With Sir John Old ●●stle, that high flown Knight?  
Their combat 
i Pro. 6. 26.  is with wenches, when they please,  
Who wound them sorely with the French disease.  
Many such youngsters (as we understand)  
That never traveled yet by Sea or Land,  
Have by some means procured themselves 
k Jer. 13. 21.  to be  
Made captains, which can lead a company  

l Act. 17. 5.  Of swag'ring fellows, which do not regard  
Their King nor country's good, and yet hazard  
Their souls and bodies, 
m Eph. 4. 19  by spending their days  
In taverns, Bawdy-houses, and stageplays.  
So that at last those soldiers must needs fall  

n 2 Tim. 2. 26.  Into the devil's hands, their general.  
Who for their service will be sure to give  
Them their due wages, when their souls shall live  
With him in his 
a Rev. 16. 10  dark kingdom, to remain  
Both 
b Rev. 20. 10  day and night in everlasting pain.  

c 1 Chron. 12. 18.  Some captains are endued with excellent parts,  

d 2 Chron. 32. 7.  Having courageous understanding hearts:  

e 2 Chron. 20. 15.  These fight the battle of the Lord on high,  

f 2 Sam. 23. 10.  Who gives them often times the victory  
Over the enemy, though ne'er so strong:  
Wherefore 
g Psal. 98. 1.  the glory thereof doth belong  
Unto 
h Esay 1. 24.  the Lord of Hosts, the God of might,  

i Psal. 68 35.  Who gives them strength, 
k & 144. 1.  and teacheth them to fight.  
Such captains as are thus guided by him,  

l 〈◊〉 3. 3.  Shall credit to their King and Country win.  

m 1 Mac. 4. 23. 24.  And when they from the wars return, they'll bless  
And praise the Lord, 
n 1 Macch. 4. 55.  that gave them such success.  

o 1 Mac. 3. 59  What if in fight they chance to lose their lives?  
Their loss is nothing 
p Rev. 2. 10.  to that glorious prize  
Which they shall gain in heaven, and keep for ever,  

q 1 Joh. 5. 11.  Which prize their captain Christ will them deliver.  
If thou art such a captain, then I'll say,  
'Tis pity thou shouldst in this prison stay:  

r Deut. 8. 11.  But rather be in some employment, where  
Thou mayst have more contentment, and less care,  
Such as are out of service, may well be  
Mislead, and so come into misery.  
How thou cam'st hither, I need not inquire,  
But here thou art attended like a Squire,  
Where thou hast got a company that are  
A ragged Regiment, most fit for war.  

s 1 Sam. 22. 2  Distressed men in debt, and in despair,  
With discontented minds to thee repair,  
Wishing thou wert their captain, and that they  
May wait on thee, when thou hence go'st away.  
I cannot blame them, for thou art so free  
To them, that they could live and die with thee.  
But thou art not yet gone, but here art stayed,  
And so shalt be until thy ransom's paid.  
Thou now art under the command of those  
That keep thee fast, and yet are not thy foes.  
The Turn-keyes, and the Book-keepers are they  
That thou (although a captain) must obey.  
Yet if thou feed them with good drink and money,  
They'll love thee dearly, as the Bees love honey.  
But if thou dost neglect them in that kind,  
No favour thou at all shalt from them find.  
But what needest thou care for their love at all,  
Or for their hatred, having wherewithal  
Not only to discharge thy chamber rent,  
But other things that may yield thee content?  
Yet let me tell thee, if thou stay here long,  
Thou to thyself and others mayst do wrong.  
But seeing thou art to this place confined,  
Whilst thou art here 
a Josh. 23. 6.  have a courageous mind.  

b Gal. 5. 17.  For here thou art with enemies beset,  
As well as in the open field; and yet  
Thou canst not them discern with mortal eyes,  

c Eph. 6. 12.  Because they are thy spiritual enemies.  

d 1 Pet. 2. 11  Thy soul they do besiege, which is within  
Thy earthly 
e 2 Pet. 1. 14  tabernacle 
f Luke 5. 8.  full of sin.)  

g Job 33. 6.  Which is so weak and brittle, that unless  

h 1 Joh. 4. 13  God's holy Spirit do the same possess  
And eke defend thee 
i Eph. 1. 19  by his mighty power,  

k Rev. 16. 14  Those wicked spirits will thy soul devour:  

l Eph. 2. 2.  For they are powerful, and diligent,  
Crafty, malicious, and wickedly bent  
Against weak worldlings, which with them accord,  
Because they are not 
m Eph. 6. 10  strong in Christ our Lord.  
Such though they fight, 'twill nothing them avail,  

n Rev. 11. 7.  For those strong enemies must needs prevail.  
Their forces they do muster up each hour,  

o Mar. 5. 9  To signify how they are armed with power.  

p Rev. 20. 7, 8.  It is no worldly strength nor policy  
That can withstand their cruel tyranny.  
Thou must therefore 
a Heb. 4. 12.  take that two-edged sword,  

b Eph. 6. 17.  Which weapon is God's pure and holy Word:  
With that thou mayst be sure, with good directions,  

c Gal. 5. 24.  In time to conquer thy corrupt affections.  

d Pro. 16. 32.  Which if thou dost, thou then dost such a feat,  
As never did Alexander the great.  

e 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8.  So shalt thou be, after this life, renowned,  
And with such like captains 
f 1 Pet. 5. 4.  in heaven be crowned.  
Where thou shalt triumph 
g Heb. 12. 22, 23.  with a company  
Of heavenly soldiers, 
h Col. 3. 4.  with pomp and glory.   

CHAP. XXIIII.  
To the Master of the Prison.  
THou art a Master of the masterless,  
As also of poor men here in distress.  
They never such a Master served before,  
When their time's out, they will serve thee no more.  
For thou them keep'st so much within, that they  
Cannot get leave to go abroad to play.  
And if they could get leave, I dare maintain,  
That some would ne'er find the way back again.  
Wherefore thou tak'st a course 
a Acts 16. 23  to keep them fast,  
Where they may work, or play, and die at last.  
Thy courtesies to some are very small,  
And why? because they have not wherewithal  
To gratify thy love; which is expressed  
By thee to them that are in more request.  
I mean those that are able to requite  
Thy love again, which thou hold'st just and right.  
The poorer sort of prisoners that are here  

b Pro. 18. 23.  Cut short of means, do often stand in fear  
Of thy displeasure, when they cannot get  
So much as will them bring out of thy debt.  
For if their chamber rent they cannot pay,  
Thou them remov'st into the Hole, where they  
Have lousy lodging, yet they live more quiet,  
Because they are provided with good diet.  
There they also sit rent free: yet before  
They are released, they must pay their old score.  
But if in prison they should chance to die,  
Thou losest all, and hast no remedy.  
Those that lodge on thy side thou dost regard  
A little more than us of the knight's Ward.  
I know no reason for't, unless it be  
Because they pay more for their drink than we.  
The Rats and Mice are thy best guests we know,  
For after one night's lodging they must go  
Away from hence, if they their fees can pay,  
If not, they then are forced longer to stay.  
Thou art a master of a 
a Mat. 27. 16.  wicked crew,  

b Acts 8. 3.  As well as of some men honest and true.  
This place a receptacle is for all,  
Both good and bad, the poor, rich, great and small.  
Some for their misdemeanours, some for debt,  
So that all's fish that comes into thy net.  
Of which thou mak'st a purchase, and thereby  
'Tis known thou 
c Pro. 13. 11. & 22. 1.  getest more wealth than honesty.  
Thy servants often times do take large fees,  
Which they digest, as Rats digest old cheese.  
They care not how men suffer, 
d Jer. 17. 11:  so they gain  
Means indirectly, 
e Psal. 10. 2.  their pride to maintain.  
The master and his men, for aught I know,  

f Esay 24. 2.  Are all alike, they may together go.  

g Pro. 19 1.  God's poorest servants in a better case  

h John 3. 10.  than such a master, that's in such a place.  
Thou hast within thyself unruly guests,  
And those are 
i Col. 3. 5.  thine affections, which witness  
Unto thy 
k Rom. 2● 15.  conscience, which one day will be  
(When thou think'st lest) a witness against thee.  
If thou therefore seek not in the mean while  

a Gal. 5. 24.  To overmaster them, which are so vile,  
They'll overmaster thee, and suddenly  

b 1 Tim. 6. 9  Will bring thy soul into great misery.  

c Amos 5. 11  By poor men in great want thou hast thy gain,  
And liv'st thereby in pleasure, they in pain;  

d Jam. 2. 6. Pro. 14. 20.  Regarding them no more, nay not so much  
As Dogs and Cats, that are unlike to such.  
Thou this one day wilt be forced to remember,  
When 'tis too late, 
e Pro. 21. 13.  if thou art not more tender  
Over poor prisoners that are here committed,  

f Pro. 29. 7.  Which certainly deserve much to be pitied.  
Wherefore if thou God's favour wouldst enjoy,  

g Acts 16. 33, 34.  show favour to these men without delay.  
Then 
h Col. 4. 1.  God thy master 
i Psal. 25. 8.  will thee teach, and guide  
Thee in the way to heaven, 
k Eph. 2. 19  where Saints abide.   

CHAP. XXV.  
To the Merchant, a Prisoner.  
A Merchant when he once begins to fail▪  
Is like a Ship at Sea without a sail,  
Which floats upon the waters, and is tossed  
And tumbled up and down, until she's lost.  
In thy declining time thou knew'st not whither  
To go; so that the Sergeants brought thee hither.  

a Ezek. 27. 34  And now thy trading and thy credit too  
Is lost; and here thou know'st not what to do.  
For in times past, those with whom thou hast walked.  
Upon th'Exchange, and there of business talked,  
Perceiving how thou wast oft times molested  
Because of losses, and of Bills protested,  

b Job 19 4.  do leave thee now in misery in this place,  

c Ecclus 12. 8▪ 9▪  As if before they ne'er had seen thy face.  
The friendship of such friends is like a bubble,  
Soon got, soon lost, 
a Ecclus 37. 4.  and best discerned in trouble.  
In former time 
b 2 Chron. 17. 13.  thy business was so great,  

c Ecclus 31. 1  That thou couldst scarce find time to eat thy meat.  

d Ecclus 31. 3  Thou than hadst trouble, which did vex thy mind:  

e Psal. 88 3.  Thou now hast troubles of another kind.  

f Psal. 39 6.  Thou than wast troubled how to get much wealth;  

g Heb. 12. 9, 10.  Thy troubles now may be for thy soul's health.  

h Mar. 4. 19  How careful wast thou then for outward things,  

i Luke 10. 41, 42. Eph. 1. 3.  And careless how to get inward blessings?  
Before th'Exchange bell rang, thou hadst a care  
To keep touch with those that should meet thee there.  
But when thy Parish bells did ring all in,  
Thou mad'st no haste to'th Church, to pray or sing,  
Or 
k John 8. 47.  hear God's Word, 
l & 1. 1. 3.  which is that spiritual light  

m Esay 55. 2, 3. Psal. 119 162▪ 172.  And joy, wherein thy soul should take delight:  
But with that 
n John 6. 33  heavenly food 
o Esa. 43. 22. Ezek. 33. 31.  thou wast soon cloyed▪  

p Luke 8. 14,  Because thy mind was otherwise employed;  
Wherefore 
q Pro. 3. 12.  God for thy good, without all question,  
Hath brought thee hither, to give thee correction.  
For he hereby will make thee 
r Job 6. 24. Psal. 19 12.  understand  
How thou art out of cash, and behind hand  
With him thy heavenly creditor above▪  
Whose 
s Rom. 15. 5. Psal. 117. 2.  patience thou hast found, out of his love  
In 
t Psal. 39 13  sparing thee so long, who might require  

u Mat. 18. 34 Psal. 130. 3.  In justice, all thou ow'st him, in hell fire.  

x Psal. 40. 12  For when thou hast made up thy great account,  
The foot or balance thereof will amount  
Unto 
y Mat. 18. 24  ten thousand Talents, which must be  

z Deut. 27. 25.  All satisfied before thou canst be free.  
And yet of that great sum thou must needs say,  

a Mat. 18. 25 2 Cor. 3. 5.  Thou hast not of thyself one Mite to pay.  

b Pro. 24. 16. 1 Tim 1. 15. James 3. 2.  The holiest man that lives must needs confess  
His debt to be so much, it can't be less.  
How then is God's great Justice satisfied,  

c Col 2. 14. Rom. 5. 6. 8.  But by his Son, our Lord, who for us died?  
If thou unto thy soul canst this apply  

a Rom. 3. 22.  Through faith in Christ, 
b ● Pet. 2. 21  that he for thee did die.  

c 1 Cor. 15. 3  And that thereby thy sins are all remitted▪  

d Col. 1, 20. 21. 22.  God's Justice satisfied, and thou acquitted.  

e 1 Thes. 1. 10.  Not only from the punishment that's due  
Unto thee for thy sins, but will renew  

f Job 33. 26  His favour to thee, whereby thou mayst know  

g Heb. 8. 10.  Thou art i'th' Covenant of grace also.  

