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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


The  CELLAR  BOOK  SHOP 

Box  6,  College  Park  Sta. 

Detroit  21,  Mich.  -U.  S.  A. 


YORKSHIRE      CHAP-BOOKS 


FIRST    SERIES. 


YORKSHIRE 


CHAP-BOOKS 


EDITED     BY 

CHARLES    A.    FEDERER,    L.C.P. 


FIRST    SERIES: 

Comprising  Thomas  Gent's  tracts  on   legendary  subjects  ;   with 
A  memoir  of  the  author,  and  a  select  number  of 

FACSIMILE       reproductions      OF      THE 
ORIGINAL    WOODCUTS. 


LONDON : 

ELLIOT   STOCK,   62,   PATERNOSTER  ROW. 
1889. 


BRADFORD  : 
PRINTED    BY   J.    S.    TOOTHILL,    LINGARD's   BUILDINGS,    GODWIN    ST. 


VK 
'ill 


TO 

J.     NORTON     DICKONS,     Esq., 

of  bradford, 

the  diligent  archeologist,  the  kind  friend, 
the  sincere  christian, 

This   Edition    of    Gent's   Tracts    is   gratefully    inscribed 

BY 

THE    EDITOR. 


1196381 


[     7     ] 


INTRODUCTION 


ON    CHAP-BOOKS. 

/^^HAP-BOOK  literature,  viz.,  the  pamphlets,  ballads,  and 
^-^  broadsides,  sold  by  chapmen  or  chafferers  at  fairs  and 
markets,  or  hawked  by  them  from  house  to  house  in  the  country, 
composed  the  only  literature  accessible  to  the  mass  of  the 
people  during  the  centuries  anterior  to  the  present.  There  can 
be  no  question  that  this  literature  possesses  the  highest  interest 
for  the  student  of  the  social,  religious,  and  political  state  of  our 
forefathers  :  Macaulay  and  Green  have  entirely  re-written  our 
history  with  the  aid  of  a  mass  of  political  broadsides,  ballads, 
and  squibs ;  and  it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  the  French  revolu- 
tion of  1789  was  prepared  by  the  dissemination  of  immense 
multitudes  of  popular  tracts ;  nor  can  it  be  denied  that  the 
social  conceptions  of  our  own  peasantry  were,  till  a  recent 
period,  mainly  based  upon  the  kind  of  literature  which  reached 
it  through  the  agency  of  the  pedlar.  Chapbook  literature  catered 
for  the  intellectual  wants  of  the  lower  and  the  middle  classes  of 
the  people,  and  by  it  the  nature  of  those  wants,  in  other  words, 
the  predilections  and  the  common  bent  of  the  popular  mind 
can  be  accurately  gauged. 

At  a  time  when  our  laws,  oppressive  and  cruel  in  their 
nature,  pressed  with  peculiar  harshness  on  the  labourer,  who 
was  a  serf  in  all  but  the  name,  and  on  the  poor  toilers  of  every 
description,  there  naturally  existed  a  good  deal  of  sympathy 
with  the  bold  outlaw,  and  a  sneaking  admiration  even  for  the 
dashing  highwayman,  who  professed  to  redress  social  inequali- 
ties by  robbing  the  rich  and  relieving  the  poor.  Hence  the 
unbounded   popularity  of  the  "Lives"  of  Robin  Hood,  Dick 


[     8    ] 

Turpin,  Nevison,  etc.,  a  popularity  such  as  no  "  Plutarch's 
Lives"  ever  attained  among  the  cultured  classes.  A  similarly 
favourable  reception  was  given  to  the  chapbook  which  described 
the  career  of  some  individual  in  the  lowest  rank  in  society,  who 
by  dint  of  cunning,  hardihood,  or  sheer  impudence,  managed 
to  hold  his  own  amongst  his  superiors ;  of  which  class  "  Blind 
Jack  of  Knaresborough  "  may  be  taken  as  the  type.  It  is  worthy 
of  notice  that  this  class  by  no  means  includes  the  parvenu  who, 
whether  by  good  fortune  or  through  industry  and  sterling 
qualities,  had  risen  to  a  higher  social  position  ;  for,  regret  it  as 
we  may,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  now,  as  in  the  past,  envy  not 
unmixed  with  aversion  follows  the  individual  who  quits  the 
fellowship  of  those  who  were  once  his  equals.  Nor  has  the 
record  of  simple  "  goodness  "  any  place  in  chapbook  literature  : 
the  "  Pamela,  or  Virtue  Rewarded"  style  of  composition  catered 
for  the  maudlin  sentimentality  of  a  portion  of  the  upper  middle 
classes,  but  possessed  no  relish  for  the  rude  appetite  of  the 
vulgar. 

It  will  naturally  be  imagined,  however,  that  the  class  of 
chapbooks  before  alluded  to,  appealed  chiefly  to  the  male 
portion  of  the  toiling  multitude,  old  or  young ;  yet  the  cot- 
tager's wife  and  daughters  were  not  forgotten.  Though  the 
hardships  and  injustices  of  life  weighed  on  them  perhaps  even 
more  heavily  than  on  their  male  companions,  their  minds,  cast 
in  gentler  mould,  longed  not  for  the  present  redress  by  deeds  of 
violence,  but  more  or  less  patiently  looked  for  a  state  of  com- 
pensating bliss  after  the  close  of  their  earthly  existence.  Entirely 
unscriptural  as  the  conception  is,  every  one  who  is  accustomed  to 
visit  among  the  poor  and  the  outcasts  of  society,  is  aware  how 
deeply  ingrained  in  their  minds  is  the  belief  that  present  suffering 
entitles  to  commensurate  recompense  in  the  life  to  come.  To 
this  moiety  of  the  common  people,  the  •'  Lives  "  of  various 
classes  of  Saints,  whether  canonized  or  not,  and  particularly  the 
biographies  of  holy  women,  brought  solace  and  congenial  enter- 
tainment. It  does  not,  however,  need  a  very  close  examination 
to  find  the  same  idea  of  redress  of  social  inequalities,  which 
underlies  the  conventional  character  of  the  outlaw,  reappearing 


[    9    ] 

clothed  in  the  monkish  garb  of  the  saint  who  on  the  one  hand 
resists  and  punishes  the  wicked  in  high  places,  and  on  the  other 
ministers  to  the  wants  of  the  poor,  heals  their  diseases,  and 
assures  them  of  divine  favour.  This  will  account  for  the  strik- 
ing and  yet  natural  circumstance,  that  in  a  post-reformation 
period,  such  chapbooks  as  the  "  Life  of  Saint  Winefred,"  or 
the  "  Life  of  Saint  Robert  of  Knaresborough,"  written  by  such 
a  staunch  anti-papist  as  Thomas  Gent,  saw  the  light  in  the 
strait-laced  city  of  York. 

York  was  the  sole  centre  where,  during  last  century,  the  pedlar 
fraternity  of  Yorkshire  obtained  their  supplies  of  books  and 
pamphlets,  and  ballad  singers  their  patter',  for  it  is  only  within 
the  present  century  that  similar  manufactures  of  chapmen's 
literature  were  established  at  Stokesley,  Easingwold,  and  Otley, 
and  latterly  at  Leeds.  Thomas  Gent  bears  the  undisputed  pre- 
eminence among  the  purveyors  of  this  kind  of  literature,  having 
been  both  author  and  printer ;  and  the  presses  of  his  successors 
in  York,  James  Kendrew  and  Charles  Croshaw,  were  almost  ex- 
clusively engaged  in  the  production  of  chapbooks  and  patter. 

The  present  work  gives,  for  the  first  time  in  a  collected  form, 
the  various  chapbooks,  pamphlets,  and  broadsides,  which  have 
appeared  in  the  county  of  York  up  to  the  close  of  last  century, 
with  such  commentaries  and  notes  as  are  needed  to  elucidate 
the  text.  The  first  series  contains  ten  chapbooks  on  legendary 
subjects,  written  and  printed  by  Thomas  Gent,  and  comprises 
the  Lives  of  St.  Winefred,  Our  Saviour  and  the  Apostles,  Judas 
Iscariot,  Afflicted  Job,  and  St.  Robert  of  Knaresborough  ;  with 
a  memoir  of  Thomas  Gent.  Subsequent  series,  in  active  pre- 
paration, will  comprise  Gent's  Pastoral  Dialogue ;  the  Life  of 
J.  Metcalf,  commonly  called  Blind  Jack  of  Knaresborough ; 
George-a-Green,  the  Pinder  of  Wakefield ;  William  Nevison, 
the  Highwayman ;  Robin  Hood's  Garland,  &c.,  &c. 

The  footnotes  in  this  volume,  unless  otherwise  stated,  are 
Thomas  Gent's  own.  The  original  spelling  and  punctuation 
have  been  preserved,  except  in  the  case  of  obvious  misprints, 
which  have  been  corrected. 


[    10    ] 


Thomas   Gent. 


TN  compiling-  a  sketch  of  the  life  of  this  enterprising-  York 
-^  printer,  we  are  saved  the  trouble  and  uncertainty  of  col- 
lecting scattered  materials  from  various  sources,  by  Gent's  own 
care  and  foresight,  in  himself  recording  in  copious  detail  the 
principal  events  of  his  life.  This  autobiography,  the  original 
manuscript  of  which  is  now  in  the  possession  of  E.  Hailstone, 
Esq.,  of  Walton  Hall,  was  published  in  a  somewhat  curtailed 
form  in  1832  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Hunter,  under  the  title, 
"The  Life  of  Mr.  Thomas  Gent,  printer,  of  York,  written  by 
himself."  Shorter  notices  of  Gent  have  since  been  written  by 
Mr.  Charles  Knight,  in  his  "Shadows  of  the  old  Booksellers," 
(London,  1865);  by  Mr.  Robert  Davis,  in  his  "Memoirs  of 
the  York  Press,"  (London,  186S);  and  by  Mr.  Abraham 
Holroyd,  in  the  "Yorkshire  Magazine,"  (Bradford,  1872). 

Thomas  Gent  was  born  in  Ireland,  of  English  parentage, 
in  1693.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  or  fourteen,  he  was  appren- 
ticed by  his  father  to  Mr.  Powell,  a  letter-press  printer  in 
Dublin ;  but  the  lad  did  not  take  kindly  to  his  employment. 
Long  hours  of  work  and  strictness  of  supervision  rendered 
him  dissatisfied  with  his  situation ;  it  appears  also  that,  young 
as  he  was,  he  became  entangled  in  a  love  intrigue  with  one 
of  his  master's  servants.  Gent's  autobiography  is  discreetly 
silent  on  the  circumstances  of  this  intrigue ;  but  that  it  was 
more  than  a  mere  boyish  escapade,  is  shown  by  what  trans- 
pired several  years  subsequently  at  York,  when  a  gossiping 
report  of  it  sufficed  to  wreck  his  prospects  there. 

In  order  to  break  off  the  connection  alluded  to,  and  to 
free  himself  from  irksome  restraint,  young  Gent  resolved  to 


[  II  ] 

escape  to  England,  and  managed  to  carry  out  his  resolve 
with  some  forethought  and  determination.  With  all  his 
portable  property,  consisting  of  a  spare  suit  of  clothes  and 
seventeen  pence  in  cash,  and  stores  in  the  shape  of  two  or 
three  penny  loaves,  he  got  secretly  on  board  of  a  vessel 
bound  for  England,  and  stowed  himself  away  in  the  hold. 
Gent  gives  us  a  vivid  description  of  the  stormy  passage, 
during  which  the  ship  had  to  put  back  into  Dublin  Bay;  but 
he  landed  at  last  safely  at  Parkgate,  near  Holyhead,  where 
the  tender-hearted  captain,  instead  of  taking  the  little  money 
in  the  lad's  possession  to  pay  for  his  passage,  gave  him  a 
sixpence  and  some  sound  parting  advice.  It  is  doubtless  to 
the  circumstances  of  this  first  landing  in  England  that  Gent 
alludes  in  the  latter  portion  of  the  footnote  on  page  152  of 
the  present  volume. 

After  suffering  many  hardships  on  the  way,  the  lad 
reached  London  in  August,  17 10;  and  it  is  characteristic 
of  his  observant  mind,  that  even  under  the  distressing  cir- 
cumstances of  his  journey,  he  had  taken  careful  note  of 
the  interesting  antiquities  of  Chester,  and  jotted  down  the 
historical  reminiscences  connected  with  them.  Gent  soon 
obtained  employment  in  the  printing  office  of  a  Mr. 
Midwinter,  of  Pie  Corner,  Smithfield,  who  was  principally 
engaged  in  printing  chapbooks  and  broadsides  for  haw- 
kers :  a  profitable  business  at  that  period,  which  determined 
the  nature  of  the  lad's  future  career.  His  occupation  here 
was  not  merely  the  printing,  but  also  the  composition,  of 
chapmen's  literature;  and  on  the  title-page  of  "Judas 
Iscariot,"  we  find  it  stated  that  he  originally  composed 
that  work  in  171 1  (see  page  201  of  the  present  volume). 
He  also  did  a  good  stroke  of  business  for  his  master,  in 
noting  down  the  sermon  which  Dr.  Sacheverel  preached  on 
the  occasion  of  his  suspension,  by  the  impression  and  sale 
of  which  Mr.  Midwinter  cleared  thirty  pounds  in  one  week. 

Gent  worked  at  Mr.  Midwinter's  office  for  three  years, 
during  which  period  he  not  only  gained  steadiness  of  purpose 


[     12    ] 

and  valuable  experience,  but  was  also  enabled  to  save  a  little 
money.  When  his  engagement  with  Mr.  Midwinter  had  ter- 
minated, he  continued  to  do  jobbing  or  "  smouting "  work, 
both  for  him  and  for  other  master  printers.  The  following 
interesting  extract  from  his  autobiography  very  graphically 
describes  the  kind  of  life  he  led  during  this  somewhat  un- 
settled period : — 

"  I  went  directly  to  seek  a  place  of  business,  when, 
luckily,  I  happened  to  engage  with  Mrs.  Bradford,  a  quaker, 
and  widow,  in  Fetter  Lane,  who  ordered  me  to  come  the 
next  morning.  With  great  spirit  and  elasticity  I  flew,  as 
it  were,  homewards,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  my  kind 
master  and  mistress,  who  asked  me  why  I  had  not  come  to 
dinner;  if  I  was  not  almost  starved;  or  if  I  lit  of  the  mer- 
chant, and  dined  with  him  ?  I  told  them  the  whole  truth ; 
and,  going  to  work  the  next  day,  I  continued  so  briskly  that 
by  Saturday  night  I  had  earned  about  seventeen  shillings : 
so  that,  having  near  three  pounds  in  bank,  and  a  new  suit  of 
clothes  of  about  three  pounds  price,  which  Mr.  Midwinter 
had  given  me,  exclusive  of  my  other  apparel,  I  thought  that 
I  might  do  pretty  well  in  the  world ;  in  order  to  which,  I  fur- 
nished myself  with  a  new  composing  iron,  called  a  stick;  a 
pair  of  scissors  to  cut  scaleboards ;  a  sharp  bodkin,  to  cor- 
rect the  letters;  and  a  pretty  sliding  box  to  contain  them 
and  preserve  all  from  rustiness.  I  bought  also  a  galley,  for 
the  pages  I  was  to  compose,  with  other  appurtenances  that 
might  be  of  service  to  me  when  occasion  should  require." 
"  As  inconsiderate  youth  is,  too  soon,  over  fond  of  novelty, 
being  invited  to  another  place  under  Mr.  Mears,  in  Black- 
friars,  I  very  indiscreetly  parted  with  my  mistress,  which 
entirely  lost  me  the  favour  of  that  knowing  gentlewoman. 
On  my  entrance  amongst  a  number  of  men,  besides  paying 
what  is  called  '  Ben-money,'  I  found  soon  after,  I  was,  as  it 
were,  to  be  dubbed  as  great  a  cuz  as  the  famous  Don 
Quixote  seemed  to  be  when  he  thought  himself  a  knight, 
and  that  the  innkeeper  was  lord  of  the  castle,  in  the  yard  of 


