Others of a later date, being corrupted, it may be, by that evil genius which came in with the publique distractions, have stuffed their books with oathes, horrid execrations, and a most gross and studied filthiness. But the hurt that ensues by the publication of pieces so notoriously ill lies heavily upon the stationer's account, who ought in conscience to refuse them, when they are put into his hands. No loss is so doleful as that gain that will endamage the soul. He that prints lewdness and impieties is that madman in the Proverbs, who "casteth firebrands, arrows, and death." The suppression of this pleasing and prevailing evil lies not altogether in the power of the magistrate; for it will flie abroad in manuscripts, when it fails of entertainment at the press. The true remedy lies wholly in their bosoms who are the gifted persons, by a wise exchange of vain and vitious subjects for divine themes and celestial praise. The performance is easie, and, were it the most difficult in the world, the reward is so glorious that it infinitely transcends it; for " "they that turn many to righteousness shall shine like the stars for ever and ever:" whence follows this undenyable inference, that, the corrupting of many being a contrary work, the recompense must be so too; and then I know nothing reserved for them but "the blackness of darkness for ever;" from which, O God, deliver all penitent and reformed spirits! The first, that with any effectual success attempted a diversion of this foul and overflowing stream, was the blessed man, Mr. George Herbert, whose holy life and verse gained many pious converts, of whom I am the least; and gave the first check to a most flourishing and admired wit of his time. After him followed diverse, sed non passibus æquis: they had more of fashion than of force. And the reason of their so vast distance from him, besides differing spirits and qualifications (for his measure was eminent), I suspect to be, because they aimed more at verse than perfection, as may be easily gathered by their frequent impressions and numerous pages. Hence sprang those wide, those weak and lean conceptions, which in the most inclinable reader will scarce give any nourishment or help to devotion; for not flowing from a true, practick piety, it was impossible they should effect those things abroad which they never had acquaintance with at home; being onely the productions of a common spirit, and the obvious ebullitions of that light humor, which takes the pen in hand, out of no other consideration than to be seen in print. It is true, indeed, that to give up our thoughts to pious themes and contemplations, if it be done for pietie's sake, is a great step towards perfection; because it will refine, and dispose to devotion and sanctity. And further, it will procure for us (so easily communicable is that loving Spirit) some small prelibation of those heavenly refreshments, which descend but seldom, and then very sparingly, upon men of an ordinary or indifferent holyness. But he that desires to excel in this kinde of Hagiography, or holy writing, must strive by all means for perfection and true holyness, "that a door may be opened to him in heaven," Rev. iv. 1; and then he will be able to write, with Hierotheus and holy Herbert, "a true hymn." In To effect this in some measure, I have begged leave to communicate this my poor talent to the church, under the protection and conduct of her glorious Head; who, if he will vouchsafe to own it, and go along with it, can make it as useful now in the publick as it hath been to me in private. the perusal of it, you will, peradventure, observe some passages, whose history or reason may seem something remote; but were they brought nearer, and plainly exposed to your view, though that perhaps might quiet your curiosity, yet would it not conduce much to your greater advantage. And therefore I must desire you to accept of them in that latitude which is already allowed them. By the last poems in the book, were not that mistake here prevented, you would judge all to be fatherless, and the edition posthume; for indeed I was nigh unto death, and am still at no great distance from it; which was the necessary reason for that solemn and accomplished dress you will finde this impression in. But the God of the spirits of all flesh hath granted me a further use of mine than I did look for in the body; and when I expected, and had by his assistance prepared for, a message of death, then did he answer me with life; I hope to his glory, and my great advantage; that I may flourish not with leafe onely, but with some fruit also; which hope and earnest desire of his poor creature, I humbly beseech him to perfect and fulfil for his dear Son's sake, unto whom, with him and the most holy and loving Spirit, be ascribed by angels, by men, and by all his works, all glory, and wisdom, and dominion, in this the temporal and in the eternal being. Amen. NEWTON BY USк, near Sketh-Rock, |