h Phil. 1. 27 1 Pet. 2. 12.  Thy outward carriage than will soon express  
Thy inward faith, and joy, in thy distress.  

i Pro. 3. 21, 22, 23.  Thy life a comfortable life will be,  

k Joh. 12. 24  When thou the fruits of thy troubles shalt see  

l 2 Cor. 4. 17 Gal. 5. 22. 23.  Thus to produce such rare effects, which will  

m Col. 3. 10.  Advance thy knowledge, and teach thee such skill  

n Esa. 55. 2.  In heavenly wares, and merchandise so rare  
As in God's Word is found out every where.  

o Joh. 5. 39  go to that heavenly Magazine, and see  
What 
p Rom. 11. 33.  rich commodities are there 
q & 9 23.  for thee.  

r Mat. 13. 45, 46.  A Merchant that found there a pearl by name,  
Sold all that e'er he had to buy the same.  

s Job 28. 16. 17.  Such Jewels, pearls, and Treasures there are, which  

t 2 Cor. 4. 3.  Are hid from worldlings, be they ne'er so rich.  

u Joh. 8. 44.  For they had rather trade with that old liar.  

x Rev. 12. 9  That cheating Merchant, whose chiefest desire  
Is to put off 
y Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21.  his base commodities  
To those his chapmen, at too high a prize.  

z 2 Thess. 2. 10.  His wares are false, his Jewels counterfeit,  

a 2 Cor. 11. 3  Yet like a crafty Broker, he'll soon get  

b 1 Cor. 10. 20.  Some of his customers with him to trade.  
Whom, when with them a bargain he hath made,  

c Mat. 48. 9  Such base conditions he will tie unto,  

d Mar. 8 36.  As will their souls and bodies quite undo.  

e 1 King 21. 25.  When they are in his debt▪ he'll make them pay  
To th'utmost farthing, 
f Rev. 18. 8.  and just at the day  

g Acts 13. 10.  When he's in their debt, then will he be sure  

h Luke 16. 24.  To pay them soundly, 
i & v. 26.  which they must endure.  

a Mat. 22. 13  Such cruel payments he will make, that they  

b Jude 11. Wis. 5. 7, 8▪ 9  Shall rue the time that they e'er knew his way.  

c 2 Pet. 2. 15  That way of sin that causeth death, which is  

d Rev 20. 14  The second death, 
e & 9 6.  that living death to his  
Unhappy chapmen, who shall be together  

f Mat. 25. 41  With him tormented in hell fire for ever.  
Wherefore, let me advise thee to take heed,  

g Eph. 5. 11.  Thou traffic not with him, nor with his seed.  

h 2 Tim. 1. 9  But follow thou that calling which will bring  
Thee in great credit with thy Lord and King:  

i Mat. 18. 23.  That great accountant, who will reckon right  
With his poor debtors, to give them a fight  

k Job 13. 23.  Not only of their sin, 
l Eccles 8. 6.  and misery,  

m Num. 14. 18. Psal. 103. 11.  But also of his infinite mercy.  

n 1 John 3. 24.  When thou art versed thus in this heavenly way,  

o Mark 8. 34  Thou wilt thyself deny, 
p Deut. 30. 8.  and him obey.  

q Jer. 3. 15.  Thy judgement then will be so rectified,  
As thou wilt not at all 
r Phil. 1. 28. 1 Pet. 4. 12.  be terrified  

s Psal. 112. 7 Pro. 3. 24.  At any thing that may befall thee here,  

t Phil. 3. 14. 20.  Because thy course towards heaven thou dost now steer.  
Where being once arrived, and ascended,  

u Mat. 25. 23.  Thy joys begin, 
x Rev. 21. 4.  and thy sorrows are ended.  

y 2 Esd. 7. 33.  Thy miseries than thou must here leave behind,  

z Rom. 9 23 Psal▪ 36. 5.  And God's great mercies there be sure to find.   

CHAP. XXVI.  
To the merry man, a Prisoner.  
Remember Emember thou, 
a Eccles 7. 4  that art so merry here,  

b Pro. 14. 6.  Thou do not in this place any man jeer.  
I— t 
c Pro. 1. 22.  will not well become thee to do so:  

d 1 Pet. 3. 11  For here thou shouldst better things learn and know.  
C— ivill and honest 
e Neh. 8. 12. Eccles 8. 15. Luke 15. 23.  mirth I grant i● good,  

f Eccles 7. 4. Eph. 5. 4.  But foolish mirth belongs to Robin-hood.  
H— ere in prison, 
a Pro. 14. 13. Jam. 4. 9  vain mirth should be abhorred:  
When thou art merry, 
b Psal. 104. 34. Acts 16. 25. James 5. 13.  be merry in the Lord.  
A— and 
c Gen. 43. 34  then thy mirth shall not others displease,  
Which being true, thou mayst live more at ease.  
Remember emember 
d Esay 24. 22  how in prison now thou art,  
Which should in some sort touch thee to the heart.  
Do oe not therefore in this place take delight  
= With those that make 
e Job 17. 12.  night day, and the day night,  
L— iving more like 
f 2 Pet. 2. 12, 13.  bruit beasts, then civil men,  

g Esay 5. 29.  Roaring like Lions in their nasty den.  
A— s for 
h Pro. 28. 19  such company, do not frequent  
For they will leave thee when thy money's spent.  
N— ecessity may then 
i Amos 8. 10 Ecclus 11. 27.  quite overthrow  
Thy vain delights, 
k Pro. 14. 13 Esa. 24. 7, 8, 9  and all thy mirth also.  
E— ndeavour 
l Eccles 3. 4.  therefore, whilst thou art in case,  

m Eccles 8. 15. & 9 7.  To be merry and wise 
n Gen. 31. 27.  out of this place.   

CHAP. XXVII.  
To a worthy charitable Knight.  
When 
a Job. 5. 17. Pro. 3. 12. Psal. 119. 71. Psal. 94 12.  God his children brings into distress,  
His love to them is ne'er a whit the less.  
I— am a man 
b Job 29. 2, 3.  which in times past have been  
Of credit good, 
c Psal. 31. 11, 12.  though now in no esteem.  
L— ittle 
d Job 29. 18 Psal. 30. 6.  did I think in those days to be  

e Job 30. 16. 29.  Brought to so low an ebb, as now I see.  
Like ike 
f Job 16. 20.  Job am I now scorned, full well I know,  
Of those whom I have 
g Psal. 41. 9  fed, and clothed also.  
I— ob on the 
h Job 2. 8.  dunghill did God glorify,  
More than he did in his prosperity.  
A— and if with 
i Jam. 1. 4. & 5. 11.  patience God doth me endue,  
Then after crosses comforts will ensue.  
M— y 
k Eccles 3. 21 etc 2. 17.  soul to God shall have access in season,  
= Although the prison of my soul's in prison.  
Before efore I felt God's hand, 
a Pro. 14. 20.  friends I had many:  
But now 
b Ps. 38. 11. Psal. 35. 14.  I am in want, I have not any.  
All those that 
c Ps. 35. 12.  courtesies from me received,  

d Ecclus. 12. 8.  I took to be my friends, but was deceived.  
G— reat 
e Ecclus. 6. 8.  was their show of love to me, as friends:  
All which was but to work on me their ends.  
When 
f Gen. 40. 23. Pro. 19 7. Ecclus. 6. 8. 12.  I occasion have those friends to use  
In my distress, they do me now refuse.  
E— xceeding glad should I be, if I knew  
Where to change all those old friends 
g 2 King. 4. 2. Ecclus. 6. 14.  for one new:  
L— iberty then should I have to 
h 2 King. 4. 7.  begin  
The world again, and some old debts get in.  
L—ive should I then, 
i 1 Tim. 6. 8. Psal 4. 7. Pro 15. 16.  though with a little store,  
= More happily than ere I did before.  
To— he 
k Eccles. 5. 13 16. 17.  greatest means which God to man hath lent,  
Without his blessing yields no true content.  
O—h, how 
l 1 Tim. 6. 17, 18, 19  happy and blessed is, and shall  
= That rich man be, that's 
m Ecclus. 37. 24. &  wise, and 
n 40. 17. Pro. 11. 25.  liberal▪  
Sir, I'll crave no excese, 
o Pro. 12. 17.  the truth to tell,  
You are that 
p Pro. 14. 21:  happy man, 'tis known full well.  
I— ts likewise known in City and Country,  
Your chief delight's in works of 
q Pro. 28. 17. Acts 10 31. 3 John 6.  Charity.  
R— eligious 
r 2 Cor. 9 12, 13.  men, the 
s Job. 29. 15, 16.  poor, the blind, the lame,  
= The 
t Neh. 7. 70. Hag 1. 8. 14. Ezra 5 2.  Church, the 
u King 20.  commonwealth, witness the same.  
Paul aul, that sweet 
x Acts 9 15.  chosen vessel of the Lord,  
If he were here your deeds he might record.  
All 
y Luk. 12. 42. & 16 10.  Stewards just, as you are, may be sure  
In heaven to live with Christ and Angels pure.  
V— ariety of 
z Rev. 21. 19  sweet delights, with 
a Psal. 6 11.  pleasure,  
Are there, where you have laid up safe your 
b Mat. 6. 20.  treasure.  
L— arge and exceeding 
c Rev. 21. 16. John 14. 2.  spacious is that place,  
= Yet is the 
d Mat. 7 14.  gate so straight, that in no case  
P— rood 
e J●m. 4. 6.  men, 
f Ma●. 9 23 J●m 5. 1.  and rich worldlings that have no care  
But of 
g Luk. 12. 18▪ 19, 20, 21.  this life, shall have an entrance there.  
I— f such men would by you 
h Phil 3. 17.  example take,  
These worldly 
i Eccles. 1. 14. Gal. 5. 26.  vanities they would forsake.  
N— o money would they 
a Luk 15. 13.  spend, so much in vain,  
Nor 
b Pro. 28. 27  spare it from such as in want remain.  
D— oubtlesse, the charitable man, that 
c Deut. 15. 7, 8. Ps. 112. 5.  lends  
To such as want, 
d Luk 6. 35.  Christ will make full amends.  
A— and after death, eternal 
e Job 12. 9  joys he'll find  
Leaving a 
f Pro. 22. 1.  good, and blessed name 
g Ps. 112. 6. Ecclus. 37. 26. & 42. 13.  behind.  
R— eceive good Sir, these poor lines in good part  
From him that lies here 
h Psal. 31. 10.  grieved at the heart.   

CHAP. XXVIII.  
To an ancient Maid, a true-hearted friend, that was mindful of him in his troubles.  
IN 
a Psal. 71. 20▪  my great troubles some great friends 
b & 119. 141  despised me,  

c Acts 27. 3.  When little friends, with little things revived me.  
U— 'pon the Lord 
d Cant. 5. 16.  (my greatest friend) 
e Psal. 50. 15.  I'll call,  

f Psal. 41. 10.  Who can me raise up friends both great and small.  
L L—ong 
g Ps. 99 46.  have I been in this place terrified,  

h Pro. 19 7.  Where I both great, and little friends have tried.  
I— must confess, 
i Job. 19 14.  that not one friend of twenty  

k John 3. 17.  Have their love showed to me, though they have plenty.  
A— 
l Pro. 17. 17.  true friend I, thee ever found to be:  
Thy 
m Luk. 21. 3.  widow's mite, accepted is by me.  
N— ever shall such 
n Luk. 10. 39▪ 42.  good Christians as thou art,  
= 
o 2 Cor. 1. 4.  Want comfort, when they are grieved at the heart.  
I— keep my chamber 
p Mat. 18. 30.  in a prison, where  
I often am 
q Psal 9 9  oppressed with grief and care:  
A— and thou likewise thy chamber art constrained  
Oft times to keep, by reason thou art 
r 2 Sam. 9 3.  maimed.  
M— any such 
s Psal. 69. 33.  prisoners God hath in his keeping,  
Whom he 
t 2 Thes▪ 3. 3. Ps. 116. 6.  preserves, and keeps, 
u 1 Thes. 5. 10▪  waking & sleeping.  
E— ndeavour therefore, 
x Tit. 2. 12.  whilst thou art alive,  
In godly virtues 
y ● Thes. 4. 1.  more and more to thrive.  
S— o 
z G●l. 6. 14. 1 John 2▪ 15.  shalt thou then this world forsake, and love▪  

a Cant. 1. 2. 3▪  To be with thy sweet bridegroom, 
b Phil. 1. 23.  Christ, above.   