[    ^3   ] 

which  he  judged  the  honour  was  conferred;  through  the 
insipid  folly  thereof,  agreeably  to  their  strange  harangues  in 
praise  of  the  protecting  charms  of  cuzship,  which,  like  the 
power  of  Don  Waltho  Clatherbank's  infallible  medicines, 
would  heal  all  evils  whether  curable  or  not,  was  not  very 
agreeable  to  my  hearing;  yet,  when  the  master  himself 
insisted  it  must  be  done,  I  was  obliged  to  submit  to  that 
immemorial  custom,  the  origin  of  which  they  could  not  then 
explain  to  me.  It  commenced  by  walking  round  the  chapel 
(printing  rooms  being  called  such,  because  first  begun  to  be 
practised  in  one  at  Westminster  Abbey),  singing  an  alpha- 
betical anthem,  tuned  literally  to  the  vowels.  Striking  me, 
kneeling,  with  a  broadsword,  and  pouring  ale  upon  my  head, 
my  titles  were  exhibited  much  to  this  effect: — 'Thomas  Gent, 
Baron  of  College  Green,  Earl  of  Fingall,  with  power  to  the 
limits  of  Dublin  Bar,  Captain-General  of  the  Teagues,  near 
the  Lake  of  Allen,  and  Lord  High  Admiral  over  all  the  Bogs 
in  Ireland.'  To  confirm  which,  and  that  I  might  not  pay  over 
again  for  the  same  ceremony,  through  forgetfulness,  they 
allowed  me  godfathers,  the  first  I  ever  had  before,  because 
the  Presbyterian  minister  at  my  christening  allowed  none 
at  his  office;  and  these,  my  new  pious  fathers,  were  the 
un-reverend  Mr.  Holt  and  Mr.  Palmer.  Nay,  there  were 
witnesses  also — such  as  Mr.  Fleming,  Mr.  Gibbins  and  Mr. 
Cocket,  staunch  journeymen  printers.  But  after  all  this 
work  I  began  to  see  the  vanity  of  all  human  grandeur ;  for, 
as  I  was  not  yet  a  freeman,  I  was  discharged  as  a  foreigner 
in  about  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks'  time." 

Mr.  Midwinter  at  this  time  received  a  communication 
from  one  of  his  customers,  Mr.  John  White,  master  printer, 
of  York,  who  desired  him  to  procure  for  him  a  likely  person 
as  journeyman  printer.  Mr.  Midwinter  mentioned  the  mat- 
ter to  Gent,  who,  however,  felt  disinclined  to  leave  London 
just  then.  Some  time  afterwards,  a  chapman  named 
Isaac,  whose  business  took  him  occasionally  into i^ Yorkshire, 
spoke  to  Mr.  White  in  such  high  terms  of  the  capabilities 


t    14  ] 

and  qualities  of  Gent,  that  Mr.  White  decided  to  make  the 
latter  the  exceedingly  liberal  offer  of  £iS  per  annum,  with 
board,  lodging,  and  washing.  Gent  closed  with  the  tempting 
offer,  and  removed  to  York. 

Mr.  White  had  agreed  to  allow  one  guinea  for  travelling 
expenses ;  but  Gent  could  not  come  to  terms  with  Crofts,  the 
York  carrier,  who  did  not  choose  to  abate  anything  from  his 
regular  fare  of  twenty-six  shillings ;  so  he  resolved  to  per- 
form the  journey  on  foot,  starting  on  Tuesday,  20  April, 
1 7 14.  He  passed  through  Caxton,  Stamford,  Newark, 
Bawtry,  Sherburn,  Tadcaster,  and  reached  York  on  Sunday. 
His  arrival  is  thus  described  by  himself: — 

"  The  first  house  I  entered  to  enquire  for  my  new  master 
was  a  printer's  at  Petergate,  the  very  dwelling  that  is  now 
(at  the  time  of  writing)  my  own  by  purchase;  but  not  finding 
Mr,  White  therein,  a  child  brought  me  to  his  door,  which 
was  opened  by  the  head  maiden,  that  is  now  my  dear  spouse. 
She  ushered  me  into  the  chamber,  where  Mrs.  White  lay 
something  ill  in  bed,  but  the  old  gentleman  was  at  his 
dinner,  by  the  fireside,  sitting  in  a  noble  arm  chair,  with  a 
good  large  pie  before  him,  of  which  he  made  me  heartily 
partake  with  him.  I  had  a  guinea  in  my  shoe  lining,  which 
I  pulled  out  to  ease  my  foot,  at  which  the  old  gentleman 
smiled  and  pleasantly  said,  '  It  was  more  than  he  ever  had 
seen  a  journeyman  save  before.'  I  lived  as  happily  as  I 
could  wish  in  this  family,  for  Mr.  White  had  plenty  of  busi- 
ness to  employ  several  persons,  there  being  few  printers 
in  England,  except  London,  at  that  time :  none  then,  I  am 
sure,  at  Chester,  Liverpool,  Whitehaven,  Preston,  Man- 
chester, Kendal  and  Leeds,  as  for  the  most  part  now 
abounds." 

Whilst  residing  in  Mr.  White's  family,  Gent  became  first 
acquainted  with  Alice  or  Adeliza  Guy,  Mrs.  White's  maid : 
an  acquaintance  which  soon  ripened  into  love  in  spite  of  a 
considerable  disparity  in  their  ages,  she  being  in  her  thirty- 
second  year,  whilst  he  was  barely  twenty-two  years  old.    But 


C    15   ] 

the  horizon  of  future  happiness  which  had  begun  to  unfold 
itself  to  the  imag-ination  of  Thomas  Gent,  became  suddenly 
overcast.  Through  the  means  of  some  travelling  journeyman 
printer,  who  had  formerly  worked  in  Ireland,  the  circum- 
stances of  Gent's  running  away  from  his  apprenticeship  in 
Dublin  became  known  in  York,  and  seriously  injured  his 
prospects,  both  with  Mr.  White  and  with  Miss  Alice,  who 
could  scarcely  hear  with  equanimity  of  her  suitor's  former 
love  passages.  At  the  twelvemonth's  end,  therefore,  although 
a  renewal  of  the  engagement  was  proposed  to  him,  Gent 
resolved  to  leave  York  and  to  revisit  his  native  country. 

He  left  York  on  the  isth  May,  17 15,  and  travelled  through 
Leeds,  Brighouse,  EUand,  Blackstone  Edge,  Rochdale,  Bury, 
Bolton,  Ashton,  and  Prescot,  to  Liverpool,  There  being  no 
vessel  ready  to  start  for  Ireland  from  that  port,  and  the  sole 
printer  which  Liverpool  could  at  that  period  boast,  not  having 
any  work  for  him,  Gent  walked  through  Cheshire  to  Park- 
gate  where  he  embarked  for  Dublin.  The  passage  proved 
even  more  protracted  and  unpropitious  than  his  former  one; 
for  it  was  only  after  being  tossed  about  by  violent  storms  for 
several  days,  that  the  vessel  was  able  to  make  Douglas  har- 
bour in  the  Isle  of  Man,  where  she  was  compelled  to  lie  for 
several  weeks  to  repair  damages.  This  episode  is  also 
alluded  to  in  the  before-mentioned  footnote  on  page  152 
of  the  present  volume. 

His  stay  in  Dublin  was  but  short.  His  former  master, 
Mr,  Powell,  threatened  legal  proceedings,  and  Gent  found 
it  advisable  to  recross  the  Irish  Sea,  and  make  his  way  to 
London,  On  his  way  thither,  he  spent  a  short  time  at  York, 
and  appears  to  have  regained  the  good  graces  of  Miss  Alice 
Guy,  with  whom  he  afterwards  kept  up  a  correspondence, 
though  no  distinct  matrimonial  engagement  was  entered  into. 
In  London,  Gent  first  worked  for  his  former  master,  Mr, 
Midwinter,  and  in  17 17  he  was  made  a  member  of  the  Com- 
pany of  Stationers,  and  shortly  afterwards  admitted  to  the 
freedom  of  the  city  of  London.      Yet  he  did  not  seem  to 


[   i6  ] 

prosper  greatly  from  a  financial  point  of  view,  for  we  find 
him  working  both  at  press  and  at  case  for  various  printers 
in  succession — Wilkins,.  Watts,  Clifton,  Dodds, —  and  occa- 
sionally undertake  jobs,  which  in  those  times  of  political 
fermentation,  were  very  risky.  The  following  incident,  re- 
lated by  Davis,  exemplifies  the  nature  of  the  risk  then 
incurred  by  clandestine  printers : — 

"  Both  Gent  and  his  employer  Midwinter  had  incurred  the 
suspicion  of  the  Government.  One  night  Gent  had  gone  to 
rest  suffering  from  a  severe  attack  of  illness.  Soon  after 
midnight,  whilst  he  was  asleep,  his  bedroom  door  was  vio- 
lently burst  open  by  a  King's  messenger,  who  dragged  him 
out  of  bed,  helped  him  to  dress  himself,  searched  his  pockets 
for  papers,  hurried  him  down  stairs  into  the  street,  which  was 
filled  with  constables  and  watchmen,  and  thrust  him  into  a 
coach,  which  was  ordered  to  drive  towards  Newgate.  On 
their  way  the  coach  was  stopped  near  St.  Sepulchre's 
Church,  and  Gent  was  placed  in  a  room  of  a  public-house, 
and  there  closely  watched  and  guarded.  Presently  he  was 
amazed  to  see  his  master,  Mr.  Midwinter,  brought  in  as  a 
prisoner,  and  left  in  the  room  with  him.  From  thence  they 
were  taken  to  Manchester  Court,*  a  house  at  Westminster, 
on  the  banks  of  the  Thames,  which  appears  to  have  been  at 
that  time  used  for  the  temporary  confinement  of  State  pri- 
soners. Here  Gent  was  placed  in  an  apartment  alone,  and 
'  debarred  from  friends  to  see  him,  or  the  use  of  pen,  ink, 
and  paper,  to  write  to  them.'  Within  a  few  days  afterwards 
the  rigour  of  his  confinement  was  relaxed,  and  at  the  end  of 
three  days  more,  'as  nothing  could  be  proved  against  him,  he 
was  honourably  discharged.'  Gent  had  reason  to  rejoice  at 
his  narrow  escape.  Not  many  months  had  passed  since  he 
stood  near  St.  .Sepulchre's  Church  in  Newgate  Street,  and 

*  Now  Manchester  Buildings,  on  the  site  of  Derby  House  formerly 
belonging  to  the  Earls  of  Lincoln,  and  another  large  house  belonging  to 
the  Earls  of  Manchester,  very  pleasant  towards  the  Thames.  Cunningham's 
Handbouh,  vol.  ii.  p.  513. 


[  17  ] 

beheld  a  young-  brother  printer  drawn  on  a  sledg^e  to  be 
executed  at  Tyburn  for  the  Offence  of  printing-  a  seditious 
libel,  which  was  adjudged  to  be  high  treason."* 

About  1 72 1,  Gent  was  at  last  able  to  set  up  a  press  of  his 
own  in  Fleet  Lane,  and  occasionally  to  employ  assistants; 
and  for  about  three  years  a  succession  of  ballads  and  pam- 
phlets, chiefly  composed  by  himself,  issued  from  his  office. 
He  was  in  a  position  now  to  commence  housekeeping;  but 
any  lingering  hope  that  he  might  have  entertained  of  ulti- 
mately inducing  Alice  Guy  to  become  his  wife,  were  destroyed 
by  the  intelligence  that  she  had  married  Mr.  Charles  Bourne, 
Mr.  White's  grandson  and  heir.  To  console  himself  for  this 
disappointment,  he  undertook  to  console  the  bereaved  widow 
of  Mr.  Dodd,  in  whose  office  he  had  lately  been  working, 
and  he  managed  to  ingratiate  himself  with  her.  What  oc- 
curred to  nip  this  new  dream  of  love  in  the  bud,  is  best 
related  in  Gent's  own  words : — 

"  It  was  one  Sunday  morning  that  Mr.  Philip  Wood,  a 
partner  at  Mr.  Midwinter's,  entering  my  chambers,  where  I 
sometimes  used  to  employ  him  too,  when  slack  of  business 
in  other  places,  'Tommy,'  said  he,  'all  these  fine  materials 
of  yours  must  be  moved  to  York.'      At  which,  wondering, 

*  His  brother  printer  was  John  Matthews,  a  youth  of  eighteen,  who 
was  tried  and  condemned  at  the  Old  Bailey.  He  was  charged  with  printing 
and  publishing  a  seditious  and  traitorous  libel,  entitled  Vox  populi  Vox  Dei, 
which  asserted  that  the  Pretender  had  an  hereditary  right  to  the  Crown,  and 
that  all  rights  concur  in  him,  and  endeavouring  to  stir  up  the  people  to  shake 
off  the  present  arbitrary  government.  The  persons  on  whose  evidence  he  was 
convicted  were  two  of  his  fellow-workmen  who  had  been  concerned  in  prin- 
ting similar  libels.  On  the  6th  November,  1719,  the  unfortunate  youth  was 
drawn  on  a  sledge  from  Newgate  to  Tyburn,  where  he  was  executed  pur- 
suant to  his  sentence,  except  that  the  quartering  of  his  body  was  dispensed 
with  by  favour  of  the  Government.  The  fate  of  Matthews  excited  much 
public  sympathy.  Six  months  afterwards  one  of  the  printers  who  were 
v/itnesses  against  him  died,  and  was  to  be  buried  at  Islington.  A  mob 
arose  and  obstructed  the  funeral, -causing  so  great  a  tumult  that  the  next 
night  a  detachment  of  the  Foot  Guards  was  sent  from  Whitehall  to  see 
the  corpse  buried  and  to  preserve  the  peace. 


c  18  i 

'What  mean  you  ?'  said  I.  '  Aye,'  said  he,  '  and  you  must  go 
too,  '  without  it's  your  own  fault ;  for  your  first  sweetheart  is 
now  at  Hberty,  and  left  in  good  circumstances  by  her  good 
spouse,  who  deceased  but  of  late.'  'I  pray  Heaven,'  answered 
I,  'that  his  precious  soul  may  be  happy;  and,  for  aught  I  know, 
it  may  be  as  you  say,  for  indeed  I  may  not  trifle  with  a  widow 
as  I  have  formerly  done  with  a  maid.'  I  made  an  excuse  to 
my  mistress  that  I  had  business  in  Ireland,  but  that  I  hoped  to 
be  at  my  own  lodgings  in  about  a  month's  time  ;  if  not,  every- 
thing was  in  order,  so  that  anyone  could  carry  on  the  business. 
But  she  said  she  would  not  have  anyone  beside  me ;  so  re- 
spectfully taking  leave,  I  never  beheld  her  after.  I  had  taken 
care  that  my  goods  should  be  ready  packed  up  to  be  ready 
when  sent  for.  I  pitched  upon  Mr.  Campbell  as  my  confidant 
in  this  affair,  desiring  my  cousins  to  assist  him,  all  of  whom 
I  took  leave  of  at  the  Black  Swan,  in  Holborn,  where  I  paid 
my  passage  in  the  stage-coach,  which  brought  me  to  York  in 
four  days'  time.  Here  I  found  my  dearest  once  more,  though 
much  altered  to  what  she  was  ten  years  before  that  I  had 
not  seen  her.  There  was  no  need  for  a  new  courtship,  but 
decency  suspended  the  marriage  for  some  time.  So,  on 
considering  the  delay  in  her  business,  as  well  as  the  former 
ties  of  love  that  passed  innocently  between  us,  by  word  of 
writing,  she  gave  full  consent  to  have  the  nuptials  celebrated, 
which  were  performed  the  loth  of  December,  1722,  in  the 
stately  cathedral  dedicated  to  St.  Peter." 