CHAP. XXIX.  
To his intimate friend, a divine Lawyer.  
I— Uells 
a Mat. 13. 46  exceeding rich, are wondrous rare:  
Which is the only cause so few them wear.  
Every 
b Pro. 8. 17. Wisd. 6. 12.  one that's wise, may seek and find  
In God's Word jewels pleasing to his mind.  
P— recious 
c Pro. 3. 15. Job 28. 16, 18.  jewels, which men wear on their clothes,  
Are not at all to be compared with those.  
H— ee 
d Pro. 4. 8, 9▪  that's stored with such jewels, must needs be  

e Mal. 3. 7.  himself a Juell, 'tis known 
f Acts 6 10.  thou art he.  
S— such 
g Ecclus 37. 12.  as thy company do oft frequent,  

h Pro. 1. 5.  May learn of thee to be wise and prudent.  
O—h 
i Ecclus 6. 36  that I were thy scholar, but until  

k Ecclus 6. 37.  I had learned some more of thy divine skill!  
N— o 
l Pro. 16. 16.  worldly thing should my mind away draw  
= From that which thou canst teach out of God's Law.  
I— f other 
m Luke 11. 46.  Lawyers were like thee in this,  
So many causes would not go amiss.  
Unto 
n Acts 18. 24.  Apollo thou mayst fitly be  
Compared, if I am not deceived in thee.  
E— xercised 
o Neh. 8. 8. 2 Tim. 2. 15.  thou art in a work begun,  
At which Divines will 
p Psal. 119. 18  wonder when 'tis done.  
L— et 
q 2 Esd. 24. 22, 36.  nothing hinder thee at all to end it,  
For when 'tis done, I think there's none can mend it.  
L— abour 
r 2 Mac. 2. 26, 27.  to perfect it, though it be hard;  
Then God 
s Col. 1. 29.  (whose work it is) 
t Psal. 58. 1●. 1 Cor. 3. 8.  will thee reward.   

CHAP. XXX.  
To the poor old man, a Prisoner.  

I Grant, old man, thy case  

a Ecclus 38. 19  May be here much lamented:  

b Ecclus 38. 20.  Yet be not thou still out of heart,  

c Phil. 4. 11.  But strive to be contented.   


d 1 Sam. 22. 2▪ Pro. 22. 6.  To men thou art indebted,  

e Pro. 22. 27.  Which debts thou canst not pay,  

f Mat. 18. 30  And therefore they detain thee here,  

g Psal. 6. 7.  Which grieves thee day by day.   

Consider how 
h Esa. 57 11. Col. 3. 7.  thou hast  
A long time lived in sin,  
And 
i Ecclus 5. 7.  yet deferrest thy repentance.  

k Jer. 7. 3.  Though late, yet now begin.   


l Psal. 25. 7.  Thy youthful time doubtless  
Thou hast spent very ill:  
And yet in these thy latter days  
Thou dost 
m Deut. 32. 18.  forget God still.   


n 2 Chron. 33. 10.  Although thou him forget,  

o Ezek. 21. 24.  Yet he doth thee remember;  
By laying this 
p Psal. 71. 9  great cross on thee,  
That art 
q Mat. 18. 13  a great offender.   

By which means 
r 2 Chron. 33. 12. Hos. 5. 15. Psal. 119 71.  thou art brought▪  
His will to understand:  
And that all those 
s Psal. 37. 40. & 115. 9  that trust in him▪  
Shall have his helping hand.   


a 2 Chron. 33. 13.  Let then this prison be  

b Psal. 119. 48. Act. 16. 25.  Thy place of meditation  
Of heavenly things, that are above,  
To thy great consolation.   


c 1 Joh. 2. 15  And then thou wilt contemn  
All worldly things below:  

d Psal. 63. 1. Phil. 1. 23.  And long to be with Christ above,  

e Esa. 35. 10.  freed from all grief and woe.   


f Psal. 37. 34  Wait then upon the Lord,  

g Job 9 19 Psal. 24. 8.  Who mighty is and strong.  

h Psal. 90. 10  Thou know'st by course of nature, that  
Thou canst not here live long.   


i Ecclus 41. 2 & 30. 17.  And when by death thou art  
freed from all misery;  

k Luk. 23. 43  Thou then in heaven above shalt live  
With Christ eternally.    

CHAP. XXXI.  
To the Women which are prisoners in the Hole.  

YOu of the female kind,  
Which in the Hole do lie  
For debt, or for some other cause,  

a Ecclus 37. 1  Your friends now you may try.   


b Pro. 14. 1.  If you ill huswives have  
Been heretofore, now know  
That you confined are to a place,  
From which you cannot go,   

Until your peace be made  
With those who laid you in  
This place, 
a Col. 3. 7, 8. 1 King. 17. 18.  where you may call to mind  
How you have lived in sin.   


b Amos 3. 2.  For which cause God hath brought  
You into troubles hither,  
Where you, like Pigs, are penned up close,  
All in a Sty together.   


c Job 24. 7.  Yet though your lodging be  
So close, where you together  
Are forced upon the ground to lie,  

d Esay 25. 4.  Yet need you fear no weather:   

I mean i'th' winter nights,  
The season being cold,  
And subject to much 
e Esay 4. 6.  rain and storms  
Than you are in your hold.   

Where 
f John 18. 18  by a fire warm  
You sit and chat i'th' night,  

g Acts 12. 6.  until you fall asleep, and then  
You rest with small delight.   

But in the Summer time,  
The weather being hot,  

h Psal. 32. 4.  You than are much annoyed, because  
Contentment you have not.   

But in both seasons, you  
Throughout the year 
i Psal. 146. 7.  have diet  
For you provided, which should make  
You in your hole 
k 1 Pet. 3. 4.  live quiet.   

You in like manner have  
For your soul's health provided  

a Rom. 10. 8  Good spiritual food, to cheer you up,  

b Luk. 1. 79. Psal. 119. 5.  If you'll thereby be guided.   

To which heavenly repast  
You are daily invited,  
And if good guests you are, than you  

c Ps. 119. 16.  Therewith will be delighted.   


d Esay 5. 24.  But if you cannot well  
That food digest, then think  
Your souls are sick, they'll pine away,  
Then must you needs down sink   

Into 
e Rev. 20. ●.  the hole that hath  
No bottom, where are none  

f Rev. 20. 3▪ 10.  But Devils and their damned crew,  
Where none shall you bemoan.   

Some comfort you have here  
But none shall you have there;  
For 
g Rev. 20. 10▪  day and night 
h & 19 20.  brimstone and fire  
Shall be your daily fare.   


i Wisd. 3. 11.  Thus 'twill then with you be,  
That now here do not love  
To hear, read, pray, and meditate  

k Col. 3. 2.  On heavenly things above.   


l Psal. 50. 22  think on these things, while you  
Are in this place restrained  

m 1 Tim. 5. 13.  From gossipping with those, which now  
Your company have refrained.   


n Pro. 6. 13.  And now your minds give not  
To idle toys at all,  
Neither do you at any hand  

a 1 Thes. 5. 13.  With one another brawl.   


b Pro. 17. 14  But shun vain 
c Eccles 10. 11. 1 Tim. 6. 20.  babbling, and  
Good 
d Pro. 13. 3. & 21▪ 23. Jam. 3. 5.  tongues keep in your heads,  
That when you go from hence, you may  

e Esay 57 2.  lie warm in your own beds.   


f Heb. 10. 36  Be not impatient, as  
The most part of you are  
In troubles, for then are you like  
Untuned strings, which do jar.   


g Rom. 12. 12  But take all in good part,  

h Jam. 5. 9  Grudge not at any thing,  

i 1 Sam. 3. 18  But whatsoever the Lord now sends,  
Receive't with 
k Psal. 10. 4  thanksgiving.   

And if your elder, which  
Is Lady of your Hole,  
Hath in that place some power o'er you,  
To rule or to control,   


l Eccles 10. 4  In some sort you must yield  
To her authority,  

m Pro. 21. 19  Or else she'll chide and scold, so that  
You'll live unquietly.   


n Tit. 2. 5.  Much better 'tis for you  
At home to be, than here,  
For here goodness is hardly learned  
Which may cause you to fear.   

Now 
o Psal. 102. 37.  pray unto the Lord,  

p Psal. 31. 3.  That he your guide may be,  
You to direct in such a course,  
As that you may be free.   

And when you are hence gone,  

a ● P●●. 3. 1●  Take heed you come no more  
Into this place, left you the time  
Be forced here to deplore.   


b 2 Cor. 7. ●.  But lead an honest life,  

c 1 Sam. 12. ●●.  And serve God every day,  

d Luke 16. 22, 25.  Then after death your souls will he  
Receive to live in joy.    

CHAP. XXXII.  
To the impatient Prisoner.  

THou that into 
a Mat. 18. 3●  this place art brought,  

b Jer. 37. 20.  Though much against thy will,  

c Psal. 37. 1.  Fret not thyself, nor angry be  
With those that wish thee ill.   


d Pro. 6. 1, 2 Jude 9  rail not against thy Creditors,  

e Mat. 18. 28.  Though cruel they may be,  

f Rom. 12. 14  Nor yet against the officers,  
That first laid hands on thee.   


g 2 Sam 7. 14. Psal. 89. 30▪ 31, 32.  For they are not the only cause  
Of thy calamity,  
They are thy 
h Lam. 1. 5. & 5. 16. Ezra 9 13. Esay 59▪ 12. 2 M●c 7. 32.  sins against the Lord  

i Gen. 18. 20  That for vengeance do cry.   


k Lam. 3. 40 Rom. 5. 1.  Make then thy peace with God above,  

l 2 Cor. 1. 21, 22. Rom. 8. 34.  Put in security,  

m Rom. 20. ● 25.  Or else into a worse prison,  
Thy soul shall carried be.   


a Mat. 11. 28  Go then to Christ, 
b Esa▪ 43. 11 & 63. 3. 1 Cor 3. 11.  there's none but he,  
And he will not deny  
To be thy bail, and make thee 
c Gal. 4. 7. 31 & 5. 1. John 8. 36. Acts 4. 12.  free  
Of heaven, that is so high.   

Thus having made thy 
d Job 22. 21 Col. 1. 20.  peace with God,  
Thy mind will be at rest,  

e Deut. 28. 10  than he will work thy peace with men,  

f Psal. 37. 37. Rom. 8. 28.  And turn all to the best.    

CHAP. XXXIII.  
To a prisoner's wife of a refractory condition.  

ONe 
a Pro. 18. 22 Ecclus 26. 1.  of the chiefest blessings that  
In this life God doth give  
Unto a man, a good wife is,  

b Ecclus 26. 2.  With him his time to live.   

Thou art no blessing, but a curse,  
That art a 
c Pro. 27. 15  froward wife  
To thy poor husband that here lies  

d Job 3. 21. & 7. 15.  Quite weary of his life.   


e Ecclus 25. 13.  What greater cross can happen to  
An honest quiet mind,  
Then to be matched to such a wife  
As proves to him unkind?   

Especially here in this jail,  
A place of misery,  

f Pro. 19 13  Where he no quietness can have,  
Thou art so refractory.   


g Job 29. 5, 6 Tob. 1. 13, 14.  In former time when he had means  
To keep thee in good fashion,  
Thou then didst fear and flatter him,  
And durst not be in passion.   


a Ecclus 15. 25.  But now the Lord hath humbled him,  
And brought him to distress,  

b 1 Cor. 7. 10. Tob. 2. 14.  Thy love from him is drawn away,  

c Esa. 32. 10.  And thou art grown careless.   


d Judg. 15. 1  If thou from him be long absent,  
He cannot it abide,  
And when thou com'st to visit him,  
Thou then with him dost 
e Pro. ●1. 19 Ecclus 25. 20.  chide.   

Now be thou present or absent,  
His grief is not assuaged,  
The more he seeks for quietness,  

f Pro. 9 13. & 21. 19  The more thou art enraged.   


g Ecclus 4. 3.  So that thou addest affliction to  
Affliction in this kind,  
Which is the greatest cross of all,  
And troubleth most his mind.   


h Job 1. 12.  When God permitted Satan to  
Afflict Job, that 
i Job 1. 1.  just man,  

k Job 1. 14, 15.  His substance first he took away,  
Thus with him he began.   


l Job 1. 17.  Then the Chaldeans he provoked  
His servants all to slay,  

m Job 1▪ 18, 19  And after that likewise did he  
His children take away.   


n Job 2. 7.  Then with great Botches and sore boil  
His body he did smite,  
So that on him he exercised  
His malice and his spite.   

And yet the devil, for all that,  
Did seem to favour him,  
In leaving of his wife behind,  

a Ecclus 26. 13.  That might him comfort bring.   

But that was not that tempter's drift,  
It was his policy  
To stir her up him to persuade  

b Job 2. 9  To blaspheme God and die.   

Thus Job in his adversity  
Was vexed and troubled sore,  
By his untoward 
c Job 2. 10.  foolish wife,  
Who then 
d Job 19 17.  did him abhor.   


e Eccles 7. 28  Such wives there are too many now,  
There's one the more for thee,  
For thy conditions do not much  
With jobs wife's disagree.   


f Ecclus 25. 16.  If thou continuest in this course  

g Ecclus 26. 27.  To chide, scold, chafe, and fret,  
Because of these great troubles, than  
Thou dost thyself forget;   

For thou 
h Gen. 2. 18.  a help was made to be  
To thy husband distressed,  
And not an instrument to 
i Ecclus 4. 2.  increase  

j Pro. ●●. 22. Job ●. 13.  His grief, that's thus oppressed.   