Gent's  marriage  produced  at  once  a  great  alteration  in 
his  outward  circumstances.  He  was  now  a  comparatively 
wealthy  man,  at  the  head  of  a  first-class  printing  business, 
which  was  practically  a  monopoly;  for  no  other  printer  was 
to  be  found  at  that  period  in  the  whole  of  Yorkshire  and 
Durham.  Various  projects  soon  engaged  his  energies  and 
resources,  chief  amongst  which  was  the  establishment  of  an 
influential  newspaper  for  the  north  of  England,  Already, 
in  1 7 19,  the  first  number  of  a  weekly  newspaper,  entitled 
"  York  Mercury :  or  a  General    View  of  the  Affairs  of  Etirope," 


[    19  ] 

had  been  published  by  Grace  White,  widow  of  Thomas  Gent's 
late  master,  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Thomas  Hammond  ;  but 
the  novel  experiment  had  not  proved  very  successful.  Gent 
resolved  to  make  a  fresh  start  under  more  favourable  auspices. 
He  issued  the  first  number  of  the  new  paper  under  his  own 
name  some  two  or  three  weeks  before  his  marriage  with 
Mrs.  Bourne ;  the  title  being,  "  The  Original  York  Journal,  or 
Weekly  Courani,  coniaining  the  most  remarkable  passages  and 
transactions  at  home  and  abroad.  From  Monday,  November  1 6, 
to  Monday,  November  23,  1724.  Printed  by  Thomas  Gent,  and 
are  to  be  sold  at  the  prifiting  office  in  Coffee-House  Yard,  York ; 
tvhere  advertisevicjits  are  taken  inH' 

The  prosperous  circumstances  of  Mr.  Thomas  Gent  had 
in  so  far  an  unfavourable  influence  on  his  character,  as  they 
rendered  him  somewhat  overbearing  and  intractable.  From 
some  expressions  in  his  diary  we  can  gather,  too,  that  he  did 
not  enjoy  that  unalloyed  domestic  bliss  which  he  had  antici- 
pated from  his  marriage ;  nor  will  it  excite  much  surprise  if 
a  widow  who  marries  again  in  her  forty-second  year,  develops 
strong  idiosyncrasies  respecting  the  equipoise  of  power  in  a 
family.  Gent  took  up  a  very  uncompromising  attitude  to- 
wards Mr.  John  White,  of  Newcastle,  son  of  his  old  master, 
and  uncle  to  Mr.  Charles  Bourne,  who  was  naturally  grieved 
at  seeing  his  father's  property  pass  out  of  the  family  through 
Mrs.  Bourne's  second  marriage.  Mr.  White,  who  had  a 
printing  business  at  Newcastle,  transferred  it  in  1725  to 
York,  and  opened  a  bookseller's  shop  in  Stonegate ;  much  to 
the  chagrin  of  Gent,  who  was  not  sparing  in  his  allusions 
to  his  "barbarous  uncle"  in  various  of  his  elucubrations.  In 
August  of  the  same  year,  Mr.  White  issued  the  first  number 
of  "  The  York  Courant,"  which  eventually  secured  the  favour 
of  the  public,  and  is  the  direct  ancestor  of  a  paper  still  pub- 
lished at  York  ;  whilst  Gent's  venture  in  journalism  came  to 
an  end  in  1728,  after  a  short  existence  of  three  years  and 
eight  months. 


[    20    1 

Gent  appears  to  have  been  constantly  at  logg-erheads 
with  his  neighbours  and  townsmen ;  and  he  certainly  never 
was  at  any  pains  to  conciliate  an  opponent,  but  was  always 
very  ready  to  shower  opprobrious  epithets  on  whoever 
crossed  his  path.  Competition  in  the  printing  trade  was 
becoming  more  keen;  several  presses  were  set  up  within  a 
short  time  in  the  city  of  York ;  and  a  new-comer,  Mr.  Caesar 
Ward,  who  had  purchased  Mr,  "White's  business,  was  suc- 
cessful in  securing  for  himself  nearly  all  the  better  class 
work,  which  formerly  went  to  Gent's  office.  Another  cir- 
cumstance which  tended  to  sour  Gent's  naturally  irritable 
temper,  was  the  '•  gross  injustice  "  done  to  him  by  the  unex- 
pecting  falling  in  of  the  lease  of  his  house  in  Stonegate, 
which  had  been  bequeathed  by  Mr.  Charles  Bourne  to  his 
widow.     Mr.  Davis  thus  relates  the  circumstance : 

"Charles  Bourne,  not  long  before  his  death,  purchased 
the  house  in  question,  which  was  held  under  a  lease,  granted 
by  a  former  prebendary  of  North-Newbald  in  the  cathedral 
church  of  York,  for  three  lives,  of  whom  two  were  then  in 
being.  But  Bourne  was  not  informed  when  he  made  the  pur- 
chase that,  some  time  previously,  a  succeeding  prebendary 
had  granted  a  reversionary  lease  to  another  person,  the  effect 
of  which  was  to  deprive  Bourne  and  his  successors  of  the 
right,  which  they  would  otherwise  have  been  entitled  to 
exercise,  of  renewing  the  existing  lease.  Bourne  did  not 
discover  this  fact  until  after  he  had  paid  his  money.  His 
widow  abstained  from  imparting  it  to  Gent  until  after  they 
were  married.  When  Gent  ascertained  that  the  house  would 
pass  irrecoverably  from  him  and  his  wife,  upon  the  death  of 
"  a  weak  old  gentlewoman,"  the  surviving  life  in  their  lease, 
he  was  beside  himself  with  rage  and  disappointment.  He 
fancied  that  the  loss  of  his  property  would  plunge  him  into 
irretrievable  ruin.  'With  heavy  sighs  and  bitter  anguish,' 
he  exclaims,  "did  I  bemoan  our  tottering  condition."  Poverty 
and  its  gloomy  attendants  constantly  stared  him  in  the  face. 


[    21     ] 

He  first  attempted  to  prevail  upon  Mr.  Alderman  Read,'*  the 
lessee  in  reversion,  to  afford  him  some  redress,  and  upon 
that  gentleman's  refusal,  he  poured  out  upon  him  all  the  vials 
of  his  wrath.  He  then  applied  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hitch,  who 
had  been  appointed  to  the  stall  of  North-Newbald,  upon  the 
death  of  the  prebendary  by  whom  the  reversionary  lease  was 
granted,  Mr.  Hitch  treated  Gent  with  courtesy,  but  was 
unable  to  assist  him.  At  length  the  dreaded  event  happened. 
In  January,  1740,  '  a  heavy  stroke  of  adverse  fortune'  befel 
him.  The  old  lady  died  whose  life  was  the  last  in  the  lease, 
and  Gent  and  his  wife  had  to  relinquish  possession  of  the 
house  in  Stonegate,  which  they  once  hoped  would  have  been 
a  refuge  for  them  when  they  should  have  to  quit  Cofiee-Yard, 
where  he  was  only  tenant  from  year  to  year."f 

Gent  could  not  forbear  venting  his  resentment  on  every 
occasion,  likely  or  unlikely;  notice,  for  instance,  the  sug- 
gestive lines — 

Worse  than  absorbing  Brutes,  who  swallow  Lands, 
Or  hinder  good  Men  to  renew  their  Rights 

in  the  "Life  of  St.  Winefred  (p.  152  of  the  present  volume); 
or  the  highly  suggestive  and  original  definition  of  oppres- 
sors in  the  index  to  the  same  work  (see  "Oppressors"  on 
p.  168  of  the  present  volume). 

Of  Gent's  literary  activity  it  is  difficult  to  speak  without 
admiration :  true,  some  modern  literati,  Mr.  Robert  Collyer, 
of  New  York,  among  the  number,  affect  to  sneer  at  Gent's 
attainments,  and  have  nothing  but  contempt  for  the  rude 
woodcuts  and  vile  typography  of  his  later  productions.     But 

*  John  Read  esquire,  of  Sandhutton  near  York,  Lord  Mayor  1719 
and  1746. 

t  During  the  severe  winter  of  1739-40  the  river  Ouse  was  frozen  over, 
and  Gent  was  glad  to  gather  a  few  pence  by  setting  up  on  the  ice  a  quasi 
press,  and  printing  for  sale  on  small  broadsides  some  of  his  own  woodcuts 
and  doggrel  verses,  to  which  he  added  the  name  of  the  purchaser.  Mr. 
Hailstone  possesses  one  specimen,  and  another  was  in  the  collection  of 
the  late  Mr.  Summer,  of  Woodmansey,  near  Beverley. 


[    22    ] 

Mr.  Hunter,  whose  authority  as  an  historian  and  antiquary  is 
unquestioned,  and  who  is  no  mere  amateur  critic,  declares 
that  "Gent's  performances  were  not,  like  too  many  modern 
books  of  topography,  mere  bundles  of  pillage  from  the 
works  of  ingenious  and  painstaking  authors,  but  contained 
matter  honestly  collected,  and  not,  before  his  time,  made 
public  by  the  press."  The  extent  of  his  miscellaneous  and 
general  information,  the  result  of  an  indefatigable  course  of 
reading  and  research,  was  enormous ;  and  his  data  are  cor- 
rect to  an  astonishing  degree.  The  editor  of  the  present 
volume  has  verified  some  hundreds  of  Gent's  references  to 
works  of  the  most  varied  description,  and  found  every  one 
of  them  strictly  accurate. 

To  draw  up  a  complete  bibliography  of  the  works  issued 
from  Gent's  press,  or  composed  by  him,  has,  at  the  present 
day,  become  impossible ;  most  of  his  London  productions 
are  irrevocably  lost.  An  excellent  list  of  the  publications 
which  issued  from  his  York  press,  is  found  in  Davis'  Memoirs 
of  the  York  Press,  though  the  sixty-nine  items  which  it  com- 
prises could,  without  much  difficulty,  be  augmented  to  near  a 
hundred.  The  most  important  of  them  are:  "TheAntient 
and  Modern  History  of  the  Loyal  Town  of  Rippon;"  "The 
History  of  the  Royal  and  Beautiful  Town  of  Kingston-upon- 
Hull,"  both  of  which  works  have  been  reprinted ;  a  History 
of  York :  a  History  of  England,  together  w  ith  a  History  of 
Rome ;  a  number  of  classical  works  for  Mr.  Clark,  master  of 
the  Grammar  School  at  Hull ;  the  Life  of  St.  Winefred ;  and 
the  History  of  the  Great  Eastern  Window  in  York  Cathedral. 
The  Life  of  Afflicted  Job  (page  231  in  the  present  collection) 
is  the  only  extant  production  of  Gent's  Scarborough  Press. 

In  his  History  of  Hull*  he  thus  speaks  of  having  em- 
barked in  a  printing  establishment  at  that  attractive  and 
already  then  fashionable  watering-place :  "  I  beg  leave  to 
mention  as  a  memorial,  that  a  printing-office  was  first  set  up 

*  P.  185,  note. 


[    23    ] 

by  me  in  Scarboroug^h  about  June  i6th,  1734,  in  a  house  in  Mr. 
Bland's  lane,  formerly  called  his  cliff;  a  most  pleasant  situa- 
tion, leading  to  the  beautiful  sands;  and  I  hope,  God  willing^, 
some  time  or  other  to  print  the  antiquities  of  that  delightful 
town  and  castle."  In  his  autobiography,  under  the  date  of 
1733,  he  says,  "My  nephew,  Arthur  Clark,  was  sent  with 
materials  to  furnish  a  printing"-ofiQce  in  Scarborough ;  from 
which  we  had  a  prospect  of  the  ocean.  The  gentry  from 
the  Spa  used  to  visit  us,  to  have  their  names,  and  see  the 
playhouse  bills  and  other  work  printed." 

In  1 761,  Gent  lost  his  wife  (see  his  elegy  on  p.  227  of  the 
present  volume) ;  after  which  event  his  circumstances  became 
gradually  more  and  more  embarrassed,  so  much  so  that  he 
was  at  last  no  longer  able  to  procure  the  needful  supplies  of 
new  type  and  office  furniture ;  the  result  being  seen  in  the 
wretchedly  poor  paper  and  typography  of  his  later  works. 
His  last  production,  Judas  Iscariot,  had  to  be  printed  for  him 
by  a  brother  printer,  probably  Thomas  Mitchelson.  Through 
the  influence  of  some  kind  friends,  among  them  Mr.  Drake, 
the  historian,  Gent  was  elected  a  pensioner  of  Allen's  Charity, 
which  served  to  keep  him  from  absolute  want.  His  death 
took  place  in  his  own  house  in  Petergate,  on  the  19th  May, 
1778,  in  the  87th  year  of  his  age.  He  was  buried  in  the  parish 
church  of  St.  Michael-le-Belfry,  "where  more  than  fifty  years 
before,  he  and  his  wife  had  wept  together  over  the  grave 
af  their  infant  and  only  child  Charles  "  (see  p.  227). 


THE 

HOLY    LIFE   and    DEATH    of 

ST.  WINEFRED; 

AND      OTHER 

Religious    PERSONS. 

^n    FIVE    ^avte. 

Wherein  is  fet  forth  the  Glory  of  North-  Wales,  thro'  the 
powerful  Vertue  of  Holy-Well,  in  FUniJJiire ;  and  a  jufl 
Account  of  some  of  the  many  wonderful  CURES  that 
have  been  perform'd,  thro'  the  Bleffing-  of  Heaven,  by  the 
falutary  Streams  of  that  mofl  facred  Fountain. 

With  pious  Annotations  from  the  Holy  Scriptures,  aiid  Early 
Writers  of  the  Church,  concerni?tg  the  Judgments  and  Mercies 
of  Almighty  GOD  :  Who  puniJJieth  ivicked  Oppreffors,  hut  pre- 
ferves  the  Souls  and  Bodies  of  the  truly  Faitliful :  Such,  of  every 
De7iomination,  tvho,  followitig  the  Prefcriptions  of  mojl  learned 
DoBors,  JJiall  htnnbly  rely  on  HIS  Divine  Providence. 

Alfo  proper  Cuts  to  diflinguifh  particular  Paffag-es  relating" 
to  the  cruel  Suffering-s  of  our  Bleffed  SA  V I O  UR,  who 
died  for  Our  Sake  ;  and  thofe  precious  bleeding-  Victims  of 
both  Sexes  facrificed  for  their  Love  to  HIM :  with  other 
mournful  and  inflru6tive  Remarks  never  published  by  any 
writer  of  the  LIFE  oi  this  noble  and  celebrated  Virg-in. 


Done  into  Verfe  :     With  an  Epitome  i7i  Profe,  arid  a  compleat 
INDEX  for  the  greater  Delight  ajid  Eafe  of  the  Reader. 

Quiho7iorat Martyres,  hoiiorat  CHRISTUM.   S.Aug,  de  SaniSlis. 

Dedicated  to  a  Divine  of  the  EJlahlifJid  CHURCH. 

Written    ly    ThomAS     Gent. 


YORK:    Printed  by  the  Author  in  his  new-built  Office  in 
PETER-Gate :  And  fold  by  John  Hopkins,  in  Prejlon,  Lanca- 
JJiire ;  and  other  Bookfellers  in  the  Country.     Mdccxliii. 


To  the   Reverend 


Mr.   John    Standish. 


SIR, 

-^  "v'EVERAL   Years   have  elapfed  fince  I  have  had 

-*-  -j^-^  -:>  the  Happinefs  of  enjoying^  your  Company;  and 
X  — ^  '%  fince  Providence  has  for  a  long  Time  removed 
'V- ('-$-v"v--v-  me  from  the  Firjl  City  in  Engla?id,  to  This, 
which  learned  Writers  ag^ree  to  be  the  Second;  wherein, 
paffing-  thro'  feveral  affli6ling  Viciffitudes,  notwithllanding' 
my  fedulous  Endeavours,  I  am  at  prefent  placed  a  confider- 
able  Dillance  from  you ;  and  likewife  approaching'  towards 
the  Decline  of  Life ;  or,  what  ver\-  much  refembles  it.  a 
State  of  Sorrow,  thro'  a  fudden  Infelicity,  common  to  the 
befl  Perfons,  which  I  forbear  noii'  to  mention.;  GOD  knows 
whether  I  (hall  ever  behold  you  again.  Think  it  not  flrange, 
dear  Sir,  in  me,  who  was,  like  You,  brought  up  in  the  ortho- 
dox Faith  of  the  eflablifh'd  Church,  that  I  have  thus  endea- 
vour'd  to  treat  of  a  Virgin  Mart\T,  renown'd  from  Antiquity 
for  being  elleem'd  the  Patrorufs  of  Wales  ;  when  I  tell  you, 
That,  in  my  Journeys  twice  thro*  that  Country-,  to  \'ifit  the 
fincerefl.  and  dearefl  of  Friends  that  ever  I  had  to  confide  in, 
I  met  with  fuch  courteous  Ufage  from  the  kind  Inhabitants, 
heard  fo  many  wonderful  Things  credibly  reported  of  that 
once  mofl  charming  Lady,  and  the  furprizing  falutar}-  Effects 
that  flow  with  the  Streams  of  her  celebrated  Spring :  I  was 
refolv'd  to  fhew  my  Gratitude  and  Fidelity,  as  well  as  my 

humble 


28  DEDICATION. 

humble  Genius  or  Pen  would  permit  me,  whenever  Providence 
allow'd  me  Time  and  Opportunity.  It  has  done  both  very 
efife6tually  within  the  Space  of  about  fix  Months  pafl;  but 
how  far  profperoully,  in  relation  to  ferve  me  and  mine,  in 
fupplying-  us  with  common  Neceffaries  for  our  Prefervation,  I 
humbly  fubmit  to  the  Courtefy  of  my  ingenious  Readers ; 
amongft  whom  I  cannot  fay  I  have  ever  been  unhappy.  You 
will,  I  hope,  pardon  me,  that  I  now  reckon  You  in  the 
Number:  For,  if  I  may  judge  by  that  innate  Sweetnefs  of 
Temper  that  crown'd  your  flourifhing-  Youth,  both  in  the 
School,  and  Univerfity;  and,  as  I  have  lately  heard  from  a 
Relation,  by  your  moft  affe6lionate  Enquiries  after  my 
Station,  as  tho'  (like  another  Gentleman,  now  with  GOD, 
whofe  Life  much  refembled  Your's,  and  no  way  unlike 
You  for  comely  \  Perfonage)  nothing  could  be  more  agree- 
able than  to  fave  me  from  falling  under  the  Frowns  of 
an  inconfLant  World,  made  worfe  by  wicked  Artifice,  as 
You  have  glorioully  eflablifli'd  Others  from  the  Dread  of 
the  former,  and  Venom  of  the  latter ;  I  may  more  eafily 
imagine,  that  the  following  Sheets,  which  I  now  dedicate  to 
You,  will  not  prove  in  the  leafl  manner  unacceptable. 

No  doubt  I  may  meet  with  as  kind  Ufage  from  Many, 
what  I  don't  doubt  from  You,  as  thofe  pious  Authors,  who 
have  pleafingly  fliaded  the  too  great  Luflre  of  their  mofl 
divine  Sentiments  behind  the  beautiful  Veil  of  Parables  and 
Similitudes ;  thro'  which,  by  the  Eye  of  Faith,  the  Truth  is 
but  partly  feen.  Thus  when  I  mention  the  Concourfe  of 
Pilgrims  that  frequently  vifit  the  flowing  Streams  of  fair  Holy- 
Well,  like  the  Ancients  who  travell'd  to  the  famous  Rivers  of 
the  Eajl :  or  as  many  devout  Chriflians  in  our  Time  journey 
to  Palejline,  to  view  the  Remains  of  the  once  ia.mo\xs,  Jerufal em 
on  Earth,  in  order  to  be  more  enamour'd  with  the  happy 
Expe6lations  of  That  above !  Methinks  all  thefe  infpiring 
A6lions  may  fet  us  pondering,  how  we  only  a6l  like  Pilgrims 

and 

\  A  late  Prebendary,  and  Chaplain  to  the  Prince  of  Wales. 


DEDICATION.  29 

and  Strangers  on  the  troublefome  Stage  of  this  tranfitory 
Life,  languifhing-  and  thirfling  after  heavenly  Fountains,  If 
thefe  pious  Conclufions  are  allow'd,  I  think  the  Offence,  that 
may  be  given  to  many  curious  Perfons  in  this  Ag-e,  as  to  the 
Miracle  of  a  wonderful  Conjun6tion  after  a  cruel  Decollation, 
will,  I  trufl,  meet  with  kind  Pardon.  None  need  queflion 
that  in  pad  Ages  there  have  been  artful  Tyrants  wrapt  in 
Ermin,  as  well  as  fimple  Knaves  in  Furr:  So  that,  if  we 
believe  Mr.  Camden,  we  may  be  fully  afcertain'd,  that  the 
Lady  was  as  villanoufly  robb'd  of  her  Chaflity,  as  a  good 
Perfon  might  be  of  an  Eflate.  Her  Grief  might  occafion 
her  to  wifli  for  Death  to  eafe  the  bitter  Anguifli  of  her  Soul ! 
The  good  Priefl  might  comfort  her,  by  telling  her,  That  GOD, 
to  Whom  belonged  Vengeance,  would  never  lay  any  Guilt  to 
her  Charge ;  and  that,  being  re-confecrated,  flie  might  proceed, 
as  flie  had  begun,  in  the  Way  towards  eternal  Glory.  Such 
an  Interpretation,  with  proper  Additions,  I  imagine,  might  be 
made  to  foften  the  feverefl  Cenfure :  But  fmce  I  defign  not  in 
the  leafl  to  difprove  the  Miracle,  or  affume  a  Power  over  the 
Judgment  of  any  Perfon  whatever,  I  humbly  leave  the  Whole 
to  the  favourable  Determination  of  my  mofl  courteous 
Readers.  'Tis  very  probable  they  may  kindly  fay.  That  the 
lovely  Subje6t  of  my  Pen  is  nothing  but  what  is  agreeable  to 
feveral  of  my  innocent  Flights ;  that  fomething  of  the  miranda 
is  neceffary  to  render  a  Book  acceptable ;  and  courteoufly 
agree,  with  a  learned  *  Gentleman,  that,  "  endeavouring  to 
"  get  a  Livelyhood  for  my  Family,  /  deferve  Commendation 
"  for  viy  Induflry :"  Yet  when  they  come  ferioufly  to  READ — 
a  Villain's  brutal  Actions,  and  THINK— how  much  I  have 
juftly  expofed  that  unprince-like  griping  Wretch  in  the  mofl 
horrid  dragonical  Form,  by  reprefenting  injur'd  Innocency 
in  the  deepeft  Diflrefs ;  when  they  behold  thofe  tender  Sen- 
timents of  Humanity,  Virtue  and  Piety,  which  correfpond 
with  the  mofl  material  Parts  of  the  Chriflian  Religion,  and 

many 

*  Mv.  D.  in  the  Preface  to  his  Vol.  in  Folio, 


30  DEDICATION. 

many  excellent  Precepts  of  the  mofl  experienc'd  Philofo- 
phers;  when  they  confider  what  clear  Proofs  I  bring  of  the 
Almighty's  wond'rous  Power  from  the  purefL  Fountains  of 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  Ecclefiaflical  Writings  of  the  mofl  early 
Times ;  when  they  find  I  endeavour  forrowfully  to  difplay  the 
cruel  Sufferings  of  the  ever-bleffed  Son  of  GOD,  and  tell  of 
the  bleeding  Martyrs  who  triumph'd  with  amazing  Heroifm 
amidfl  the  mofl  horrid  Cruelties  that  the  fiercefl  of  crim- 
fon  Tyrants,  or  a  Conclave  of  incarnate  Daemons  could 
invent :  I  fay,  when  my  Readers  find  thefe  Animadverfions 
faithfully  exhibited ;  no  doubt  but,  through  divine  Afliflance, 
their  Kindnefs  and  Refpe6t  may,  at  length,  be  more  apparent 
to  me,  who  flrives  to  do  my  utmoft  to  pleafe  Them ;  at  leafl  to 
mine,  much  dearer  than  any  Enjoyment  this  fublunary  World 
can  afford  me. 

Whilfl  I  was  expatiating  on  the  Beauty  of  the  lovely 
St.  Wine/red,  the  fweet  Remembrance  of  your  once  mofl. 
amiable  Sifler  *  Mrs.  Anne  Standish,  now  with  GOD,  often 
came  into  my  Thoughts;  efpecially  when  I  confider'd  her 
dutiful  Affe6tion  to  her  tender  Parents,  that  charming  Sym- 
metry with  which  Nature  had  adorn'd  her,  join'd  with  a  mofl 
angelical  Difpofition  of  Mind,  that,  had  fhe  flourifhed  in  an 
Age,  when  Saints  w^ere  held  in  greatefl  Efleem,  I  believe,  for 
intrinfick  Piety,  and  every  beloved  Accomplifhment,  fhe  might 
juflly  have  found  a  Place  in  the  Kalendar.  Nothing  appeared 
more  innocently  endearing,  than  the  tender  Regard  fhe  con- 
flantly  had  for  me,  whom  flie  ufed  to  flyle  her  dear  Uncle ; 
except  the  Addition  of  her  pleafant  and  pious  Converfation, 
whilfl.  walking  many  Summer's  Evening  in  the  Garden, 
which  partly  her  foft  white  Hands  had  planted :  Nothing 
more  grievous  than  when  I  heard  of  her  confuming  Illnefs, 
which  by  flow  Degrees  had  wafled  the  fair  Virgin  almofl  to  a 

Shadow, 

*  Remember'd  by  me,  Pag.  viii.  of  the  Index,  in  my  laft  Vol.  publifli'd 
A.D.  1741,  amongfl  the  Names  of  devout  Ladies  and  Gentlewomen,  who  died 
in  the  lafl  and  prefent  Century,  and  are  recorded  for  illuflrious  Examples  in  an 
excellent  Work  lately  fet  forth  by  Mr.  J.  Wilford. 


DEDICATION.  31 

Shadow,  and  prevented  her  Acceptance  of  an  Invitation  into 
Wales ;  except  when  I  was  told  of  that  remarkable  Inflance 
of  her  Love,  who  on  her  Death-Bed  defired  to  be  fupported 
'till  fhe  had  perufed  my  Anfwer  to  her  lafl  Letter ;  and,  with 
Tears,  expreffing-  her  Satisfa6tion  I  had  not  forgot  her,  fhe 
appear'd  refigned  to  the  Will  of   Heaven,   and  died   foon 

after ! I  cannot  but  commend  the  Sincerity  of  that  good 

Gentleman  for  his  elegiac  Performance  in  her  deferved 
Praife ;  which  was  printed  at  the  earneft  Defire  of  your  ten- 
der Parents  Mx.  James  and  Mrs.  Rehekah  Staiidi/Ii:  Yet  I  cannot 
help  thinking  otherwife,  but  that  her  Merits  deferved  little 
lefs  than  an  angelick  Quill  to  fet  them  forth  in  brighter 
Luflre. — Death,  I  hear,  has  lately  removed  another  of  your 
lovely  Sifters ;  f  for  which  fad  Lofs,  in  my  Spirit,  I  fmcerely 
condole  with  You,  and  All  who  refpe6led  Her. 

You  will,  I  hope,  pardon  this  long  Dedication.  'Tis  the 
firft;  and,  perhaps,  the  laft  Inftance  I  may  fend  You  this 
Way,  as  it  were  an  humble  Offering  from  a  fmcere  Heart, 
Think  not,  dear  Sir !  that  the  Remembrance  of  my  Friends 
can  ever  ceafe  to  revolve  in  my  Soul,  whilft  the  leaft  Spark 
of  Memory  fliall  continue  to  illuminate  my  Underftanding, 
With  almoft  infinite  Pleafure  do  I  hear,  that  your  Dignity  and 
Ability  have  but  increafed  your  Humility  and  Beneficence.  I 
need  not  add  much  more;  fmce,  with  thofe  two  fhining 
Excellencies,  none  of  the  graceful  inhaerent  Virtues  can  ever 
be  wanting ;  and  that  I  truly  know  your  innate  Modefty  is  as 
far  relu6lant  to  hear  any  Adulation,  as  my  ingenuous  Temper 
appears  diftant  from  the  Ufe  of  it.  However,  nothing  fhall 
anticipate  this  juft  Prayer,  That  Heaven,  for  your  munificent 
A6lions,  may  accumulate  Bleflings  upon  you  here ;  as  It  will, 
I  can  reft  affured,  eternally  be  your  happy  Place  of  Refidence 
hereafter. 

Be  pleafed,  Sir,  to  confider,  alfo,  this  Work  as  the  Effeas  of 
folitary  Hours,  I  might  almoft  fay,  in  a  reclufe  Life,  agreeing 

with 


t  Mrs.  Rebekah,  late  Spoufe  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pain. 


32  DEDICATION. 

with  that  more  thoughtful  Difpofition  of  Mind,  to  which  for 
fome  Time  the  Winds  of  an  adverfe  Fortune  have  driven  me. 
And  tho'  my  Station  and  Circumftances  neceffarily  require 
my  Invention  to  labour  almofl  inceffantly,  in  order  to  fupport 
thofe  whom  I  am  obliged  in  Honour  and  Confcience,  under 
GOD,  to  preferve  and  defend  to  my  utmofl  Power;  yet,  I 
believe  this  Piece  had  never  thus  appear'd  in  View,  but  for 
the  unexpe6ted  Kindness  of  an  ingenious  Gentleman,  adorned 
with  excellent  Qualifications,  who  encouraged  me  to  publifti 
it,  and  proved  a  generous  Subfcriber.  I  have  obey'd  his 
Requefl  in  the  mofl  graceful  Manner  that  my  humble  Talents 
would  permit  me  :  Which,  I  hope,  will  not  only  oblige  Him  ; 
but  Thofe  who  are  worthy  of  His  FrieiidJJiip.  And,  I  trufl, 
Sir,  when  You  have  paffed  by,  in  Candour,  fome  wandering 
Thoughts,  which  in  Love  you  may  think  fit  to  pardon ;  you 
will  be  pleafed  to  accept  this  Dedication  as  the  only  Token 
of  the  tender  Refpe6t  that  I  ever  had,  and  ever  fhall  continue 
to  have  for  You,  whilfL 

YORK,  lam, 

PETER-GdXe,  Reverend    SIR, 

1743.  Vour  affectionate   Uncle, 

and  humble  Servant, 

Thomas     Gent. 


[   33   ] 


CONTENTS. 


O 


Chap.  I.^'^F   the   Birth  and  Education  of  St.  Winefred  ;    and  of  her 
early  Piety.     Part  I.  pag.  41. 


Chap.  II.  How  B  u  e  n  o  ,  a  most  religious  Priest,  took  particular  Care  to 
direct  the  innocent  Virgin  in  the  Ways  of  Holiness,  and  Knowledge  of 
Faith.    Ibid.  pag.  44. 

Chap.  III.  Some  excellent  Instructions  that  he  gave  on  her  Enterance  into  a 
Life  of  Sanctity.     Ibid.  pag.  48. 