Wherefore consider with thyself,  

l Job 2. 10.  How thou God dost offend,  

m 1▪ Thes. 3. 3.  By being thus disquieted  
At that which he doth send.   


a Lam. ●. 13, 14.  All crosses, whasoe're they are,  
God sends, 
b Psal. 71. 20 Esay 51. 22.  and takes away:  
Therefore 
c Susanna 35  put thou thy trust in him,  
And 
d Eph. 5. 22, 24.  thy husband obey.   

Then though in prison he now be,  
Where he doth much lament,  

e Psal. 40. 17  Yet God will soon deliver him,  
And give you both content.   

Now when thou hast him home again,  
Provide him wholesome diet,  
With all things else to his consent,  
And with him live in 
f 1 Pet. 3. 4. Ecclus 26. 14.  quiet.    

CHAP. XXXIIII.  
To his own dejected comfortless Wife.  

MY 
a Psal. 119. 107. Lam. 3: 1.  troubles I confess are great,  
Which I here do endure,  

b Acts 21. 13  But thy great discontent withal  

c Job 19 2.  Makes them almost 
d Jer. 30. ●21  past cure.   

I grant it is out of thy love,  
Thou art thus grieved for me,  

e Eph. 3. 13.  Yet if thou lov'st me, be not so,  
Because my grief's for thee.   


f Psal. 42. 5. Pro. 12. 25. Ecclus 30. 21.  Cast not thyself down I thee pray,  
But 
g Psal. 145. 24. Esay 51. 6. 2 Cor. 7. 6.  look up with thine eyes  
To him that's 
h Tob. 3. 2.  just and merciful,  

i Esa. 57 15.  Who reigns above the skies.   

For he is 
a Gen. 17. 1.  all-sufficient,  
He 
b Psal. 33. 20 Est. 14. 3. Ecclus 2. 6. 2 Mac. 15. 7.  help will send one day,  

c Psal. 34. 18.  When we of it think least, therefore  

d Psal. 39 13 Pro. 24. 10. Ezek) 33. 10.  Pine not thyself away.   


e 2 Mac. 6. 16.  Although things fall out ne'er so cross,  
And breed within thy mind  

f Lam. 3. 33, 34. Esa. 54. 6.  Much grief and sorrow, yet believe  

g Psal. 63. 3. Ecclus 2. 11.  The Lord is wondrous kind.   

For if with 
h Rom. 12. 12. 2 Thes. 1. 4. Jam. 5. 7, 8.  patience we can both  
These crosses undergo,  

i Pro. 16. 7.  Our enemies he'll make our friends,  
Which we shall see and know.   


k Baruch 4. 29.  God never sends adversities  
To those whom he doth love,  

l 2 Thes. 2. 6. Esay 54. 8.  But for each cross ten thousand joys  
He'll give to them above.   

Nay 
m Mar. ●0. 30  here below we may be sure  

n Esa. 51. 12. Nahum 1. 7.  The Lord will comfort send  
To such as are in great distress,  

o Pro. 2. 7. 2 Esd. 16. 19  If they their lives amend.   


p Joh. 9 2, 3.  These troubles which we now are in,  
Came not to us by chance,  
But by the providence of God,  

q John 11. 4  His glory to advance.   


r Ecclus 2. 4.  Why shouldst thou then impatient be:  
Dost think'tis for thine ease?  
Oh no! 
s Jer. 50. 24.  thou strivest against the stream  
And dost the Lord displease.   

Wilt thou be like those 
t 2 Tim. 3. 6.  women, which  
Are 
a V. 7.  ever learning, and  
Although they read and hear much, yet  
Do nothing understand?   

How can thy 
b Jam. 1. 3. Heb. 6. 12. 1 Pet. 1. 7.  faith and patience be  
In this life exercised;  
But in 
c Pro. 3. 11.  afflictions which God lays  
On thee, that art 
d Job. 12. 5. Psal. 22. 6. Pro. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 4. 10.  despised.   


e Job▪ 12. 4. Psal. ● 23. 4. 1 Cor. 4. 13.  What if thou art scorned and disgraced,  
And not at all esteemed  

f Luk. 12. 19 & 16. 19, 25.  Of those that have their heaven on earth▪  
Yet 
g Tit. 2. 14. Rev. 5. 9  Christ hath thee redeemed.   


h Luke 12. 27, 28.  What if thou want'st apparel now,  
Thy body to keep warm?  

i Rom. 13. 14.  Christ is thy garment, put him on.  
he'll keep thee from all harm.   


k Mat. 4. 2. Luke 16. 21. & 6. 21. Luke 12. 24. & 1. 53.  What if thou want'st good diet now,  
Thy belly to supply?  

l John 6. 35, 48.  Christ is thy food, feed on him then,  

m Rev. 7. 16▪  Thy soul he'll satisfy.   


n 1 Cor. 4. 11  What if thou want'st a dwelling place,  

o Pro. 1. 33.  Where thou wouldst fain abide?  

p 2 Cor. 5. 1. Heb. 11. 10, 16.  Christ he thy dwelling hath prepared,  
In heaven that's 
q Rev. 21. 16.  large and wide.   


r Mar. 14. 50.  What if thou want'st in thy distress  
Some friends to 
s Psal. 69. 20  comfort thee?  

t John 14. 16 17, 18. Acts 5. 32.  The holy Ghost the Comforter,  
Thy Comforter will be.   

What if 
u Job 19 14  thy kindred be unkind,  
And do now quite neglect thee?  

a Mat. 12. 50  Thy kinsman Christ is worth them all,  
Hear him, and he'll respect thee.   


b Esay 51. 7. Luke 6. 22.  What if thy name be scandalised,  

c Pro. 15. 13.  Which makes thee sad to look?  

d Pro. 17. 22. 2 Cor. 7. 4.  Be merry still, rejoice, because  

e Luk. 10▪ 20 Phil. 4. 3. Rev. 3. 5.  'Tis written in God's book.   


f Psal. 34. 9  What if thou want'st all other things,  

g Job 21. 9 13.  Which worldlings do enjoy?  

h 1 Cor. 3. 22▪ 23.  If thou hast Christ, thou hast all things, 
Rom. 8. 32. Col. 3. 11.   

i Mat. 28. 20  He's with thee night and day.   


k 2 Cor. 3. 17  What if I want my liberty,  
And am here 
l Psal. 8●, 8.  shut up fast▪  

m Psal. 1●9. 32.  My heart is free to run abroad,  
And shall 
n Mat. 11. 29.  find rest at last. 
Esay 66. 14.    


o 2 Cor. 7. 5. & ●. 8. & 11. 23. &c. 2 Tim. 3. 12.  God's dearest children are most crossed  
In this life every way,  

p Acts 14. 22▪  Because through troubles they must go  
To heaven, 'tis their best way.   


q Jam. 1. 2.  The more they suffer in this world,  

r Acts 9 16.  The more God is their friend,  

s Mat. 5. 11, 12. psal. 36▪ 8▪  The more their joy in heaven shall be,  

t Joh. 10. 28.  The which shall never end.   


u 1 Cor. 2. 9  Such joys as never mortal man  
E'er in his heart conceived,  

x Luke 12▪ 32  The Lord to his afflicted ones.  
Hath certainly bequeathed.   


y Mar. 9 23.  Such as believe this to be true,  

z Rom. 8. 18▪  Will not at all regard▪  

a Heb. 11. 26  The troubles of this wicked world  

a Wisd. 3. ●.  Considering their reward.   

Nay 
b Ps. 88 3. 6.  if hell were the way to heaven,  
Such as the Lord doth guide,  

c 1 Pet. 4. 12.  Would pass through all those fiery flames  

d Rev. 21. 3.  With him there to reside.   


e 2 Cor. 4. 17.  Thus God for temporal crosses gives  
Eternal joys to such,  

f 2 Cor. 12. 10 Gal. 6. 14.  As cheerful are under the cross,  

g Gal. 2. 20. Eph. 3. 19  Christ's love to them is much.   


h Psal. 37. 23 2 Pet. 2. 9  He knows best what is best for us,  

i Heb. 12. 8.  Yet some so simple be,  

k Psal. 119. 71. Heb. 12. 10.  When God corrects them for their good  

l Hos. 7. 13.  Away from him they flee.   


m Deut. 8. 5. Jam. 1. 12. Heb. 12. 6.  A token of God's love it is,  
To such as can 
n Jam. 5. 11. 2 Tim. 4. 5. Heb. 12. 7.  endure,  
All manner of afflictions here,  

o Psal. 34. 15  Such are in his eyes pure.   

Now seeing 
p Pro. 3. 12. Rev. 3. 19  God so loveth us,  

q Jer. 31. 3. John 13. 1.  And will so love us still,  

r Mat. 10. 38  Why should we not in troubles be  

s Deut. 4. 30▪ 31.  Obedient to his will?   


t Job 2. 10. Ecclus 2. 4.  Take all things therefore in good part,  
Let not thy mind be grieved  

u Ps. 51. 3, 4.  For nothing but thy sins alone,  

x Jer. 33. 8.  So shalt thou be relieved.   

Now 
y 2 Cor. 7. 10  godly sorrow bringeth joy  
Unto thy soul, I know,  
But 
z 2 Cor. 7. 10 Pro. 17. 22. Ecclus 30. 23. & 38. 18.  worldly sorrow worketh death,  
'Twill be thy overthrow.   

Wherefore take heed, give over quite  
All 
a Mat. 21. 21 Luke 12. 29.  doubtings and distrust  
Of God's assistance in due time,  
Because 
b 2 Cor. 1. 18, 20. Heb. 6. 13.  he's sure and just.   


c Pro. 30. 5. Susanna 35.  But put thy confidence in him,  

d Deut. 5. 29. Acts 15. 7.  His holy Word believe,  

e Susanna 44  And thou e'er long shalt find that thou  

f Psal. 112 4. Ecclus 2. 10. Susanna 60.  Shalt have no cause to grieve.   


g Psal. 37. 7.  And if on him we do depend,  

h 1 Joh. 4. 18  We shall not need to fear,  

i Esa. 51. 11 John 16. 20.  Our sorrows he'll turn into joy,  

k ● Esd. 8. 45 Est. 16. 21.  Which we shall see most clear.   

And though in this place now I am  
Where I can get no bail,  

l Esay 42. 7. Acts 7. 10.  Yet Christ will soon deliver me  
Out of this noisome jail.   


m Joel 2. 26  Then shall we have just cause to praise  

n 1 Pet. 5. 7.  The Lord for his great care,  

o Psal. 37. 28  Which he hath had, and still will have  
Of us everywhere.   


p Hos. 6. 2, 3  And doubt not but we shall again  
With comfort live together,  

q Psal. 107. 28, 29.  For after the great storms are past,  
Then cometh the calm weather.   


r Phil. 4. 11.  Be thou i'th' mean time well content,  
Attend, and 
s Psal. 27. 14  wait God's leisure,  

t Psal. 21. 2. Pro. 10. 24.  So shalt thou have thy hearts desire,  

u Psal. 69. 32▪  And live always in pleasure.    

CHAP. XXXV.  
To his maidservant.  

WHen thou cam'st first to dwell with me  
About twelve years ago,  
When I in Fanchurch street did live,  

a Psal. 23. 5. Gen. 33. 9  My cup did overflow.   

Since which time 
b Job 29. 12.  many have thereof  
Drank freely at their pleasure,  
So that with that 
c Tob. 1. 20.  which hath been spilled,  
There's nothing left to measure.   


d Ecclus 33. 20.  Those that the greatest part thereof  
Should have had at that time,  
Had the least share thereof, although  
I was then in my prime.   


e Ecclus 30. 14.  The Cup although it empty be,  
Yet is it whole and sound,  

f Jer. 31. 25.  And may again replenished be,  
And not fall to the ground.   


g Job 13. 15▪  whatsoever God now unto me sends,  
My mind is truly bent  
It to receive with thanksgiving,  

h Phil. 4. 11, 12.  And be therewith content.   

The troubles which thou know'st I have  
In thy time long endured,  

i Psal. 65. 3.  A purge have been to my sick soul,  
Which is not yet quite cured.   


a Pro. 16. 6.  This purge doubtless will do much good  

b Joel 3. 21.  It hath not yet done working  
Upon some humours ill, which yet  
In my poor soul lie lurking.   


c Psal. 103. 3  The great physician of our souls  

d Jer. 10. 24.  Doth temper with great skill  
The potions which he gives to those  
His patients that are ill.   


e Jer. 30. 11.  Those that he takes in hand to cure,  
Although they feel much pain,  

f Psal. 71. 20  Shall have much ease at length, and be  

g Jer. 30. 17.  restored to health again.   

In this great Doctors hands have I  
Been 
h Psal. 34. 19  long, and am so still,  

i 1 Sam. 3. 18.  Let him do what he please to me,  
I'll submit to his will.   

When God his scourge laid first on me,  

k Pro. 15. 10.  I took it so to heart,  

l Psal. 107. 27  That then my senses all from me.  
Did for a time depart.   


m Job 7. 5.  So irksome 'twas unto the flesh,  

n 2 Thes. 2. 2  So tedious to my mind,  

o Job 7. 15. & 10. 1.  So grievous to my soul, that then  

p Joh. 10. 20 Lam. 1. 17.  No comfort I could find.   