Chap.  IV.  How  Car  a  doc,  an  Heathen  Prince,  sued  for  unlawful  Love; 
with  the  most  melting  and  religious  Speeches  she  used,  in  order  to  divert 
him  from  his  sinful  Purposes  to  deflour  her.    Ibid.  pag.  52. 

Chap.  V.  Her  Method  to  escape  his  Lust;  with  the  prophetick  Arguments 
she  used.  Hill  at  last  he  took  away  her  precious  Life.     lb.  p.  57  to  60. 

Chap.  VI.  How  her  tragical  Fate  came  to  be  known,  and  what  suddenly 
happened  thereon.     Part  II.  p.  63. 


Chap.  VII.  The  heavy  Judgment  that  befel  the  cruel  Prince;  with  the 
Miracle  of  the  flowing  Spring  that  issued  from  the  Place  she  was 
beheaded.      Ibid.  pag.  65. 

Chap. 


C    34   ] 

Chap.  VIII.  How,  being  restor'd  to  Life,  on  the  Prayers  of  St.  B  u  e  n  o  , 
she  lived  in  such  an  holy  Manner,  that  at  length  she  becatne  a  cele- 
brated Abbess.     Ibid.  pag.  67. 

Chap.  IX.  Her  Exhortations  to  the  Virgins  tinder  her  most  religious  Care. 
Part  III.  pag.  96  to  102. 

Chap.  X.  The  Continuation  of  the  Life  of  St.  Bueno.  Ibid.  pag.  103, 
&'C.  and  Part  IV.,  pag.  iii,  &-c.,  where  his  pious  Foundations  are 
further  mentioned,  with  the  Manner  of  his  Death  and  Burial. 

Chap.  XI.  The  Death  of  St.  Winefred,  with  the  Translation  of  her 
Body  from  her  Nunnery  to  Shrewsbury,  where  she  was  enshrin'd. 
Part  IV.  pag.  114,  121,  123. 

Chap.  XII.  The  Nature  of  St.  Winefred's  Well.  The  Opinions  of  the 
Learned  concerning  its  sovereign  healing  Vertues,  which  indeed  are  ( f ) 
W07iderful ;  and,  by  several  Instances  of  Cures  contained  in  this  Book, 
may  be  justly  attributed  to  the  Divine  Power  in  Heaven,  that  has  highly 
glorify'd  the  Saints  and  Martyrs,  by  whose  amazing  Providence  the 
Faithful  are  comforted  in  their  Afflictions  of  Mind,  Body,  or  Estate. 
Ibid.  pag.  131  and  Part  V. 

What  follows  is  a  compendious  Account  of  S.  Winefred's  Life  in  Profe ; 
with  an  Index  to  the  Poem,  direfting  where  the  moft  material  Points 
are  exhibited,  for  the  greater  Eafe  and  Delight  of  every  courteous 
Reader. 


(^  )  It  may  well  be  said  of  sacred  Springs,  as  what  is  mention'd  in  regard  to 
other  Fountains.  "  Nam  five  quantitatem  confideres,  ilia  eft  ftupenda; 
"five  qualitates,  illae  funt  utiliffimse ;  five  motum,  ille  eft  admi- 
"  randus  ;  quae  omnia  nos  manu  ducent  ad  Dei  Opt.  Max.  admira- 
"  tionem  &  adorationem,  cui  foli  fit  laus  in  folidum." 


I      Britlfli    PIETY    Difplay'd     $ 

In    the    Glorious  ^ 

^LiFE,  guff^mt0,  and    Death^ 

*^  Of  the  Bleffed  ^ 


I       St.  WINEFRED :       t 

^  A  Noble  Virgin,  martyr'd  for  her  renowned  T 
*f  Chaftity,  in  ^ales  :  Where,  at  Her  Cele-  ^ 
►f,  brated  Fountain,  called  Holy-Well,  many  ^ 
affli6led  Perfons  have  been  happily  freed  *j* 
from  their  moft  dangerous  Diftempers  in  t^ 
T  paft  Centuries  :  The  falutiferous  Quality  T 
4*  of  which  Water,  continuing  in  the  prefent  t^* 
T  Age,  occafions  its  F  a  m  e  to  be  fpread  T 
*i*         in  far-diftant  King^doms.  4* 

»X|  Ecclefta  nu7iqiiam  florentior,  qiiam  ctmi  affli/lior  mter  cruccs  &"  J^ 

►J<  gladios  fuorum  7)iariyrum  pugnas  &  viHorias  fpe^avit. —  ^ 

T  Natura  rerum  ad  Dciim  nos  erigit.     Quatn  magnifica  ftcnt  Hh 

*^  Opera  Tua,  D  O  MI N E  !                                               4 

4  4 

^   '^  D  E  U  S  ter    Optimiis   Maximtis  in  aquis  fummas  excel-  JL 

"  le7itijfimas   recondivit  vires  falutares,  quanim   tanta   ejl  ^ 

^'' prajlantia  tit  lottge  viultiimque  oinnibtis  aliis  remediorum  ►J* 

_         " generibus  lint  fuperiores."  *T* 

Hh  •^  ►I^  ►!*  ^  ►!<  ►I^  "^  ►J*  ►J^  ►!<  ►^  ^J^  ►J^  ^  ►J^  ►P  ►J^  ►J^  ►!<  ►I^  ►J*  >^ 

J  P  A  R  T     ?A^    ^irst.  ^ 

T  "^ 

^  YORK  :     Printed    by    Thomas    Gent.  4" 


How  a?}itable  are   Thy   Tabernacles,   O  Lord  of  Hojls ! 
My  Soul   longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the   Courts 
of  the  Lord :      My  Heart  and  my    Fle/Ji   cryeth  out 
for  the  Living    GOD.        P  s  a  l.   Lxxxiv.    I,  2. 


[  39  ] 
The      PREFACE. 

•-$-^^Js-:>  W/io  have  treated  of  a   City  fair, 

-?:-       <«•       W'^'M  ^r<?a/  Delight  that  equalizd  my  Pains  ; 

'v-'v-'v-J.?-      Spread  her  Cathedral' s  Glories  far  and  near, 

' Tis  hop'd,  to  lafl  whilft  Time  on  Earth  remains: 
Now  do  each  Mufe  invoke,  whilfl  I  fhall  fmg 
A   Virgins  Fa7ne,  thro'  an  amazing  Spring. 

Who  fJiall  perufe,  altho'  their  Faith  to  believe 

The  Miracle  be  not  the  fame  of  mine  ; 
Vet    Virtue's  Charms  can  ne'er  our  Thoughts  deceive. 

But  under  pleafmg    Veils  will  e'er  combine, 
To  make  tis  (a)  fly  thofe  Thiftgs  we  ought  to  fhun ; 
And  do  what  Heav'n  cominandeth  to  be  done. 

This  happy  I/le,  which  flill  in   Glory  fJiines, 

Has  been  adorned  by    Virgin-Martyrs  dear ; 
Long  fam'd  for   Goodnefs,  blefs'd  by  great  Divines, 

With  Kings,  who  noiv  bright   Crowns  of  Glory  wear  : 
Edmund,  for  one  ;  high-prais  d  by  God-like  (b)  Kenn, 
The  mofl  feraphic  of  all  mortal  Men. 

Similitudes  and  Parables  are  fweet : 

At  once  they  wound  our  Souls,  as  quick  they  heal : 
Lord  (c)  Verulam  St.  Alban  thought  'em  meet 

Before  his    Work,  ivhich  Learfiing  doth  reveal : 
And  other    Writers,  to  their  lafling  Fame, 
Yield  fuch  Delights  beyond  my  Pen  to  name. 

Juan, 

(rt  )    I.  Pet.  ii.  ii.    Dearly  Beloved,  I  beseech  you,  S-c. 

(  b  )     Bifhop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  in  his  Epic  or  Heroick  Poem  on  that 
truly  pious  Prince,  who  was  murder'd  by  the  Danes. 

(c)     In  his    Atalantis,   preceding   the   natural    History,   and   that 
excellent  Treatife,  intitul'd,  Historia  vita  <&-  mortis. 


[  40  ] 

(d)  Juan,  of  Of  ma,  mojl  tranfcendent  writ 

His  Philothea,  as  on  Pilgrimage : 
Thro'  thorny    Ways  he  leads  tis  hy  his    Wit, 

And  with  his  Saint  helps  us  to  mount  the  Stage  : 
That  pleafing   Su7nmit  of  true  Happinefs, 
In  Li?ies  fo  foft,  as    Words  can  well  exprefs. 

And  (e)  Hug-o,  in  his  emblematick  Strains, 
To  Souls  afflicted  mighty   Covifort  yields  ; 

Religion  breaths  to  heavn-lov  d  Nymphs  and  Swains, 
Whether  he  treats  of  Rivers,    Groves,  or  Fields. 

JVo  Place,  no   Thought,  nor  ABion  lies  conceal' d. 

But  has  GOD'S   Will,  or  Part  of  it,  reveal' d. 

If,  with  the  Hofiour  which  I  yield  the  Saint, 
The   World fhould  prove  indulgent  to  my  Pains; 

'Twoudftop  my  mouryifd  Peri  from  fad  Complaint, 
Since  'tis  their  Love  that  proves  the  Poet's   Gains  : 

My  Harp,  which  o?i  the    Willow's  lain  too  long,  (f) 

In   Gratitude,  fliould  a?ifwer  to  viy  Song. 

The  Spring,  /  treat  of,  thro'  the    World  is  fam'd  ; 

The  LADY  07ice  was  held  in  high  Renotvn  ; 
Cures  have  beeti  dojie,  too  num'rotis  to  be  nam'd  ; 

And  fhe  ivas  honotir  d  with  a  Martyr  s   Crown. 
Let  Scruples  ceafe,  that  this  poor    Work  may  take. 
If  not  for  mi?ie,  yet  for  fair  Anglia's  fake. 


{d)     A  Prelate  in  Castile,  under  the  Archbidiop  of  Toledo. 
(  e  )     Hermannius  Hugo,  who  wrote  a  Book,  intituled, 

I.  Gemitus  \  %  (  Pasnitentis, 
Pia  Desideria  :    Viz.        2.  Vota         r '5  1  Sandae, 

3.  Sufpiria  J  '^  (  Amantis  : 

So  much  efteem'd,  as  to  become  of  ufe  in  England ;  and,  being  tranflated 
by  Edmund  Arwaker,  M.A.,  with  fome  Alterations,  was  dedicated  by  that 
Gentleman  to  Queen  ANNE. 

(/)     Alluding  to  fome  Misfortunes  the  Author  has  lain  under. 


[   41    ] 
^he    ^oly    LIFE    and    DEATH    of 

S.  WINEFRED  : 

S€  leautiful   SBcvdy  in    North- Wales  ;    wliOj  for  de.= 
fending  her  Chastity ^  was  beheaded  iy  an  Heathen 
^rince^  named  Caradoc,   Bon  to  S^€ing  Alan. 

CHAP.        I  . 

Ube  Braument  of  tbis  Cbapter, 

Of  WINEFRED,    zvhofe    Birth    a7id    Station 
Were    honour  d    thro     her    Education. 

T    ONG  after  (i)  Merlin  had  flran^e  Things  foretold, 
-^     And  VoRTiGERN,  with  his  beloved  Queen, 
Were  burnt  to  Afhes  in  their  tow'ry  (2)  Hold, 

A  Sieht  the  mofL  lamented  to  be  feen  ! 
When  great  (3)  Ambrosius  nobly  won  the  Field, 
And  made  fome  of  the  proudefl  Saxo?is  yield  : 

Fair  (4)  Cambria  was  rever'd,  thro'  Britifh  Kings, 
Who  bravely  did  their  cruel  Foes  withfland; 

The  Themes  of  Bards ;  the  purefl,  clearefl  Springs 
Of  Blood,  which  ever  flow'd  within  the  Land  : 

From  whence  Cadwallin,  who  the  Sceptre  fway'd. 

And,  with  his  Valour,  Piety  difplayed. 

'Twas 

(  I  )     A  Welfh  Prophet,  who  lived  in  the  5th  Century. 

(  2  )     A  Caflle  in  Herefordfliire,  mention'd  by  Camden. 

(  3  )     See  my  compendious  Hiflory,  concerning  this  King. 

(  4  )  Wales,  an  unconquer'd  Country,  where  the  ancient  Britons  reforted 
to  on  the  coming  of  the  Saxons  into  England ;  who  for  a  long  time  kept  their 
Language  and  People  pure  without  Mixture.  'Twas  anciently  divided  into 
feveval  Kingdoms ;  but  now  a  Principality  belonging  to  our  King's  eldefl  Son. 


C    42    ] 

'Tvvas  in  his  (5)  Reigri  a  Worthy  did  appear, 

Thewith,  a  (6)  Lord,  enrich'd  by  Fortune's    Hand ; 

Who,  Hill  made  happier  in  a  Spoufe  mofl  dear, 
Had  ev'ry  earthly  Pleafure  at  Command; 

When  Heav'n  was  pleas'd  to  blefs  them  with  a  Child, 

By  Nature  graceful,  lovely,  pleafant,  mild ! 

Like  to  Atcrora,  in  the  Month  of  May  ; 

Or  blooming-  Spring,  fo  were  her  tender  Years ! 
None  view'd,  but  lov'd ;  nor  lov'd,  but  what  did  pray, 

That  Heav'n  might  guard  this  Obje6t  of  their  Cares ! 
And  that  thofe  native  Charms,  fo  fair  begun, 
Might  fpread  their  Luflre  like  the  glorious  Sun. 

The  candid  Robe  of  Baptifm  which  flie  wore. 

So  far  from  foiling  with  one  fable  Stain  ; 
Her  Innocence  did  caufe  its  Whitenefs  more 

To  feem  like  Skies  ferene,  or  filver  Main ; 
Such  as  the  rnoft.  Infenfate  flrong  might  charm  ; 
Defires  of  Heav'n  to  raife,  of  Earth  difarm. 

Nurs'd  by  her  Lady-Mother,  whofe  fair  Trufl 
She'd  not  commit  to  any  Stranger's  Care ; 

True  Virtues  were  imbred,  fo  fix'd  at  firfl 

In  her  chafle  Heart,  no  Vice  could  harbour  there  : 

But  when  of  Years  to  know  the  Ways  of  Youth, 

Bright  her  (7)  Example  prov'd  to  tender  Youth  ! 

The 


(  5  )     Which  lafted  fifty  Years. 

(6)  ©rebwlilj,  or  Tenithe,  mention'd  in  Atirea  Legenda  to  have 
been  Son  of  (DUjtibtte  the  Senator ;  who  flourifh'd  about  the  Middle  of 
the  feventh   Century. 

(  7  )     Longum  iter  eft  per  prrecepta,  breve  &  efficax  per  exempla, 


C   43   ] 

The  Glitt'ring-  of  bright  Jewels  feem'd  as  dim, 
When  e'er  by  Faith  (he  view'd  her  bleffed  Lord  : 

No  Sig-ht  on  Earth  appear'd  fo  fair  as  Him  ; 

Or  (8)  Thofe,  who  preach'd  to  Her  His  heav'nly  Word. 

Divinely  meek,  flie'd  wafh  poor  Pilgrims'  Feet ; 

And  minorle  Tears  with  melting  Accents  fweet. 


■&' 


When  e'er  fhe  fee  poor  Strangers  pafs  the  Road, 
If  partly  naked,  fhe  would  Garments  give ; 

Or,  looking  hungry,  quickly  fend  them  Food  ; 
And  comfort  thofe,  who  in  Diflrefs  did  grieve. 

None  to  her  Gates  did  come  in  woful  Tears, 

But  for  her  Kindness  fent  to  Heav'n  their  Pray'rs. 

Angelick-like,  fhe  to  GOD'S  Altar  came  ; 

There,  rev'rently,  whilfL  Myfl'ries  were  reveal'd. 
Her  Soul  was  fo  infpir'd  with  holy  Flame, 

'Her  Ardency  could  never  be  conceal'd  : 
All  faw  her  Zeal,  which  did  to  Heav'n  impart 
The  fweet  Defires  of  her  love-fick  Heart. 

Lov'd  by  her  Saviour,  and  the  heav'nly  Hofl, 

What  Wonder  was  it  Earth  fliould  fpread  her  Fame  ? 

Or  that  her  Thoughts  fliould  center  in  what  mod 
Infpir'd  her  Soul  with  evangelick  Flame  ? 

He,  who  in  Heav'n  fhines  with  eternal  Bloom, 

Could  only  in  this  Virgin's  Heart  find  Room. 

CHAP. 


(  8  )  Quam  decentes  funt  fuper  iftos  montes  pedes  evangelizantis,  pro- 
nunciantis  pacem,  evangelizantis  bonum,  pionunciantis  falutem,  dicentiij 
T?ijoni  :   regnat  Deus  tuus  !     ISA.  Hi.  7- 


[  44  ] 
CHAP.       II. 

Ube  Broument, 

How  B'uNO,  fprung  from  princely   Trahi, 
The  holy  Priejlhood  did  obtain  ; 
When  to  his  pious  Care  was  giv'n 
The    Virgin,  to  bring  tip  for  Heav'n. 

q^HERE  dwelt  a  (9)  Lord  in  Weftern  Part  of   Wales, 

Who  wed  a  Lady  virtuous,  rich  and  fair ; 
And  GOD,  who  never  yet  true  Virtue  fails. 

Gave  them  a  Son  they  hop'd  might  prove  their  Heir : 
Yet  neither  Lands  or  Houfes  were  his  Aim  ; 
But  Heav'n,  from  whence  his  bleffed  Spirit  came. 

For  from  the  Time  that  he  could  learn  to  read. 
And  fay  devoutly  Night  and  Day  his  Pray'rs ; 

Virtues  did  Virtues  conflantly  fucceed  ; 

Whilft  Learning  rais'd  him  for  the  Church's  Cares. 

So  zealous  prov'd,  he  left  his  native  home ; 

Became  a  Priefl,  and  then  abroad  did  roam. 

As  diflant  Altars  now  he  did  attend, 

From  far  and  near  he  was  encompafs'd  round  : 

So  when  he  preach'd  upon  our  latter  End, 

No  Eye  was  dry,  no  Heart  but  felt  the  Wound. 

Weeping  he  fpoke,  which  fhew'd  for  Souls  he  wept ; 

And  like  a  Shepherd  dear  his  Flocks  he  kept. 

Tho' 


(  9  )  Named  S^^woi  ap  Glinliw,  who  owned  a  Territory  called  Glewifig: 
He  was  related  to  Cadoc  and  Kentigern,  Bifhops  of  Beneventum  in  Italy, 
and  Glafcow  in  Scotland,  canoniz'd  Saints  ;  as  alfo  to  Landatus,  Abbot  of 
Bardfey  (or  Bardeney)  in  Lincolnflure- 


[   45    ] 

Tho'  poor,  the  Nobles  did  Affiflance  lend, 

To  build  thofe  Churches  which  he  pleas'd  to  found  ; 

There  placing-  Priefls  GOD'S  Worfliip  to  attend, 
He  flill  improv'd;  and  follow'd  in  this    Round 

Of  Glory,  'till  infpir'd  to  find  a  Place, 

Where  he  with  Joy  might  end  his  pious  Race. 

Whilfl.  to  Lord  Thewith  he  did  once  repair ; 

"  My  Lord,  faid  he,    I'm  come  to  beg  a  Boon. 
''For  JE S  US'  Sake,  do,  grant  a  little  Share 

"  Of  your  fair  Land  to  build  a  Church  upon  ; 
"That  I,  devoutly,  may  yield    Heav'n  its  due  ; 
"And  daily  pray,  my  Lord,  for  your's,  and  you. 

"This  Life  is  fhort,  my  Lord;  and  what  you  have 
"Can  only  blefs  you  whilfl  this  Side  the  Urn: 

"  Now  if  you  grant  a  Place  our  Souls  to  fave, 
"  Heav'n  more  than  Int'refl  will  your  Soul  return. 

"  Caeleflial  Guardians  'till  your  Death  will   wait ; 

"And  Life  eternal  make  your  Joys  compleat. 

0  good  BuENO,  Jlraight  that  Lord  reply  d, 

Take  what  you  pleafe,  as  to  your  Will  feems  good, 

1  joy  to  think  that  near  me  you'll  refide, 

To  feed  our  Souls  with  facramental  Food,  (lo) 
My  Daughter  dear,  (ii)  Bruena  call'd  by  Name, 
Will  much  rejoice,  when  fhe  fliall  hear  the  fame. 

Forth- 


(  lO  )     "Quia  Tu,  6  seterna   Veritas,  id    nobis   revelafli,  &    facratiffimo 
"Tuo  ore  dixifti,  Hoc  est  Corpus  meum.  " 

(  II  )     How  her  Name  was  changed,  will  be  hereafter  fhown. 


[   46  ] 

Forthwith  the  blooming-  Damfel  did  he  call, 
Who  quickly  flood  before  her  Father's  Sight ! 

Such  Innocence,  and  Modefly  withall. 

Did  charm  the  Priefl  with    fpirit'al  Delight  ; 

For  Nature  ne'er  produced  One  more  fair, 

Like  to  an  Angel  did  fhe  bright  appear  ! 

Smooth  was  her  Forehead,  more  than  Iv'ry  white ; 

The  Brows,  two  lovely  Arches,   feem'd  divine  : 
Her  Eyes  like  fparkling  Di'monds  cafl  a  Light ; 

Vermilion  Blushes  in  her  Cheeks  did  fhine  : 
Lips,  red  as  Coral,  added  ftill  a  Grace 
To  the  enchantinsf   Features  of  her  Face. 


't> 


Mofl  artlefs  was  difplay'd  her  flowing  Hair, 

With  g-raceful  Ringlets  nat'rally  to  deck ; 
That,  fpreading,  made    her  like  a  Nymph  appear. 

With  waving  Luflres  to  her  milk-white   Neck. 
Her  Shape  throughout  w^as  Symetry  refin'd  ; 
But,  Oh !  what  Beauties  graced    her  heavenly  Mind ! 

For  whilfl  to  them  fhe  did  her  Words  apply. 
Nervous,  yet  fweet,   her  Answers  did  appear  : 

The  Priefl,  flirr'd  up  with  holy  Rhapfody, 
Did  her  a  Saint  mofl  fit  for  Heav'n  declare  : 

Infpir'd  to  pray,   "  Indulgent  Heav'n,  faid  he, 

"  Preferve  this  Mirror  of  Virginity  !  " 

Then,  frequently,  as  he  GOD'S  Word  did  teach. 
She  at  his  Feet  with  due  Attention  heard. 

Whate'er  he  of  our  bleffed  Lord  did  preach. 
No  Admonition,  but  fhe  did  regard. 

Whole  Nights,  whilfl  others  flept,  fhe'd  pray  and  weep ; 

And  in  the  Church  her  pious  Vigils  keep. 

One 


[   47    ] 

One  Time  flie  to  the  holy  Priefl  did  fay, 
"Dear  Sir,  befeech  my  Parents  to  comply 

"With  my  Defire ;  which  is,   I  earneft  pray, 
"To  live  a  Maiden,  and  a  Virgin  die: 

"  That  with  no  earthly  Spoufe  I  may  combine ; 

"But  join  with  CHRIST,  all  lovely,  all  divine!" 

This  World  you  tell  me,  and  my  felf  well  knows. 

Is  but  a  Place  of  Tryal,  and  of  Sin  : 
To  fhun  the  latter,  I've  the  former  chofe  ; 

And,  as  I'm  young-,  fain  would  my  Courfe  begin ; 
To  confecrate  my  Life  to  G  O  D  above. 
Since  Heav'n  I'm  fure  infpires  my  Soul  to  love. 

To  hear  her  fpeak  in  fuch  pathetick  wife, 

Her  Tears,  like  Fountains,  fpring-ing-  from  the  Hills  ; 

Streams  alfo  fell  from  good  Biiend s  Eyes, 
As  trickling  Waters  from  defcending  Rills. 

O  Child  for  Heav'n!  he  faid,  I'll  hafte  Rraightway ; 

For  fure  they  will  fo  jufl  a  Call  obey. 

He  found  them  in  an  Arbour  clofe  retir'd, 

Converfing  of  the  unfeen  Joys  above  ; 
And  told  them  what,  fpontaneous,  flie  defir'd ; 

Surpriz'd,  they  wept,  and  fliew'd  parental  Love. 
Confent  obtain'd,  now  was  her  chiefefl  Care 
To  pleafe  her  Lord  with  Reverence  and  Fear. 

No  more  rich  fparkling  Gems,  or  gilded  Zone, 
The  graceful  Scarf,  or  coflly  Robes,  attire  : 

And  yet  beneath  an  humble  Veil  is  fliown. 

Such  heav'nly  Beauties  Angels  might  admire  : 

Within  her  Parent's  Houfe  flie  chofe  to  dwell, 

Becaufe  as  yet  was  unprepar'd  her  Cell. 


CHAP. 


[   4S   ] 
CHAP.        III. 

Zbc  Hroument, 

W/ia/  good  injlructions  Bu'no  gave, 

To  guide  her  to  the  /dent   Grave  ; 
And,  m  exhibiting  Advice, 
Foretold  the    Way  to  Paradice. 

npHE  rev'rend  Priefl  then  taught  her  to  prepare 
•^      For  facramental  Strength  her  tender  Heart ; 
To  'void  Offence  ;  no  Envy  to  appear ; 

But  Hope,  and  (12)  Charity  mofl  fweet,  impart: 
With  lowly  Reverence  to  kneel  before 
GOD'S  Altar,  where  with  Faith  fhe  fhould  adore. 

Seek  that  high  (13)  Kingdom,  which  will  never  end; 

That  Prince  eternal,  'mongfl  His  Ihining  Train  ; 
Whom  (14)  Youth  unfading  decks,  whom  Joys  attend 

And  in  whofe  Strength  our  hopes  are  not  in  vain  ! 
Pleas'd,  He  looks  down,  whilfl  we  to  Him  afpire ; 
Nor  fails  to  grant  each  pious  Soul's  Defire. 

PRAYER,  when  we  rightly  wifh  that  Heav'n  would  grant 
Not  what  (15)  we  pleafe,  but  what  our  Lord  thinks  fit; 

No  doubt  may  find   Relief  in  each  Complaint, 
When  we  our  Wills  to  That  of  His  fubmit : 

Like  Jacob's  Ladder,  up  it  mounts  to  Heav'n  ; 

To  Christ  it  feeks,  who  asks  what  will  be  giv'n,  (16). 

Think, 


(  12  )     I.   Cor.   xiii.  4.   Charity  fuffereth  long,  and  is  kind,  &c. 
(  13  )     Tu  regnum  qusere,  cujus  regni  non  erit  finis.     Rex  illius  seternus 
eft,  seterni  incolse.      Drexel. 

(  14)  Heb.  i.  II,  &c.— Pfal.  civ.  31. — Exod.  xv.  18. 
(  15  )  Tho.  a  Kemp.  De  Imitatione  C  H  R  I S  T  I . 
(16)     Mat.  vii.   7,  &c.— James  i.  5  and  17  Ver.,  &c. 


[   49  1 

Think,  think,  he  faid,  how  little,  Child !   you  be ; 

And  what  you  owe  to  Him,  who  did  create 
Thy  Frame  from  nothing  !  Great  His  Majefty, 

Who  quick  can  raife,  as  foon  annihilate. 
Since  he  infpires  thy  Soul  for  Grace  to  pray, 
Bear  then  thy  Crofs,  and  feek  to  Heav'n  the  Way.  (17). 

Two  Perfons  more  with  this  Great  GOD   admire  ; 

The  Son,  fweet  JESU  !  fuflfered  cruel  Death  : 
And  HOLY  GHOST,  which  teaches  to  defire  ; 

Yielding-  that  Comfort  no  where  found  on  Earth. 
Unbounded  Love  in  all  the  Heav'nly  THREE, 
To  eafe  our  Yoke  from  Adani's  Mifery, 

Conform  to  GOD  entirely  your  Will  : 

The  (18)  Burden's  light  what  you  for  Heav'n  endure. 
No  SufF'rings  fear ;  but  dread  all  doing  ill ; 

For   Confciencc  -wounded,  hard  is  found  a  Cure. 
{\<^  Redeem  the   Time.     (20)  Life's  Hour-Glafs  doth  run: 
And  ev'ry  Caufe  of  Sin  be  fure  to  fhun. 

If  %.\\^n  chance  to  rife  within  Thy  Bread, 

For  flern,  vile  Ufage,  which  thou  may'ft  receive  :  (21) 

Humility  will  calm  that  Vice  to  reft. 

So  fliall  it  ne'er  abfurd  Dominion  have. 

This  will,  like  (22)  Coals  of  Fire,  thy  Foes  ev'n  warm  ; 

Give  Peace  within,  and  all   without  muft  charm. 

And 


(  17  )  Isaiah  xxx.  21. — Jev.  vi.  16. — Hchv.  x.  20. 

(  18  )  Jugimi  meum  suave  est,  &-  onus  meum  leve.     Mat.  xi.  30. 

(  ig  )   Vitum  hrevem  esse,  artem  longam.     Hyp.  Icit.  Aphor. 

(  20  )   Vita  est 
Somnus,  bulla,  vitrum,  glades,  flos,  fabula,  fanum ; 
Umbra,  cinis,  punctum,  vox,  sonus,  aura,  nihil. 

(  21  )  See  Psal.  Iv.  12,  13.     For  Relief,  read  the  22d  Verse. 

{  22  )  Rom.  xii.  20.     //  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him,  &€. 


[   50  ] 

And  fhoulcl  you  (23)  lofe  your  All   by  Wretches  vile, 
In  Patience  flill  you  fliall  poffefs  your  Soul  : 

(24)   Bafe  impious  Slanders,  only  at  them  fmile  ; 
Thy  Innocence  fliall  conquer  all  Controul. 

Defire  not  Death,  that  Sorrows  may  be  ended  ; 

Nor  pant  for  Life  fo  much,  as  b'ing-  amended. 

In  harmlefs  Labours  take  you  fome  delight : 
And  whilfl  embrolder'd  Work  thou   flialt  prepare, 

With  intermingled   Gold,  and  Silver  bright. 

In  languifli'd  Thoughts  fend  up  a  mental  Pray'r. 

Children  inftruct ;  for  them  thy  Love  mufl.  be, 

To  learn  the  Truth,  as  is  my  Care  for  thee. 

Thus  let  thy  Eye  by  Faith  be  fix'd  thereon, 

That  no  one  Blemifli  may  be  feen,  or  wrought : 

Think  as  if  GOD  was  conflant  looking  down; 
Who  knows,  as  fure  He  does,  thy  ev'ry  Thought. 

Think  ev'ry  Day  of  Life  you  draw  more  nigh 

To  the  vaft  Ocean  of  Eternity. 

Since  die  we  mufl,  like  (25)   Wa/er  fpilt  on  Earth, 
And  in  our  Habitation  (26)  known  no  more  ! 

Let  us  now  flrive  to  fliun  a  fecond  Death  : 
For  what  avails  all  Pomp  and  wordly  Store 

To  any  one,  who  fliall  in  Pleafures  roul, 

And  lofe  the  precious,  dear,  immortal  Soul  ?  (27) 


Let 


(  23  )    MuUcs   sunt    afflictiones  justi ;    scd    ex    omnibus    illis    eripit    cum 
JEHOVA.     PsAL.  xxxiv.  19. 