A fit of melancholy great,  
Thou know'st I likewise had,  

q Psal. 55. 5.  And being then with grief overwhelmed,  

r Psal. 88 ●●  I thereupon grew mad.   


a 2 Chron. 32. 31.  The Lord then left me for a time,  

b Job 1. 12, Mar. 5. 13.  And gave the devil leave  
To tempt me in such grievous sort,  
That I then did conceive   


c Rom. 7. 24.  myself to be the wretchedest man  
That e'er lived on the earth:  

d Pro. 18. 14.  And being thus in mind distressed,  

e Job 3. 1.  cursed the day of my birth.   

My sins then to my sight were brought  
By the 
f Eph. 2. 2.  Prince of the air,  

g 1 Pet. 5. 8.  Who did endeavour what he could  
To bring me to despair.   

I then persuaded was by him  

h Acts 16. 27  myself to make away,  

i Acts 16. 28  And if God had not me preserved,  
It had been done that day.   

Such was my 
k Job 30. 26.  woeful misery,  

l Jer. 30. 15.  Which seemed to me past cure,  
I would not for a thousand worlds  
The like again endure.   

All troubles since, and those which now  
I have, put all together,  

m Job 6. 2, 3.  Are in comparison of those,  

n 2 Cor. 4. 17  As light as any feather.   

And yet to 
o Heb. 12. 13  flesh and blood are they  
Full heavy to be borne,  
By reason 
p Job 18. 3.  I am counted as  
A creature that's forlorn.   

The troubles all which I have had,  
In thy time thou hast seen,  
And with much discontent hast thou  

a Rev. 1. 9  A fellow feeler been:   


b Ruth 1. 16.  Yet wouldst thou not from me then go,  
Thy Mistress knows full well,  
Though thou preferment might'st have had,  
Yet thou with us wouldst dwell.   

Thine eyes may see 
c Pro. 10. 15.  how poverty  
Hath us now overtaken,  
Yet such hath been thy love, as yet  
Thou hast not us forsaken.   

Nay though thou seest 
d Job 17. 15.  the small hope we  
Have to get means again,  
Yet thou so constant art, that still  
With us thou dost remain.   

Now what the cause thereof is, must  
Be to thyself best known,  

e Pro. 17. 17  Yet hath thy love herein appeared,  
Thou hast it truly shown.   

What canst thou now from us expect?  
If longer thou shouldst stay,  
Thou must needs think 
f Ruth 2. 12.  thy recompense  
Must come some other way.   


g 2 John 1.  If it out of thy love be to  
My children, which are now  
With thee i'th' Country with our friends,  
I then will make a vow,   

That if the Lord ere send me means  
To bring me out of trouble,  

a 2 Sam. 2. 6  I'll not of thee unmindful be,  
But will requite thee double.   

Be kind and loving still to them  
Thou shalt fare ne'er the worse,  

b Ruth 4. 16  And have a care of my son Will,  
For thou wast his dry Nurse.   

His favourite thou art I know,  
Thou dost in him delight,  
And he cannot endure that thou  
Shouldst be out of his sight.   

A faithful servant thou hast been,  
Thou needest not be ashamed  

c Pro. 14. 35.  Before thy betters to appear▪  
Though I am to be blamed.   


d Rev. 2. 10.  Be faithful to the end, and thou  
Some 
e Job 14. 14.  change shalt see no doubt,  
Though some 
f Lam. 3. 14.  at my misfortunes do  
In these day's 
g Baruth 4. 31. Ecclus 7. 11.  scoff and flout.   

And though 
h Psal. 60. 1.  the Lord hath us dispersed,  
And scattered to and fro,  
So as we cannot as we would  
One to another go:   


i 2 Chron. 15. 4.  Yet if in troubles we can put  
Our trust in him alone,  

k Esa. 57 13.  he'll us again together bring,  
To live in peace at home.   

If not at home here in this life,  

a Heb. 11. 16  Yet he'll for us provide  
In heaven a place far better, where  

b Rom. 8. 17  We shall be glorified.    

CHAP. XXXVI.  
To the unruly young man, a Prisoner▪  

IF 
a Pro. 13. 18  thou hadst been by thy friends ruled,  
Thou hadst not now been here;  
But seeing thou this course hast run,  
Ere long it will appear,   

That those whom thou didst not regard,  
Because 
b Pro. 15. 32.  they thee then blamed,  
Will now for thy unruly tricks  
Leave thee here to be tamed.   

If thou art like 
c Psal. 32. 9●  the horse, that will  
Not ruled be a whit,  

d Jam. 3. 3.  until into his mouth be put  
The Bridle, or the Bit;   

Then this place shall a Bridle be,  
Now for to keep thee under,  

e Job 18. 12.  But thou a bit wilt sometimes want,  
To satisfy thy hunger.   

If thou here now 
f 1 Thes. 5. 14.  unruly art,  
Thou shalt then have the worst▪  
For thou wilt in the hole be put,  
And there be soundly pursed.   


a Jer▪ 5. 3.  And if this place will not thee mend,  
Thy friends then may conclude,  
That thou wilt ne'er be good, until  
Thou like a hawk art mewed,   

And shut up close, where thou mayst not  

b Ecclus 18. 31.  Have things at thine own will,  
That thou thereby in time mayst leave  
Thy rudeness, 
c Psal. 4. 4.  and be still.   


d Ecclus 3. 26.  For now the more unquiet thou  
In prison art, believe,  

e Ecclus 3. 27.  The more will be thy misery,  
Which will thy heart much grieve.   

These things therefore consider well,  

f Pro. 13. 16▪  show not thyself so idle,  

g Col. 3. 5.  In giving way to thine own will,  
But thine affections bridle.   

And then thy friends, when they shall hear  

h Psal. 78. 34  And see thee thus reclaimed,  
They'll then believe thou hast much lost,  
By which loss thou hast gained.   

For having lost thy stubborn fits,  

i Pro. 17. 20.  Which brought thee into trouble,  

k Hos. 14. 4.  God's love thou hast obtained, so that  
Thy gain is more than double.   


l Acts 24. 23  Thy liberty likewise shalt thou  
Get, if the Lord see't fit,  
How e'er 
m Psal 37 7.  rest thou on him, and then  
Ere long thou shalt be quit,   

And freed out of this place, where thou  
Hast been curbed of thy will,  

a Psal. 73. 24  And be at length received to joys,  

b Psal. 16. 11  Where thou shalt have thy fill.    

CHAP. XXXVII.  
To the Prisoners, called by the name of Mice, which are light huswives that are taken at unlawful hours in the night by the Watch, and brought to Prison.  

YOu 
a Ecclus 26. 25.  that a shame to women are,  
That modesty have none,  

b Pro. 7. 11, 12.  Why wander you so late abroad,  
When you should be at home?   

What is your business at such hours  

c Pro. 7. 9, 10  I'th' night, when you should sleep?  
No reason you at all can give,  
Why you such hours keep.   

For if you could have satisfied  
The Constable, who did  
Examine you about the same,  

d Tit. 2. 5.  Which you know is forbid,   

He had not brought you to this place,  
Away you might have gone  
Home to your houses, but here now  

e Esay 3. 18.  You must sing a new song.   

This prison is no place for you,  
You must not long here stay,  
For he that brought you in, is bound  
To carry you away   


a 1 King. 3. 16.  Before the next Justice of peace,  

b Ecclus 20. 19  Where you your tale must tell,  
And if he like it not, than he  
Will send you to Bridewell:   

Where entertainment you shall have,  
For when you are let in,  

c Ezek. 23. 28, 29.  The Blew-cotes will take you aside,  
And whip your tender skin.   


d Ecclus 7. 24.  Now when your parents fond shall hear,  
How you are thus corrected,  

e Ecclus 22. 3.  They'll then bethink themselves with grief  
How they have you neglected.   


f Ecclus 22. 4  For when untoward girls you were,  
Which made them discontented,  

g Pro. 22. 15. & 19 18.  If they had whipped you soundly then,  
This might have been prevented.   

But now it is too late for them  
For this thing to repent,  
As 'tis too soon for you to be  

h Pro. 7. 13.  So vile and impudent.   

Yet is it not too late for you  

i Acts 3. 19  To repent and amend,  
Which if you do, then certainly  

k Acts 3. 20. John 15. 14.  The Lord will stand your friend;   


l Esa. 54. 4.  And bring you out of this disgrace,  
Into which you are run,  

m Ezek. 36. 31.  And likewise give you grace, that you  
These wicked ways may shun:   

But if the Lord should suffer you  

a Rom. 6. 12.  In sin to live, then know  

b ● John 3. 8.  Into the devil's trap at length  
You would be sure to go.   

Such Mice he often times doth catch,  

c Eph 6. 10.  With his deceitful baits,  

d 2 Cor. 2. 11  And like a Cat, both day and night,  
For such Mice hourly waits.   

The silly mouse you know when he  
His hole keeps not i'th' night,  
But in a room s●kes up and down,  
Although there be no light.   

The watchful Cat spying this Mouse  
I'th' dark, without a Candle,  
Doth catch it on a sudden, which  
It doth cruelly handle,   

And will not leave this Mouse, until  
She hath it quite destroyed;  

e Pro. 7. 27.  Thus will the devil deal with you,  

f Jam. 5. 5.  That have the wantons played:   

And that like owls 
g Pro. 7. 12.  will be▪ abroad,  
When others are at rest;  
And when 'tis day, like them you do  
Repair unto your nest.   

The owl and other Birds, you know,  
Do live always asunder,  
And if i'th' day she should be seen,  
Those Birds would at her wonder.   


a Ecclus 13. 15.  The owl and other Birds do not  
At all agree together,  
And therefore they divided are,  
Not being of one feather.   


b Ecclus 26. 24.  So you that so much differ from  
Good wives, that virtuous be,  

c 2 Esd. 16. 49.  Your company they must needs shun,  
With you they'll not agree:   


d Pro. 31. 27.  For women that good huswives are,  
That live in reputation,  

e Gen. 18. 9 Ecclus 25. 25.  Will not be gadding, when they should  
Be in their habitation.   

Your houses are your prisons, that  
This course of life have taken,  

f Mat. 8. 12.  A prison dark's prepared for you,  
That have the 
g Esay 1. 4.  Lord forsaken.   

The devil shall your jailor be,  
he'll keep you fast no doubt,  

h Mat. 5. 26.  So fast, that all the friends you haev,  
Shall never get you out.   

In which dark dungeon you then shall  
Live in great misery;  
Where 
i Mat. 25. 41  Satan with his cursed crew,  
Shall keep you company.   


k Pro. 5. 3, 4▪  Your pleasures then shall surely end,  

l V. 5.  Your pains shall then begin,  
And never end, if you resolve  

m 2 Esd. 16. 77.  To live and die in sin.   

Consider this you shameless Imps,  

a Pro. 7. 7.  Who young fools do entice  
To wickedness, for which cause you  
Are hither brought for Mice.   


b Tit. 2. 4, 5.  Be civil, and learn modesty,  
Keep home, 
c Esa. 55. 7.  and quite forsake  
Your former evil wicked ways,  
Than 
d Esay 38. 14  God will undertake   


e Ezra 9 13.  To keep you from those fearful plagues  
Which you justly deserve;  

f Job 36. 11  And give you joys in stead of thereof,  
If you him duly serve.   


g Hos. 10. 12  Wherefore delay no time at all,  
Your minds to goodness give,  
That when your bodies here shall die,  

h Joh. 17. 24  Your souls in heaven may live.    

CHAP. XXXVIII.  
To his Mother.  

I 
a Psal. 73. 21  have with grief of heart been here  
Five months and more, 'tis known,  
And if I here should be a year,  
I scarce know any one   


b Psal. 69. 20  That would of me take pity, and  
Relieve me in distress:  
Alas, 
c Job 35. 9, 10.  no friends will understand  
How some do me oppress.   


a Job 19 14  I am forsaken of all those  

b Psal. 55. 14  That in me took delight,  
When I lived well, and wore good clothes,  

c Job 30. 1.  But now they do me slight;   


d Psal. 69. ●.  As if a mere stranger I were,  
They'll not on me now call,  
But do with one consent forbear  

e J●m. 1. 27.  To visit me at all.   


f Job 19 13▪  Friends, kindred, and acquaintance, now  
No kindness will me show,  
I think they have made all a vow  

g 2 King 14▪ 26.  To leave me here in woe.   

But that's not all that troubles me,  
One thing there is moreover,  
That 
h Job 30. 25  grieves my very heart to see,  
Th'unkindness of a mother.   

Oh that I had no cause to write,  
Or think to my great grief,  

i Psal. 27. 10  How you have me neglected quite,  
As if I were a thief.   

Yet when I call to mind 
k 1 Joh. 4. 16  the love  
That God bears to all such,  

l Esay 51. 12  As look for comfort from above,  
My mind is eased much.   


m Esa. 49. 15  Though mother's tender may forget  
Their children, captives taken,  
Yet God, our Father, will not let  
His children be forsaken.   