(  24  )  See  Psal.  xxxi.  11.   Ver.  14  and  18. 

(  25  )  II.  Sam.  xiv.   14.     For  we  must  needs  die,  (sfC. 

(  26  )  Job  vii.  9,  10. Psal.  ciii.  16. 

{  27  )  Mat.  xvi.  26.    For  what  is  man  profited,  &c. 


[   SI    ] 

Let  the  Lafl  Judg-ement  ever  be  in  Mind, 
Since  'tis  on  that  ETERNITY  depends. 

O  dreadful !  pleafing-  Word  !   no  Years  can  bind, 
That  on  the  Wicked,  on  the  Jufl  attends  ! 

(28)  Pleafures,  ne'er-ceafing,  fhall  the  Blefs'd  obtain  ; 

The  Curs'd,  eternal  Flames,  and  endlefs  Pain  ! 

Soon  we  may  (29)  chance  to  bid  this  World  adieu, 
All  human    Splendor  for  Heavn's  Sake  defpife  : 

But  let  the  Poor  (30)  be  ever  dear  to  you, 
Becaufe  that  fuch  are  precious  in  its  Eyes  : 

And  as  thou  hafl  a  Virgin  State  profefs'd, 

O  let  thy  Love  for  JESUS  be  exprefs'd. 

This,  and  much  more,  the  holy  Priefl  did  fay. 

The  Parents  heark'ning-  whilfl  he  taught  their  Child; 

Deep  funk  the  Do6lrine  which  he  did  difplay, 
With  Pow'r  divine,  and  yet  fo  foft  and  mild. 

That  WiNEFRED  refolv'd  to  (31)  feek  her  Love, 

Both  on  the  Earth,  and  in  the  Realms  above. 

O  fweet  Defire  !  that  her  Soul,  when  flown. 

By  lovely  Queens,  and   Siofis  Daughter,  blefs'd. 

Might  be  compar'd  unto  the  fliining  Moon, 
Or  as  the  rifmg  Morn,  by  them  confefs'd  : 

Hafl'ning  to  meet  her  dearefl  Lord  at  lafl. 

In  fpringing  Joys,  when  all  her  Winter's  pafL.  (32). 


CHAP. 


(  28  )    Aut  gaudendum  in  ccelo  atevmim,  aut  cekrnum  in  tartaro  ardendum. 

DREX.    de   Eter. 

(29)    Nescit  homo  finem  suum,  Eccl.  ix.  12. 

Ut  tibi  mors  felix  contingat,  vivere  discs : 
Ut  felix  possis  vivere,  disce  mori. 

(  30  )    II.  Cor.  ix.  7. — Mat.  vi.  4,  and  xiii.  12. — Luk.  xi. 

(  31  )    Cantic.  iii.  i,  2,  3,  4.— (  32  )    Med.  Aug.  Cap.  55. 


[     52     ] 

CHAP.      IV. 

Ube  Hroument. 

How  C  A  R  A  D  0  c,  to  his  great  Shame, 

Did Jlrive  the    Virgin  to  defame; 
Who  bravely  that  bad  Prince  withjiood, 
With  virtuous  Speeches,  wife  and  good. 

/^NCE,  fo  it  happen'd,  on  a  Sabbath  Day, 
^^^      Sicknefs  confin'd  this  lovely  Maid  at  home  ; 
And  whilfl  her  Parents  in  the  Church  did  pray, 

An  Heathen  Prince  into  their  Houfe  did  come. 
Struck  with  Surprize,  the  Damfel    quickly  rofe  ; 
And  like  a  Lady  decent  Manners  (hows. 

My  Lord,  fie  faid,  pray  what's  your  noble  Will  } 
That  I  may  let  my  tender  Parents  know  : 

They're  now  at  Pray'rs  ;  and,  tho'  Pm  weak  and  ill, 
For  them  with  nimble-winged  Speed  Pll  go  ; 

Or,  that  I  may  not  your  good  Patience  wrong, 

Pleafe,  take  a  Seat;  their  Stay  may  not  be  long. 

Sit  down,  he  faid.     It  is  not  them  I  want : 

My  bus'nefs.  Virgin  !  only  is  with  thee. 
With  me  !  leplyd  fie,  in  a  Voice  mod  faint : 

What  can  I  do,  or  wou'd  you  have  with  me  ? 
Much  you  can  do,  he  faid,  fince  from  the  Grave 
You  can  your  Prince  and  dying  Lover  fave. 

'Tis  you  have  rais'd  a  Fever  in  my  Mind  : 
Thy  Beauty,  Charmer,  is,  like  Pallas,  fair  I 

Fit  for  a  King,  who  is  to  Love  inclin'd  ; 

Such  is  thy  Mein,  thy  Sweetnefs,  and  thy  Air ! 

I  pain  for  you,  intended  Spoufe  !  whofe  Dart, 

'Twas,  gave  the  Wound ;  and  you  mufl  cure  the  Smart. 

With 


[   53   ] 

With  that  her  lovely  Colour  went  and  came  : 

Now  pale  her  Cheeks,  which  quickly  turn'd  to  red ; 

Whilfl  he,  whom  Thoug-hts  of  Virtue  could  not  tame, 
Refolv'd  to  wound  her  Soul,  with  Fear  o'erfpread  : 

And  left  that  noifelefs  Time  fhould  him  prolong-, 

He  g-ave  more  Vent  to  his  deceitful  Tongue. 

Lady,  faid  he,  you  know  my  royal  Blood ; 

But  can't  conceive  how  much  I  you  adore ; 
Nor  can  my  Words  find  Utt'rance  as  they  fhou'd. 

So  much  your  Sweetnefs  wounds  me  more  and  more. 
Let  not  Difdain  caufe  my  warm  Heart  to  chang-e ; 
Or  turn  my  Love  to  Madnefs  wild  and  ftrang-e. 

My  Lord,  Jhe  faid,  I'm  far  beneath  your  (32)  Grace  ; 

Too  young  for  Wedlock ;  and,  indeed,  unfit 
For  me  to  take  an  higher  Lady's  Place, 

By  Birth  renown'd,  and  worthy  more  of  it : 
Therefore,  great  Prince  !  your  Honour  do  not  ftain  ; 
But  let  true  Glory  mitigate  your  Pain. 

Befides,  you  fee,  my  Spirits  are  but  faint ; 

My  Health  is  wafted,  and    fair  Beauty  fled  ! 
Add  not,  I  pray,  to  this,  my  fad  Complaint  ; 

And  when  I  tell  my  Lord,  that  I  am  wed. 
Yes,  yes,  O  Prince  !    I'm  join'd  to  Heav'n  above ; 
My  Soul !  my  All !  for  J  E  S  U  is  my  Love  ! 

Talk  not  of  Sicknefs,  nor  of  nuptial  Toys, 
Said  C  A  R  A  D  o  c  ;    you  fet  me  all  a-flame. 

My  Heart  is  fir'd  with  Love's  fermenting  Joys  ; 
Too  hot  to  bear,  too  ravifhing  to  name. 

But  what  has  Heav'n  to  do  with  Beauties  here  ? 

Let  Gods  take   Goddeffes ;   Men,   Ladies    fair. 


How 


(  32  )    Uhi  humilitas,  ibi  majestas. 


[  54  ] 

How  can  you  think  the  Pow'rs  did  e'er  create 

So  fair  a  Virgin,  but  to  be  enjoy'd  ? 
Or  was  I  born  to  this  my  mig-hty  State  ; 

That  my  Defires  fliould  ufelefs   prove,  or  void  ? 

I  mufl  enjoy  you. At  which  Words  he  fwore, 

And  flrove  by  Force  to  throw  her  on  the  Floor. 

With  weeping-  "Eye^,  Jlie  fat'd,  (33)  Do  not  beg-in 
To  flrain  a  Conquefl  you  may  blufla  to  own. 

Be  rather  Victor  over  carnal  ^'m, 

And  with  chafle  Thoug-hts  befeech  the  Heav'nly  Throne, 

That  ^atati's  fiery  Darts  you  may  repell, 

Who  ftrives  to  fmk  your  precious  Soul  to  Hell. 

Talk  not  of  Devil,  nor  his  flaming-  Dart, 
The    Wretch  did  fay ;  for  neither  do  I  care. 

You,  more  than  Hell's  blnxK  Pow'rs  has  fcorch'd  my  Heart, 
That  from  your  Lips  I  nothing-  pleas'd  can  hear, 

Unlefs  it  be  to  yield  unto  my  Arms, 

To  roul  in  Lufl,  and  rifle  all  your  Charms. 

I  thoug-ht,  faid  JJie,  dear  Prince  !  in  holy  Bands 
You  had  defig-n'd  me  for  your  lawful  Wife. 

So  made,  I  own,  that  Grandeur,  (-j-)  Riches,  Lands, 
Might  make  me  happy  all  the  days  of  Life : 

But  fhould  my  Virgin-Treafure  firfl  be  gone. 

Then  I  may  be  abandon'd,  and  undone  ! 

O  think,  my  Lord  !  that  to  be  rich  and  great, 
Without  true  Virtue,  there's  no  Happinefs. 

That  will  our  Souls  from  Earth  to  Heav'n  tranflate ; 
Than  bed  of  Friends  'tis  better  to  poffefs. 

'Twill  banifli  Daemons  ;  Angels  good  invite  ; 

Prove  Guide  by  Day,  and  fure  Defence  at  Night. 

Alas, 

(  33  )     Virtus   adversus    agitata    crescit :  vulnnc   virescit ;    inter   injurias 
erigitxtr ;  inter  miserias  floret.      D  r  e  x  . 

(  t  )    Divitice  non  mala,  sed  earum  abusus. 


[   55   ] 

Alas,  my  Lord  !  in  Death,  thy  g-ilded  Tow'rs, 

And  fpacious  Lands,  no  more  can  pleafe  the  Sig^ht. 

No  Entertainments,  Gold  or  Jewels  your's, 

When  call'd  to  take  from  this  vain  World  your  Fli^^-ht. 

Think  now,  O  Prince  !  upon  your  better  Part, 

And  let  RELIGION  center  in  your  Heart. 

Renowned  Sir  !  do,  let  me  You  befeech. 

By  thefe  my  Tears,  all  Vice  to  fet  afide  : 
Reg-ard  a  fimple  Maiden's  virtuous  Speech  ; 

Nor  be  offended,  or  my  Woes  deride. 
Simple,  indeed,  the  haughty  Wretch  did  cry, 
llius  to  reje6l  fo  great  a  Prince  as  I ! 

With  that  flie  pray'd  :   O  pity,  Heav'n  !  my  Cries  ! 

Thou,  who  did'fl  fkreen  the  young-  Men  from  the  Fire, 
Defend  my  Virtue  from  thofe  Hands  and    Eyes, 

Howe'er  it  be  thy  Pleafure  I  expire. 
O  let  my  Soul,  devoted  unto  Thee, 
Be  without  Spot,  and  from  all  Blemi(h  free  ! 

She  tho't  (he  heard  :  (34)  Do  thou  his  Mig-ht  withfland ; 

And  if  he  fmites  thee,  patient  bear  the  Wound  : 
Thy  precious  Blood  full  Judg-ment  fhall  demand, 

And  as  clofe  Cement  to  the  Church  be  found. 
He  can  but  (35)  kill  the  Body,  do  his  worfl : 
(36)  Fear  not,  you'll  live,  when  he  fliall  fall  accurfl. 

Again 

(  34  )  Invoca  Me  in  die  tribulationis  eruam  te  &>  honorificabis  me,  Psal.  1. 
15.     Alfo  Psal.  xci.  15.     Psal.  cvii.  6,  with  other  Parts  of  Scripture. 

(  35  )    Matt.  x.  28.    And  fear  not  them  which,  &c. 

(  36  )  Etiant,  quum  ambularem  per  vallem  lethalis  umbra,  non  timerem 
malum  quia  tu  mecum  es,  S-c,  Psal.  xxiii.  4. — You  will  find  fuch  heavenly 
Support  in  other  Writings  of  King  David,  in  Job,  the  Epiftle  of  St. 
Paul  to  the  Romans,  and  St.  James. 


[   56  ] 

Again  the  Prince  did  urg-e  :  Do  but  comply, 
And  make  me  not  fubmiffive  tiius  to  (land  : 

But  if  you  will  my  earnefl  Suit  deny, 

Force  fhall  conflrain ;  and  even,  out  of  hand, 

Deflroy  thy  Beauty  when  I've  cropt  the  Flower  ; 

For  nothing  can,  or  (hall,  withdand  my  Power. 

The  moded  Virgin,  much  dedrefs'd  in  Mind, 
Silent,  fought  Heav'n  his  Wifhes  to  elude. 

0  Prince  !  the7i  faid,  your  Pow'r  feems  unconfin'd  ; 
Nor  durd  I  on  your  Patience  far  intrude  : 

Yet  pray  you  day  my  Parents  dear  Return  ; 
That  you,  nor  I,  or  them,  have  Caufe  to  mourn. 

1  will  not  wait,  he  cryd;  nor  lofe  my  Time. 

But,  ah  !  my  Lord  !  JJie  anfiver'd,  I'm  undrefs'd  : 
I'll  to  my  Clofet,  where,  like  Beauty's  Prime, 

I  (hall  array  my  felf  to  be  poffefs'd  : 
Like  Perfuis  (37)  Queen,  who  in  bright  Robes  did  (hine, 
And  with  (38)  Cytherea's  Airs  may  make  you  mine. 

Well,  take  your  Will,  faid  he ;  but  don't  be  long. 

She  went.— Enjoy  her  now,  he  fwore,  I  mud. 
Deceit,  I  fee,  mud  be  proclaim'd  with  Tongue ; 

Or  where's  the  Prince  that  can  fulfil  his  Lud  ? 
That,  like  a  Deluge,  human  Force  pervades. 
And  makes  a  prey  of  Widows,  Wives,  and  Maids. 

Thus,  gentle  Reader,  here  the   Contrad's  giv'n  ; 

Virtue  and  Vice ;  each  driving  to  excell. 
How  fair  is  One,  in  Grief  imploring  Heav'n  ! 

How  foul  the  other,  like  the  Fiend  of  Hell .' 
But,  Oh  !  the  diiT'rent  State  that  is  between, 
By  what  hereafter  follows,  may  be  feen. 

(37)    Esther  v.  i.  (38)    Venus,  fo  call'd. 


[   57   ] 
CHAP.        V  . 

Ube  Hroument. 

How  W  I  N  E  F  R  E  D  JlrovE  to  cfcape 
The  Prince  s  bafe  de/igned  Rape. 
The  Arguments  with  which  a  while 
She  did  her  cruel  Fate  beguile  ; 
'Till,  at  the  length,  he  gave  the    Wound, 
Which  laid  her  bleediftg  oji  the   Ground. 

TTER  Clofet  enter'd,  faR  flie  lock'd  the  Door, 

And  thro'  a  private    Paffag-e  took  her  Flig-ht 
But  his  fliarp  Eyes  fo  fudden  did  explore 

Her  Motion,  that  flie  cou'd  not  'fcape  his  Sight. 
Quick  he  purfu'd  with  dreadful  fword  in  Hand, 
And  did  the  Reafon  of  her  Fligfht  demand  .? 


't>' 


Great  Prince,  faid  JJte,  I  could  not  do  no  lefs 
Than  fhew  my  Care  both  for  my  felf,  and  you. 

'Twas  Virtue  made  me  fly  in  this  Diflrefs. 

O  wou'd  it  had  conceal'd  me  from  your  View  : 

But  fmce  this  bitter  Confli6l  makes  me  fpeak, 

Hear  yet  a  while  ;  'tis  chiefly  for  your  Sake, 

Shou'd  you  compel,    your  Pleafures  foon  decay ; 

But  (39)  Punifliment,  without  Repentance,  never ! 
Who  for  a  (40)  tranfient  Hour,  or  a  Day, 

Would  rifk  their  Souls  for  (41)  ever,  and  for  ever.-' 
Befides,  you  know,  to  G  O  D  I'm  confecrate  ; 
Which  mufl  more  horrid  make  your  wretched  State. 