Wherefore 
a Psal. 141. 8  my trust and confidence  
Shall be in him alone,  
Hoping he will bring me out hence,  

b Psal. 17. 6.  he'll hear my plaint and moan.   


c 2 Esd. 8. 8.  When I nine months was shut up fast,  
In your close womb, you know  
The Lord he brought me forth at last,  

d Joh, 16. 21.  And gave you joy also.   

I then almost for 
e 2 Mac. 7. 27  three years' space,  
Your tender breasts did suck,  

f Pro. 4. 3.  In those days you did me embrace,  
And called me pretty Duck.   


g John 9 20  I am your son, dear mother, still,  
And shall be till I die,  
Although I am now called poor Will,  
Being in misery.   

It is no money that I crave,  
Perhaps you have it not,  

h Ecclus 3. 8.  It is your blessing I would have,  
If it could now be got.   

If you once would but send to me,  
I know 'twould me revive,  
I then should think 
i 1 Sam. 10. 2.  your care would be  
To know how I did thrive.   

But howsoever 'tis with me,  

k 3 John 2.  My hope is you are well;  
And that one day we shall both be  

l Rev. 21. 3.  In heaven, with Christ to dwell.   

In the mean space whilst I am here,  

a Esa. 66. 1;  Let me some comfort find,  
From you that are my mother dear,  
'Twill ease my troubled mind.   

Why should such 
b Pro. 26. 28  flattering friends, that are  
I'th' Country now about you,  

c Ecclus 28. 9  seek to make you with me to jar,  
That here must live without you.   

I am your son, they are your friends,  
Think of them as you please:  

d Pro. 19 4.  They were my friends, for their own ends  
When I lived more at ease.   

I am persuaded in my heart,  
If'twere not for that 
e Psal. 35. 20.  crew,  
That you would act a mother's part,  
And your old love renew.   

Your motherly affection than  
Would once again appear  

f Psal. 44. 13  To me, that am a scorn to men,  
Now I am shut up here.   

If I have not with all respect  

g Pro. 23. 22.  To you my duty done,  
Then I'll confess a great neglect  
In me, your youngest son.   

And on my bended knees I'll crave  
Pardon of God on high,  

h Pro. 30. 17.  Who will soon bring down to the grave  
Such as the same deny.   


a Psal. 38. 10.  You now are old, and much decayed  
In strength, and otherwise,  
And I in prison being laid,  
Know not how to devise   

Which way to help and succour you,  
'Tis not now in my power,  
The Lord knows 
b Psal. 70. 5.  I have much ado  
Here to subsist an hour.   

Three children I have of mine own,  
Which I cannot maintain:  

c Mich. 7. 18.  But God who is to mercy prone,  

d Pro. 14. 26.  Hath eased me of that pain.   


e Psal. 31. 7.  For he considering my distress  

f Psal 72. 4.  Hath raised them friends, with whom  
They live, and have (I must confess)  
More than they had at home.   


g 1 Sam. 5. 15  My wife that's vexed and sorely grieved,  
With me she takes a share,  

h Psal. 69. 20.  For scarce one friend hath her relieved,  
Since we have had this care.   

Judge now, dear mother, what a case  
At this time I am in,  
If I should long be in this place,  

i Job 16. 8.  'Twould make my cheeks look thin.   


k Heb▪ 10 24.  Think on me then, and let me hear  
Some news from you to morrow,  
By some one of Buckinghamshire,  
'Twill mitigate my sorrow.   

And let me now, good mother, be  
Excused, though you may find  
In these few lines written by me,  
Some things against your mind.   


a 1 Sam. 1. 16  For out of the abundance of  
My great complaint and grief  
I write, (though some thereat may scoff)  
To have some poor relief.   

Thus to conclude, 
b Psal. 37. 5.  I'll leave all to  
My Father that's on high,  
For 
c Pro. 3 6.  he'll direct me what to do  
In this extremity.   

Beseeching him to 
d Jam. 4. 6.  give us grace  
And favour, so that we  

e 1 Cor. 13. 12.  In heaven may see him face to face,  
When we there shall be free.    

CHAP. XXXIX.  
To the Prisoner that was to be discharged, and set at liberty.  

IF 
a Pro. 11. 27.  favour thou receivest, now thou hast need  
Of 
b Pro. 18. 24  friends or kindred, which thy case do pity,  

c Gal. 5. 13.  Whereby thou mayst out of this place be freed,  
And take thy pleasure in Country or City:  

d 1 Pet. 1. 17  Make good use of thy time, 
e Pro. 22. 26.  run not in debt,  
To live out of 
f Pro. 22. 7.  danger do not forget.   


g Mat. 5. 25.  For if the Sergeants take thee once again,  
Unto the Compter gate they will thee bring,  
And there thou know'st thou canst not long remain  
The Turn-key he'll be sure to let them in:  
And then the Book-keeper will on their look,  
And ask thy name to entered in this book.   

The chamberlain likewise thou then shalt see  
With his clean sheets, thee to appoint thy lodging,  
And when he to thy chamber hath brought thee,  
Thou must needs pay thy Garnish without dodging,  
And when thou art here, thou wilt look about,  
And say, God help me, when shall I get out?   


a Mat. 12. 45.  Thy case may then be worse than ever'twas,  
And besides that, all thy best friends perhaps,  
May judge thee to be but an idle ass,  

b Pro. 26. 11  Thou being fallen into a relapse:  
Wherefore take heed, 
c Pro. 1. 10.  lewd company refrain,  
Lest thou thereby art hither brought again.    

CHAP. XL.  
To those that come to visit their friends in Prison.  

YOu that are 
a Mat. 25. 36  come to visit your poor friends,  
Which in this solitary place do lie,  

b Psal. 89. 32  The Lord 
c Psal. 71. 20  which to us all afflictions sends)  

d Acts 10. 4.  Takes notice of your works of charity,  

e Acts 28. 12  If you your helping hand will now them lend,  
Your coming then may be to some good end.   


f Jr. 38. 9  'Tis hard with them (God knows) now they are here  

g Ecclus 37. 6.  Here they want many things, though you have plenty,  

h Ecclus 37. 5.  Bread and small drink oft times is their best cheer,  

i Psal. 127. 2  And many times they sleep with belly empty.  

a Pro. 11. 25 2 Cor. 9 7.  Wherefore take heed, be free, and not hidebound,  

b Ecclus 4. 8  But let your friendly love to them be found.   

Their debts increase, by being in this place  
Their rent is double, and their charge is great,  
Their liberty they want to their disgrace,  

c Job 19 14  Their friends neglect them, 
d 16. Pro. 19 7.  though they them entreat:  

e Job 6. 14.  If you will undertake among the rest  
To help them now, 
f Jer. 37. 20. Ecclus 4. 4.  do it at their request.   


g Esay 51. 18.  For here none will about their business go,  
Unless before hand they be well rewarded,  
Which prisoners cannot do, that are brought low,  
And therefore are so much the less regarded:  

h Ecclus 4. 5.  If you supply their wants now they have need,  
You shall perform a charitable deed.   

Help them therefore 
i Esay 63. 5.  for help here they have none,  

k Psal. 88 8.  Abroad they cannot go their means to get,  

l Ecclus 4. 9  And being here, they are much wrought upon,  
So that in time they lose all by neglect.  

m Ecclus 29. 20.  Consider this, you that have liberty,  
For this your own case may be ere you die.   

Now when you from these captives do depart,  

n Heb. 13. 3.  think of them though they are out of your sight,  
Then by your means they may no longer smart  
Here in this prison, where is no delight:  
Then they without all doubt thankful will be,  

o Ecclus 3. 31  And your love gratify, when they are free.   


p Job 6. 14. & 30. 25.  He is indeed a true friend, that can take  
To heart the great afflictions of another,  
And in his troubles will not him forsake,  
Such a dear 
q Pro. 18. 24  friend is nearer than a brother.  
If you such friends will be, Christ will one day  
Be your chief friend, 
r Mat. 25. 34, 36.  and you receive with joy.    

CHAP. LXI.  
To the careless man, a Prisoner.  

A 
a Judg 18. 7.  careless man thou hast been in thy days,  
For which cause thou unto this place art brought,  
And wilt thou yet be careless here always,  
It is the way ne'er to be worth a groat.  
For here thou losest time, and mayst at last  
In great want live, having spent all thou hast,   


b Ecclus 5. 1  Here thou canst live (Sayst thou) with means as well  
As in another place, 'tis all one to thee,  

c Ecclus 5. 2.  Yet if a mind thou hast here long to dwell,  
Thou dost not know how soon it may undo thee.  
He is a fool, or knave, that here will be  
Shut up in prison, when he may be free.   


d Ecclus 22 3  It seems thy breeding hath not been so good,  
That thou shouldst not regard thy liberty,  
But like a Novice that ne'er understood  
How to distinguish joy from misery.  
For if thou pleasure take here day or night,  
Thou know'st not what belongs 
e Pro. 19 10.  to true delight.   

Doubtless that man that bears an honest mind,  
Will scorn 
f Psal. 142. 7.  to live here longer than needs must,  
For he elsewhere better content may find,  
In things that lawful are, honest, and just,  
The careless man regardeth not at all  
What place he lives in, and therefore must fall.   

What if thou hast a bed to lie upon,  
With meat and drink enough here for a time:  

a Luk. 15. 14.  What wilt thou do when all thy money's gone  
Go in a corner, and there cry and whine.  
Thus 'twill be, if thou do it not prevent,  
Yet careless men are never diligent.   

If thou thus careless art now of thyself,  
Dost think thy friends a care of thee will have,  
Thou art deceived, for though they have much wealth,  

b Pro. 19 7.  They'll suffer thee to live here like a slave.  
If thou these things dost not at all regard,  
Think if thou suffer, 'tis thy just reward.   

Be thou not like 
c 2 Pet. 2. 22.  the Sow, or filthy Hog,  
Which leaves fresh straw, to wallow in the mire:  
Or like the Raven that barks like a Dog,  
Which here abides, although it can fly higher,  
For if thou here wilt needs set up thy rest,  
Thou mayst then be compared unto a beast.   

The careless man that in prison doth lie,  
Regardeth now how things may with him be,  

d 1 Tim. 5. 8  He cares not for his wife and family,  
The Heathen man is not so bad as he:  
If thou still in this kind so careless art,  
Thou shalt one day for it be sure to smart.   

Wherefore have thou a religious honest care,  
To think before hand how thou shouldst provide  
For thee and thine, such things as needful are:  

e Mat. 6. 31, 32.  But pensive carefulness lay thou aside,  

f Mat. 6. 33.  Let thy chief care be for the life to come,  
Then shalt thou no want have, having so done.   

Now seeing thou here art in prison fast,  
Which prison is a place of care, no doubt,  
Be not yet careless, 
g Psal. 43. 5.  nor thyself down cast,  
But use thy best endeavours to get out:  

a Pro. 16. 7.  Be careful to please God above all things,  
Then he'll release thee, 
b Esa. 55. 7.  and pardon thy sins.    

CHAP. XLII.  
To the rich man, a Prisoner.  

THou 
a Eccles 5. 13  that art rich, and good means hast abroad,  
What needest thou be penned up in this close place?  

b 2 King. 4. 7.  Why dost not with thy Creditors accord?  
But showest thyself in this to be so base.  
If thou here live, having wherewith to pay,  
Thou shalt for it be sure to smart one day.   

Thy Creditors want that which thou canst spare:  

c Psal. 37. 21  Why dost thou not in time give them their due?  
'Tis like that some of them cannot forbear  
Their debts, 
d Ecclus 29. 4.  for which they now are forced to sue.  
If thou wilt not them pay, than art thou shameless,  
And they in laying thee up here are blameless.   


e Ecclus 11. 18.  It may be thou liest here charges to save,  
Regarding not thy credit in this kind:  
In which thou showest thyself to be a knave,  
In bearing such a wicked wretched mind.  
Though thou hereby thy creditors dost displease,  
Yet know thou canst not here live long at ease.   


f Luke 6. 24 Pro. 11. 4.  What art thou now the better for thy wealth,  
If thou no better use thereof dost make?  

g Ecclus 30. 15.  Thou shouldst esteem of liberty and health,  
And not lie basking here like a poor Snake.  
If thou from men thus keep'st thy means away,  
The Lord will not thy punishment delay.   

For shame do not thy creditors abuse,  
But look about thee, 
a Rom. 13. 7.  and them give content:  
For thou canst not thyself in this excuse,  
And therefore deserv'st to be soundly shent:  
Wherefore thy creditors now satisfy,  
That thou no longer in this place mayst lie.   

And when thou art hence gone, 
b Pro. 29 7.  consider what  
Great misery many poor men do endure,  
That meat, drink, clothes, and lodging here do lack,  
Which they by no means know how to procure.  

c Pro. 3. 27.  do them some good, 
d Mat. 6. 12.  that art thyself a debtor,  
Then thou by being here wilt be the better.   


e 1 Joh. 3. 17.  But if thou riches hast, and hast no care  
Of thy poor brethren, who are in distress,  
But on the contrary wilt yet forbear  
To pay thy due, and live in idleness,  

f Jam. 5. 12. 3  Thy cankered money shall a witness be  
Against thee, when thou art in misery.   


g Ecclus 14. 18.  Be not a slave to that which should serve thee,  

h Eccles 6. 2.  As those are which have means without God's blessing:  
But having means be to poor prisoners free,  
'Twill be to them thou know'st a great refreshing:  
Being thus well disposed, God will one day  

i 1 Tim. 6. 17  Give thee such riches as will ne'er decay.    

CHAP. XLIII.  
To the idle man, a Prisoner.  

HE 
a Pro. 12. 24.  that an idle course of life doth lead,  
Into great danger must needs fall at last,  
What man will undertake to intercede  
For such a man when he's in prison cast?  
'Tis idleness hath brought thee to this place,  
Where thou art like to live in a poor case.   


a Pro. 20. 4.  Thou now art fallen into poverty,  
Which 
b Pro. 19 15.  idle men cannot at all avoid,  
For which cause thou art now here forced to lie,  
And here mayst lie until thy debts be paid;  
And though some may at thee a while connive,  
Yet such an idle fellow cannot thrive.   


c 2 Thes. 3. 10, 11.  Unworthy thou art of meat, drink, and clothes,  

d 2 Thes. 3. 12.  That slothful art, and labour dost refuse,  
Thy friends in time will turn to be thy foes,  
That hast a calling, which thou dost abuse:  
The prison is too good for such a one,  
That his time spends thus like an idle Drone.   


e Pro. 6. 6, 7.  The little silly creatures, that are dumb,  
Are wiser than thou art, and can thee teach  

f Pro. 6. 8.  How thou shouldst labour, and idleness shun:  
This doctrine others besides them do preach:  
If thou of them learn not, thou shalt be sure  

g Pro. 6. 11.  To live in want, and misery endure.   

When God at first our parents did create,  
He made them not in idleness to live,  

h Gen. 3. 19 2 Thes. 3. 8.  They laboured and took pains early and late,  
Although the Lord the whole world did them give.  
Thus 
i Job. 5. 7. Ecclus 10. 27.  men are borne to labour, and therefore  
Such idle persons the Lord doth abhor.   

He that his mind now gives to idleness,  
May fitly be compared unto a weed  
Which in it hath no virtue, not goodness,  
Therefore should not be let alone to breed,  
But rather be plucked up, and cast away,  
Because 
a Luke 13. 7.  the ground it doth so much annoy.   

But now thou art in prison, thou dost think  
A privilege thou hast idle to be;  
And that thereat 
b Pro. 15. 3.  the Lord above doth wink:  
Thou art deceived, 
c Luke 13 6.  for thou like the figtree,  
(Which fruitless was) 
d Luke. 13. 7.  shalt be cut down and cursed;  
For idle men of all men are the worst.   


e Acts 18. 3.  If thou a calling hast, thou mayst it use  
In some sort, or be otherwise employed  

f 1 Tim. 4. 7, 8.  In godly virtues, which good men do choose  
To labour in, and therewith are not cloyed:  
For God rejects and casts all such away,  
As only love 
g 1 Cor. 10. 7  to eat, drink, sleep, and play.   

What pleasure canst thou take to fit and drink  
With others, that no goodness have at all?  
That take Tobacco till their breath do stink,  

h Psal. 14. 4.  And set no time apart on, God to call.  
Is this a time to spend time in this kind?  

i Joh. 12. 40.  Surely the devil hath made such fools blind.   


k Rom. 14. 18.  The time will come when thou account shalt give  
How thou thy time hast spent here and elsewhere,  

l Job 8. 9  Thou canst not think thou hast here long to live,  

m Pro. 15. 32  Though thou of thy soul's health hast now no care.  

n 1 Pet. 4. 2.  The time thou hast, that precious time spend well,  
And have a care no 
o Mat. 12. 36  ●lle tales thou tell.   

Unto a place thou must go, where thou shalt  

p Dan. 12 2.  Live everlastingly in joy or pain;  

q 1 Joh. 2. 17.  This world's the through fare, think now what a fault  

r 2 Pet. 3. 11  It is in him that think not of these twain ●,  

s 2. Pet. 3. 14.  Be diligent therefore, 
t Pro. 15. 24.  and walk a pace,  
So shalt thou go to heaven 
u Rev. 21. 10, 11.  that joyful place.   


a 1 Pet. 1. 13  rouse up thyself, and think though thou here art  
In prison of thy liberty restrained,  
Yet if from this place thou wouldst soon depart,  

b Heb. 6. 12.  Shun sloth and idleness, and be reclaimed.  
In action always be, 
c Psal. 26 4.  spend no time vain,  

d Col. 4. 5.  And thy lost time seek to redeem again.    

CHAP. XLIIII.  
To the dissembling hypocrite, a Prisoner.  

THou 
a Mat. 15. 7. 8  that hast often played the counterfeit  
With those whom thou by that means haste deceived,  
Art for that cause into the Compter let,  
Where many such as thou art are received:  
If thou dissembling tricks wilt still here use,  
Men will thee loath, 
b Jer. 42. 20, 22.  and God will thee refuse.   

He cannot live (Sayst thou) that can't dissemble:  

c Esay 32. 6.  I grant in thee this Proverb's verified,  
Yet have such knaves just cause to quake and tremble;  
For certainly God cannot them abide.  
Thou by dissembling mayst think to live well,  

d Job 8. 13. Mat. 24. 51.  Yet will that course of life bring thee to hell.   


e Pro. 26. 24, 25.  Sometimes some friends thou mayst deceive, I grant,  

f Job 17. 5.  By thy deceitful, flattering, lying tongue,  
And afterwards thereof mayst boast and vaunt,  
Yet for the same thy conscience shall be stung.  

g Job 20. 5.  What inward peace, think'st thou, can in thee be,  

h Ecclus 5. 9 1 Tim. 4. 2.  When thy smooth tongue and false heart can't agree?   

Such hypocrites may make most men believe  

i Mat. 6. 5.  They are religious, honest, and discreet:  
Yet if they do not now for their sins grieve,  
The Lord (who 
a Acts 15. 8. Mar. 12. 15.  knows their hearts) will with them meet  

b Mat. 23. 13 &c.  And many woes against them he'll pronounce,  

c Psal. 52. 4, 5  And their deceitful souls will soundly trounce.   


d Mat. 23. 28  Thy outward carriage may to them appear  
To be upright, as thou wouldst have them think,  

e Mat. 23. 27  But thou within art full of filthy gear,  
So that in the 
f Esay 65. 5.  Lord's nostrils thou dost stink.  
The 
g Luk. 18. 14  sinful Publican shall mercy find  
Sooner than the proud 
h John 9 41. Mat. 23. 26  Pharisee that's blind.   


i Act. 5. 2.  Though thou with men dissemble, yet take heed  

k Act. 5. 3, 4.  With God thou do not play the hypocrite,  
For if thou do, think not thou shalt be freed  

l Act. 5. 5. Pro. 26. 26.  From being punished in the people's sight,  
If thou of these great sins art not afraid,  
Thou wilt ere long in God's prison be laid.   

Satan his children teacheth to deny  
The truth to God and man, 
m Joh. 8. 44.  he is a liar,  

n Job 1. 7. Mar. 5. 9  Yet he himself would not tell God a lie,  
But told the truth, when he did him require:  

o Job 36. 13  The hypocrite whose heart's inclined to evil,  
In this point far worse is then is the devil.   

Now what a fearful case art thou then in,  

p 2 Tim. 3. 5  That in the Church visible art now living,  
And canst not thy heart give to God, being  

q Act. 8. 21.  A false dissembling heart, 
r Pro. 10. 20.  not worth the giving,  

s Joh. 6. 70.  Which heart the devil having once possessed,  
Will keep it, for with him 'tis in request.   

Consider this, before it be too late,  
Thou in a place art now in 
t Psal 71. 20.  troubles great,  
Where thou shouldst 
u 2 Thes. 5. 17.  often pray and 
x Psal. 63. 6.  meditate:  

y Psal. 17. 6.  God hears them which him faithfully 
z Esay 19 22  entreat.  
And then a 
a Ezek. 36. 26.  new heart he'll thee likewise give,  

b Pro. 23. 26  Which heart thou mayst return to him and live.    

CHAP. XLV.  
To the Commissioners appointed by his Majesty for the relief of poor Prisoners.  

YOu noble Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and others,  
That are appointed by our gracious King  
In these bad times to be Commissioners,  
For the relief of prisoners, lamenting,  

a Job 35. 9  Here are poor men oppressed, 
b Lam. 5. 17.  ready to faint▪  
Be pleased to hear 
c Psal. 55 2.  their pitiful complaint.   


d Pro. 12. 10  The cruelty of many creditors  
Is such, as heretofore was never known,  

e Job 6. 14.  No pity they have on their poor debtors,  

f Ezek. 3. 7.  Because their hearts are as hard as a stone:  
Wherefore poor prisoners 
g Psal. 31. 9  laden here with grief  

h Pro. 29. 7.  appeal to you for succour and relief.   


i Mat. 18. 29.  The debtor's willing to do what he can  
His cruel creditor to satisfy,  
And though he offer like an honest man,  
To give him all he hath for's liberty:  

k Mat. 18. 30.  Yet will he not at all listen unto him,  
Because he had much rather quite undo him.   

A man imprisoned cannot exercise  
His calling, by which means his family  
At home want food and raiment, and likewise  
He's like to perish here without mercy:  
For his rich creditor 
l Pro. 30. 14.  saith he cares not  
If he in prison lie until he not.   

Such ill conditioned creditors do know,  
The Prison's not a place where men e'er thrived,  
And yet they take a course to overthrow  
Some that are here of liberty deprived:  
For some well known are not ashamed to say,  

a Mich. 3. 2. 3  They'll have their bones, if they their debts can't pay.   

These rigorous courses against prisoners must  
Be here endured by them, unless you please  
To mitigate the same, 
b Psal. 82. 3.  which is both just  
And lawful, which will be much for their ease:  

c Hos. 12. 6.  If Mercy be with Justice mixed, then may  
Many poor prisoners be released each day.   

Wherefore those that have just cause to complain,  
Refer themselves, 
d Job 29. 16.  and their distressed cause  
To you, that have full power to maintain  
That good Commission, grounded on God's laws:  
Now you by virtue thereof much good do  
To prisoners that refer themselves to you.   

Although some creditors be obstinate,  
And very wilful, which will not obey  
Such orders as you power have to make,  
For such as their debts can't presently pay:  

e Ecclus 4. 9  Yet without doubt you have authority  
To punish those that are refractory.   


f 2 Cor. 10. 1  But by your gentle, sweet, and mild persuasions,  
Such creditors whose hearts are mollified,  
Do yield themselves upon all good occasions,  
Your charitable censures to abide:  
Poor debtors by this means may be enlarged,  
And afterwards their debts justly discharged.   

Now if you do procure them certain days  
Of payment, that they may with courage go  
Abroad to seek their fortunes, 
a Psal. 146. 1, 7.  they will praise  
The Lord for you, that do such favour show:  

b Pro. 31. 9  For those that do the cause of poor men plead,  

c Mat. 25. 34  Their lives in heaven with Christ shall ever lead.    

CHAP. XLVI.  
To his chamber-fellows, and other distressed Prisoners of the knight's Ward, that were there shut up of the Plague.  

WE now have cause to look about, and think  
How soon 
a Rom. 14. 10.  we may be called unto the bar  
Of God's great Justice, from which we can't shrink:  
Let's therefore think on't whilst we yet here are;  

b Eccles 8. 8. Ecclus 14. 12.  For when God's Sergeant comes, he'll make us know  

c Rom. 14. 12  We must be gone whether we will or no.   

Examples to our terror here we have,  

d Psal. 102. 20.  Of God's delinquents, how they do lament  
When they are smitten, and marked for the grave,  

e Heb. 9 27.  Because by no means they can it prevent.  

f Psal. 106. 29.  To this great danger we are all exposed,  
That are in this infectious place enclosed.   

Our Chamber-fellow being sick a bed,  
Made us believe that he was free and clear  
From all infection, but when he was dead,  
God's tokens on his body did appear;  
Which sight increased our fear, and suddenly  
We changed our lodging, 
g Mar. 10 47.  and cried for mercy.   

The seventh day after, he that lay with me  

h 2 Chron. 13. 20.  died likewise of the same disease, than I  
Began to think 
a Esay 38. 10  that my turn next would be,  
And did resolve to take it patiently.  

b Ezra 9 15  But you and I God to this day hath spared,  
Let's yet look up, and be always prepared.   


c 1 Chron. 21. 16.  For the sword of the Lord (the Pestilence)  
Is still stretched over us, and not yet sheathed,  

d V. 16▪ 17.  To whom shall we repair for our defence,  
But to the Lord, lest we be much deceived:  

e 1 Sam. 2. 6.  He kills, and makes alive, 'tis he alone  

f Hos. 6. 1.  That wounds, & heals; 
g Psal. 55. 2.  to him let's make our moan.   

Some of our company 
h Psal. 78. 50▪  he kills outright,  
And some 
i Num. 14. 12  are sorely wounded every day,  
And we that are i'th' combat day and night,  
Not killed nor wounded, yet can't run away.  
But as the forlorn Hope i'th' time of war,  

k 2 Cor. 1. 8.  Are in a desperate case, so we now are.   


l 1 Chron. 21. 13.  We now are fallen into the Lords hands,  
As well as into'th hands of cruel men,  

m Esa. 49. 13.  lo, mercy now against cruelty stands,  
And will o'ercome it, though we know not when;  
Let men be what they will, 
n Neh. 9 33.  the Lord is just,  

o Job 13. 15.  Then though he kill us, yet let's in him trust.   


p Psal. 38. 11.  Our friends and kindred, now, will not come near us,  
They have a fair excuse, yet may they send:  
Our creditors whom we feared, 
q Psal. 31. 11  now do fear us,  

r Psal. 119. 74.  More than they fear God, on whom we depend:  

s Psal. 118. 6.  Let friends and kindred, creditors and all  
Do what they please, 
t Cant. 8. 10. Zech. 2. 5.  the Lord is our sure wall.   


u Psal. 69. 33  God's prisoners now we are, 
x Ezek. 21. 24  the action's laid,  

y Esa. 59 12. Job 22. 5.  Our debts are just, and withal are so great,  

z Joel 3. 4. Job. 9 3.  That by ourselves they never can be paid:  

a Mat. 11. 28  Wherefore let us our Creditor soon entreat,  

b Gal. 1. 4. Heb. 2. 17.  To be our surety, than no doubt but we  

c 1 Pet. 1. 3.  Shall mercy find, 
d John 8. 36  and e'er long be set free.    

CHAP. XLVII.  
The Prisoner at liberty, his thankful remembrance of God's great mercies towards him, in his manifold deliverances out of many great dangers and troubles to this present day. To the King of Heaven.  

THou 
a 2 Pet. 2. 9  that the great deliverer art of those,  

b Heb. 11. 6. & 4. 16.  That seek to thee for help in time of need,  

c Lam. 3. 31.  Wilt not reject them, 
d Jam. 4 8.  but with them wilt close:  
O Lord, 
e Mat. 12. 20  thou wilt not break the bruised Reed.  

f Psal. 27. 13  When I was weak and faint, 
g & 9 18.  ready to perish,  

h Esay 25. 4.  Thou then gav'st strength, 
i Psal. 146. 9  and didst me likewise cherish.   


k Phil. 2. 27.  When I was sick, and in danger of death,  

l Job 29. 12.  Wanting at that time means to get relief,  

m ● King 17 17.  Not being able scarce to fetch my breath,  

n Job 33. 19  Feeling much pain, 
o Psal. 31. 10  and almost killed with grief:  

p Mat. 4 24. Psal. 30. 2.  Thou than wast my physician, which didst cure  

q Esay 3. 9  And gav'st me health, 
r Gen. 43. 28  the which doth yet endure.   


s Psal. 38. 19  When I had enemies for me too strong,  

t Psal. 65. 2.  That sought my ruin, and my overthrow,  

u Psal 8 6.  That did rejoice when 
x & 35. 26.  they could do me wrong,  

y Lam. 3 52.  So that I could not tell which way to go:  

z Psal. 136. 24.  Thou than didst me defend, and mad'st them fail,  

a Psal. 129. 2  So that against me they could not prevail.   


b 2 Cor. 11. 26.  When I of cruel thieves was in great danger  
Upon the ways, in 
c Num. 21. 4.  woods and other places,  

d Luke 10. 30.  Where I alone then traveled as a stranger,  
Fearing I should be forced to see their faces:  

a Josh. 24. 17 Psal. 78. 52.  Thou than didst me conduct, and wast my guide,  
So that I had no hurt of neither side.   


b Jona 1. 4▪ 11.  When I at Sea was, in tempestuous weather,  

c 2 Cor. 11. 26.  In perils great, and often times dismayed,  
When sands, and rocks, and raging waves together,  

d Jona 1. 5.  caused all the Mariners to be afraid:  

e Mar. 4. 39  Thou then, O Lord, didst cause the storms to cease,  

f Psal. 107. 30.  And brought'st us to the land, to rest in peace.   


g 2 Cor. 11. 26, 27.  When I was often times in dangers great,  
In divers parts, which thou Lord best dost know,  
Which several dangers I cannot repeat,  
Being so many, and fearful also,  

h Psal. 138. 7▪  Thou then didst evermore stretch forth thine hand,  
And me preserved as well by Sea as land.   


i Ruth 1. 3. 5  When I some friends and dear acquaintance lost,  
That were to me in their life time a stay,  

k 2 Sam. 1. 26  And when thou took'st them from me, being tossed  

l Job 7. 4.  And tumbled in the world both night and day:  

m Psal. 33. 15.  Thou then which rul'st the hearts of all good men,  

n Ruth 2. 13 20.  didst raise me other friends in stead of them.   


o Job 1. 14, 15.  When I lost all th'estate I had, which thou  

p Ecclus 11. 14. Eccles. 5. 19  didst give me for my comfort in this life,  
After which losses great I knew not how  
To live, 
q Tob. 1. 20.  but in great want with my poor wife:  

r Jam. 5. 11.  Thou then of me took'st pity, and again  

s Psal. 111. 5.  Restor'dst to me that which did us maintain.   


t Obad. 2.  When I my credit lost, and my good name,  

u 2 Sam. 19 27. Ecclus 18. 14.  Being backbited, slandered, and abused  
In words, by those 
x Jam. 3. 8.  whose tongues no man could name,  

y Ecclus 18. 17.  So that it grieved me to be so ill used:  

a Psal. 37. 6.  Thou then at length didst bring the truth to light,  

b Psal. 40. 2.  And my credit redeemdest, for all their spite.   


c Acts 10. 38  When I extremely was assaulted by  

d Mat. 15. 22  The devil, who 
e Psal. 38. 3.  my conscience troubled sore  

f Lam. 4. 22.  With reckoning then my sins up, so that I  

g Psal. 88 14 16.  Was in despair, 
h Job 7. 15. & 10. 1.  and did my life abhor,  

i Mat. 17. 18. Act. 26. 18.  Thou then (the God of mercy) didst restrain  

k 1 Pet. 5. 8.  His cruel rage, 
l Psal. 71. 20 Eph. 2. 1.  and me reviu'dst again.   

When I in prison was, 
m Lam. 3. 18, 19  in misery,  

n Eccles 4 1.  Wanting all earthly comforts, and also  

o Psal. 88 3.  When I thought the time come that I should die,  

p Psal. 106. 29.  By reason of the Plague, which there did grow.  
Thou then 
q Psal. 136. 1.  whose mercy doth endure for ever)  

r Dan. 6. 27.  didst me out of that loathsome place deliver.   


s Heb. 10. 32  When many crosses and troubles I had  
From time to time, 
t Psal 77. 3.  which troubled much my mind,  
And yet to those afflictions 
u Phil. 1. 16.  some would add  
More sorrow, 
x 2 Tim. 4. 14.  for they were to me unkind:  
Then Lord, 
y Psal. 145. 18  when I in faith did on thee call,  

z Psal. 72. 12  Thou didst deliver me out of them all.   


a Psal. 116. 12.  Now Lord what shall I render unto thee  
For all these gracious favours, beyond measure,  

b Esay 58. 11.  Which thou hast still vouchasafed unto me,  
According to thy blessed will and pleasure?  

c 1 Chron. 29. 13.  I will thee give all praise, and eke thanksgiving,  

d Psal. 146. 2  As long as in this world I have a being.   

Thy 
e Psal. 103. 2.  benefits, thy 
f 1 Joh. 4. 16.  love, thy providence,  
Thy 
g Gen. 49. 25  blessings temporal, and 
h Eph. 1. 3.  spiritual,  

i Gen. 30. 27  Of all which I have had experience,  

k Mat. 6. 32.  Besides thy care, which is perpetual,  

l Psal. 92. 1.  Deserves more thanks and praise, being so rare,  
Then 
a 1 Cor. 13. 1.  tongues of men or Angels 
b Psal. 66. 16  can declare.   

I now beseech thee 
c Psal. 157. 6  I may ne'er forget  

d Psal. 89. 1.  Thy wonderful great mercies shown to me,  

e Psal. 100 4.  But make me truly thankful, and so let  

f Psal. 119. 76.  towards me thy loving kindness ever be:  

g Luke 23. 42.  And when I go from hence, Lord let me crave  

h Phil. 1. 23.  I may in heaven with thee my dwelling have.    

CHAP. XLVIII.  
To his good Friend, that gave order to his Friend to see him discharged out of Prison.  
R— Oan is the place where 
a Ecclus 6. 15.  my dear friend doth dwell,  

b Ecclus 6. 16.  Thou that dear friend art to thy friend Bagwell.  
I— 
c Gen. 39 20  was in prison in great misery,  
Where I, (as I thought) 
d Ecclus 6. 7  did my best friends try.  
C— raving 
e Gen. 40. 14▪  their help, 
f & V. 23.  yet helpless they left me,  

g 2 Chron. 28. 16.  And therefore I for help sent unto thee.  
H— ere 
h Luke 10. 31, 32.  in mine own Country I could not find  

i Luk. 10. 33.  A friend, as thou hast been, to me so kind.  
A— lthough 
k Tob. 1. 16.  a friend to many I have been,  

l Mat. 25. 43  Yet none of me in prison would esteem.  
R— eleased 
m Jer. 38. 7, 13.  am I now out of that distress,  
Which was by thy means, and yet nevertheless  
Do oe not think but thine Agent I'll content,  
= Though 
n Psal. 146. 7  God's the Author, thou the Instrument.  
L L—ong have I lain shut up in that close place,  
Where 
o Psal. 88 18  friends and kindred left me in disgrace.  
I— n my more 
p Ecclus 12. 8  prosperous days I could not know  
How to distinguish my friend from my foe.  
M— any 
q Job 42. 11.  of my friends in those days were glad  
Kindness to show me, when no need I had.  
B— ut 
a Job 6. 14.  when God brought me to adversity,  
No kindness from those friends at all had I.  
E— xperience 
b Pro. 17. 17  I have had of thy true love,  
Which I must needs confess 
c Psal. 18 16  came from above.  
R— ejoyce should I, 
d Ecclus 37. 6.  if I could tell which way  
To recompense thy love without delay.  
Y— et let me tell thee, to avoid all strife,  

e Phile. 22.  ere long I'll see thee, if God spare us life.   

CHAP. XLIX.  
To a careful Friend that discharged the trust committed to him by his Friend, in seeing of him freed out of Prison.  
L— Oving 
a Col. 3 12  kind-hearted men, whose minds are bent  

b 1 Jam. 6. 18.  To do good to such as are almost spent,  
A— re 
c Psal. 12. 1.  rare, I dare say, seek the kingdom round,  

d Pro. 20. 6.  Scarce one in forty in these days are found.  
Wretched 
e 1 Sam. 25. 12.  worldlings, though they have much to spare,  

f 1 John 3. 17.  Yet they of God's poor children have no care.  
R—ich 
g Jam. 5. 5.  men that live in pleasure and great fame,  

h Gen. 11. 4.  do famous things to get themselves a name.  
A— n 
i Jam. 1. 27.  honest true religious man indeed,  
That's blessed with means, 
k Acts 10. 2.  will help those that have need,  
Not 
l Act. 20. 34.  only of himself, but will likewise  

m 1 Cor. 16. 1.  Stir others up to that good exercise.  
C— hrist 
n Eph. 5. 2. 5.  his poor members loves, he's their safeguard,  

o Mat. 25. 34 31.  And those that do them good he will reward.  
Every one that's poor is not Christ's member,  
= 
p Mat. 5. 3. James 2. 5.  Yet he that's poor in spirit he doth tender.  
B— etter 
q Pro. 28. 6.  is the upright poor man, than he  

r Pro. 21. 24.  That's rich and scornful, as most rich men be.  
R—ich and poor that 
s Psal. 37. 37  religious are 
t & 107. 43.  and wise,  
Are happy, 
u 1 Pet. 3. 12.  and most precious in God's eyes.  
I— n this last age much 
a Esay 3. 16. Hos. 7. 10.  pride and 
b Neh. 1. 2, 3  poverty  
Is in all places, 
c Mat. 24. 12  but small charity.  
N— ever 
d Neh. 5. 12.  were men in times past which lived well  

e 1 King 17 12, 13.  So hard put to it, which they blush to tell.  
L— ittle do most men think, 
f Ecclus 11. 4. 24.  that boast and vaunt,  

g 2 Cor. 8. 14.  What 'tis to help poor housekeepers that want.  
E— xperience I, and many besides me,  

h 2 Cor. 8. 16, 17.  Have had of thy religious care so free.  
Y— eeld 
i Psal. 113. 1  unto God all praise and thanksgiving,  

k Joh. 3▪ 27.  For those good things thou hast came all from him.  
FINIS.