I  told 


(  39  )  "  Pceyice  gehetmales   torquent,  non   extorquent;   puniunt  non  finiunt 

corpora."  Pros. 

(40)  I.  JoH.  ii.  17,     And  the  World  passeth,  &€. 

(  41  )  J  u  D  E    7.  Ver. — Suffering   the    Vengeance  of  ETERNAL  Fire ! 


C  58  ] 

I  told  you  once,  you  mig-ht  a  Princefs  find 
More  fair  than  I  to  blefs  you  with  her  Love  : 

And  fuch  Enjoyment,  of  Hvmenceal  Kind, 

Your  Gods,  if  fuch  there  be,  muft  high  approve  : 

But  if  you  break  Heav'n's  Laws,  the  Pow'rs  divine 

Will  dire  revenge  this  woful  Caufe  of  mine. 

Thou  flubborn  Girl,  /aid  he,  And  dofl  thou  fcorn  ? 

So  taunt  my  Fury  with  your  Hopes  of  Heav'n  ? 
Do'fl  think  that  him,  who  wore  a  Crown  of  Thorn, 

Did'fl  mean  that  I  of  you  fhould  be  bereav'n  ? 
What  Fried  has  preach'd  to  thee  this  Virgin  Pride  ? 
And  would  have  others,  not  himfelf,  deny'd  ? 

O  fay  not  fo,  thou  wicked  Prince  !  faidjhe : 
Thy  Wrongs  repent,  and  lay  your  Sword  afide. 

Affure  thy  tyrant  Heart,  I'll  ne'er  ag"ree 
To  thy  Embrace,  whatever  me  betide  : 

So  both  your  Smiles  and  Frowns  I  now  difclaim. 

Slay  me  you  may,  but  not  my  Perfon  fhame. 

Bafe  Wretch,  faid  he,  thou  mig-ht'fl  have  been  my  Wife, 
But  fmce  I'm  treated  with  fuch  bitter  Scorn, 

Soon  {halt  Thou  yield,  or  quickly  lofe  thy  Life ; 
For  fuch  Contempt  is  never  to  be  borne. 

So  faid,  with  grafping-  Hand,   he  feiz'd  her  Hair ; 

Yet  fpoke,  as  tho'  he  had  a  Mind  to  fpare. 

And  will  you  not,  he  faid,  with  me  comply, 

But  force  this  Arm  thy  treach'rous  Blood  to  fpill  ? 

Yes,  Prince  !  faidJJie,  than  lofe  my  Virtue  die  ; 
Of  two  Extreams  it  is  the  leffer  ill. 

Nay,  greater  Good  :  A  (42)  Martyr  I  fhall  reign, 

But,  by  my  Fate,  pray  what  mufl.  you  obtain  } 

For 

(  42  )  0  quam  multas  &'  graves  tribulationes  passi  sunt  Apostoli,  Martyres, 
Con/essores,  Viygines,  (S-  reliqui  oinnes,  qui  Christi  vestigia  voluenmt  sequi ! 
Tho.  a  Kemp.  lib.  i.  cap.  28. 


[   59  ] 

For  if  you  plung-e  your  Blade  within  my  Breafl, 
And  turn  my  livid  Veins  to  Springs  of  Blood ; 

When  by  Death's  Seal  my  dying-  Eyes  are  preft, 
Your  Wiflies  too  mufl.  perifh  in  the  Flood  ! 

But,  what's  far  worfe,  no  more  Content  you'll  find  ; 

For  (42a)  Nemesis  will  e'er  torment  your  Mind. 

Ev'n  g-entle  Zephirs,  in  their    Wejlern  Breeze, 

Shall  prove  like  (43)  Zenith  in  mofl  direful  Storms  ! 

The  trembling-   Sprays,  with  various  Sorts  of  Trees, 
Will  feem  as  Gholls  in  all  their  dreary  Forms  ! 

And  believe    GOD'S  (44)  Prophet,  who  doth  plainly  tell, 

No  Peace  will  be,  where  Wickednefs  fliall  dwell. 

However,  if  by  Murder  I  mufl  fall, 

(45)  Faithful  I'll  prove  until  my  lateft  Breath  : 

For  to  confent,  I  neither  will ;    nor  fliall 
Be  forc'd  to  Lufl  by  any  Prince  on  Earth. 

And,  now  you  know  my  Mind;    I  wifli,  thro'  Heav'n, 

You  may  abflain,  repent,  and  be  forgiv'n. 

The  juv'nile  Tyrant  then  with  Rag-e  did  foam  ; 

Yet  loath  to  flrike,  fuppofing-  fhe  would  yield. 
He  urg-'d  in  vain  ;    nor  did  flie  fear  her  Doom, 

But  as  Chrifl's  Championefs  flie  kept  the  Field. 
Mercy,  fweet   J  E  S  U  !    was  the  Virg-in's  Cry  : 
Pity  me,  J  E  S  U  !    for  your  Sake  I  die. 

Die 


(  42a  )  The  Goddess  of  Punishment,  as  acknowledg'd  by  the  Heathens  ; 
whose  Arguments  she  applied. 

(  43  )  The  Firmament  exactly  over  head,  made  terrible  by  strange  PhjE- 
nomena,  Thunder,  Lightning,  <S-c 

(44)    Isaiah  xlviii.  Ver.  22  and  Ivii.  21. 

(  45  )  Agreeable  to  Rev.  cap.  ii.  v.  10.  and  cap.  iii.  11.  Esto  fidelis 
usque  ad  mortetn,  &'  dabitur  tibi  corona  -vita.  Tene  quod  habes,  ut  nemo 
accipiat  coronam  tuam. 

See  also  Mark  xiii.  13.  Whofoever  shall  endure  to  the  End,  the  same 
virtuous  Soul  shall  be  saved. 


[  ^  ] 

Die  then,  quoth  he,  thou  moft  obdurate  Maid  ! 

Then,  as  to  Heaven  rnofl.  piteoully  flie  cr>''d,  (46) 
With  fuch  a  Force  he  flruck  his  g-litt'ring'  Blade, 

That  quickly  did  her  milk-white  Neck  divide. 
Low  fell  the  Body  !  down  he  threw  the  Head  ! 
Whilfl  fang-uine  Streams  like  trickling-  Rills  did  fpread. 

As  by  CHRIST'S  SufF'ring-s,  tho'  fupernal  Call, 
We  learn  to  bear  Affli6lion's  bitter  Stingfs  ; 

So  Her   EXAMPLE,    truly  virginal. 

Should  make  us  flight  all   temporary  Things  : 

For  if  to  Heav'n  we  ftedfaft  prove  in  Love, 

We  fliall  be  blefs'd  on  Earth,  and  crown'd  Above.  (47) 


(46)    As  tho'  flie  had  faid,    "Si  vis  nt  moriar,  dulcis  Jesu  !   siiscipe 
spiritum  meum !" 

(  47  )    Beati  qui  per secutionevi  patiuntiir  propter  justitiam,  quoniam  ipsormn 
est  regnum  ccelorum.     Mat.  v.  10. 

The   End   of  the   FirR   PART. 


t  Britift    PIETY    Difplay'd     $ 

^  In    the    Glorious                                  ^ 

J  Life,  ^nffevUx^,  and    Death  J 

^  Of  the  Bleffed                                     ^ 

$  St.  WINEFRED :       t 

£  A   Noble  Virgin,   martyr'd  for  her  renowned  £ 

*i*  Chaftity,   in  Wales  :    Where,  at   Her  Cele-  4* 

X  brated  Fountain,  called  Holy- Well,  many  T 

*^  affli6led    Perfons    have    been  happily  freed  ^ 

►j<  from  their    moft    dangerous    Diftempers  in  ^ 

2^  paft    Centuries  :     The    falutiferous    Quality  ^ 

►J^  of  which  Water,  continuing  in  the  prefent  ►J^ 

T  Age,    occafions    its     F  a  m  e    to    be    fpread  T 

4"  in  far-diflant   Kingdoms.                                     4^ 

•^  ,                                              ...                 ^ 

>X<  Lcclc/la  nuJiquajn  flortmtior,  qiiam  cinn  affliBior  inter  crnccs&  JL 

»^  gladios  fnonmi  martyni??!  piigJias  &"  viflorias  fpc^avit. —  ^ 

►J*  Natura  rernvi  ad  Detnn  nos  crigiL      Qjiam  magnifica  fiint  ►^ 

4^  Opera   Tna,  D  0  M I N  E  !                                                 4^ 

4*  "^ 

j^  "DEUS   ter    Optinuts    Maxivms  in  aquis  ftimmas  excel-  j^ 

^  "  leiitiffimas   recondivit  vires  falutares,  quartan   tanki   ejl  ^ 

^  '^ prajlantia  lit  long<i  midttimque  omnibus  aliis  remedionim  ►J* 

Hr  '' generibus  Jint  fuperiores."                                                          "T* 

^  P   A    R   T      ^/^^     Second.                           ^ 

►p  YORK  :     Printed    by    Thojias    Gent.             >^ 

4  ►i^ 


[  62   ] 


m 


mi 


m  m 


m 


Qui's   afcendet   in   Mont  em   DOMINI,    aid   quis  Jlabit   hi 
loco    San6lo   EJ  U S .^     Pfal.  xxiv.   3. 

"  Ibi    fan6lae    Mulieres,    quae   voluptates  faeculi  &  fexus 
"  infirmitatem   vicerunt."     Meditat.   August.    Cap.   xxv. 

"  Fcelix   ccbU  qua  pj'CBfentem   Reg  em   cernit   anima. 
"  Et  fub  fede  fpeftat   alia   orbis   volvi  inachinam. 
"  Solem,    Ltinam,    &f   globofa   cum  planetis  fydera. 

Thrice    happy    Souls,    in   feeing   Christ   how   blefs'd ! 
And   underneath    your    Feet   this    World    exprefs'd : 
The    Sun    and    Moon,    with    Stars   that   brig"ht   appear, 
Revolving   each   within   their   proper   Sphere; 
And   you    fecur'd   from   any   Kind   of  Fear ! 

Quia    ibi  nulla  erit  perfecutio,  nulla   tribulatio,    melius  peni- 
tenticE   labor,    ftulhcs  gcmitus,    nullus   dolor,    nulla   trijlitia. 

Levavi  oculos   meos  in  viontes,   tinde  vcniet  auxilium  mihi. 

De    eetern.    felicitat.    San6t.    &   Psal.   cxxi.    i. 


W- 


mmm.m. 


[  63   ] 

The     Second     PART     of 
^he    S^oly    LIFE    and    DEATH    of 

S.  WINEFRED. 


CHAP.      VI. 

Ube  HrQumeiit. 

Hoiv  foon  her  Death  came  to  he  hiown, 
And  what  did  happefi  thereupon. 

"DEADER,  fuppofe  that,  on  bright  Angel's  Wings, 
''-^     The  Virgin's  Spirit  foar'd  to  Heav'n's  high  Gate  ; 
But   do    not   think    {he    reach'd    the    King   of   Kings 

In   Throne  (48)  empyreal,    where   the    Patriarchs   wait. 
And   yet   imagine    in    a   glorious    Place,  (49) 
Where    nothing-   dwelt   but    Harmony   and    Peace. 

Thrice    happy   Virgin  !   faid  her    Guardian   dear, 
What   now   you    fee,    pays    for   a   World    of  Pain ; 

Yet   Christ   to   ferve,    mufl   not   be    thought   fevere, 
That   you    once    more    return    to    Earth   again ; 

And,    after   long   Example   bright,    to    fever ; 

Then    live    amongfl    Heav'n's    inward    Courts    for   ever. 

See, 


(48)     WUeve   the  Beatifick  Vision  is  beheld;    the  very  Place  of  GOD'S 
immediate  Presence. 

(  49  )     Where   the   Saints   shall  be  as  resplendant   as    the   brightest   Sun, 
when,  after  their  earthly  Conflicts,   they   shall    mutually   triumph  in  recounting 
their  past  Victorys,  is  thus  expressed  in  the  Works  of  S.  Austin. 
Nam  &  fanfti  quiqae  velut  Sol  prseclarus  rutilant. 
Poft  triumphum  coronati  mutuo  conjubilant. 
Et  proftrati  pugnas  hoftis  jam  fecuri  numerant. 


[   64   ] 

See,    fee   yon    diflant   Angle    how    it   (hines  ; 

From    thence   your   Brideg"room  cafls  his  piercing-   Eyes. 
He   knows   your   Soul   how   inwardly   it   pines ; 

As   he   does    ev'ry   Martyr   dear   that   dies. 
Thofe   radiant    Gleams   Affurance    is   to   thee, 
You'll   live   with    Him   to   all   Eternity. 

Join'd   with    Attendants,    in    their   bright   Array, 
Unto   her   Lord   all    tun'd   their   melting   Voice ; 

And    as    her   Tears    by    Heav'n   were   wafli'd    away. 
In    blifsful    Smiles   the   Virgin   did   rejoice. 

No   Tongue   can    tell    the  Joys   when    Angels    meet ; 

Raptures   divine  !    and   Melody   mofl   fweet ! 

Leave   we    a  while    to    their    feraphick    State, 
And    now   defcend   unto   the    fanguine    Earth. 

The    dear    Remains    let   us    commemorate, 

That   gave    to    this    mod   flrange    Relation    birth  ; 

From    whence    a   Church   was    raifed    to    this    Day  ; 

Where    painted    Glafs    her   Hifl'ry   doth    difplay. 

The    precious  (49^)  Body    bleeding   did   remain  ; 

The    Hill   was    colour'd   with    a   crimfon    Red ; 
And   whilfL   the    Murd'rer   look'd    like    curfed    Cain, 

Rowl'd    gently   to'ards    the    Church    the    lovely    Head : 
Pafs'd   thro'    the    Porch,    reach'd    to    the    fontid    Ille ; 
Which    fhew'd    the    Prince    did    her   of  Life    beguile. 

Lord 


(  49a  )  Happy  we,  in  the  sharpest  Tryals,  by  imitating  those  who  were 
made  strong;  when  Women  received  their  Dead  raised  to  Life  again;  and 
others  were  tortured,  not  accepting  Deliverance,  that  they  might  obtain  a  better 
Resurrection:  Whose  Faith  follow,  considering  the  End  of  their  Conversation, 
Heb.  ix.  35.  and  xiii.  7. 


I 


C  65  ] 

Lord !    what   a   Sight   was    this  !    nor   ghaRly    made, 
Tho'    pale,    and   thus   depriv'd    of  vital    Breath  : 

For   Heav'n    preferv'd    her   Charms,   which   did   not    fade. 
But   prov'd   their   Vi6l'ry   over   cruel   Death. 

The    Priefl   and    People   wept   to   fee   the    Sight ! 

But   mod   her   Parents    mourn'd   their   Hearts   Delight. 

CHAP.      VII. 

Ube  Hroumeiit. 

The    Prince,    who   could  not   well   repent, 
Meets  fudden   Death  !     A  fad  Event  ! 
The   Miracle,    that   is   difplayd, 
By   ancient    Writers,    of  this    Maid. 

'T:^U'N0    did    then    his  (50)  Eloquence    diftill, 

"^     To    eafe    fad    Grief  with    which    they   did    abound ; 

And   with    them,    mourning,    did    afcend   the    Hill, 

Where   they   the    bleeding   Virgin's    Body   found. 
The   Tyrant   Caradoc   was   flanding   by. 
As   tho'    he    fcorn'd,    or   had   not   Pow'r,    to   fly. 

The    holy   Priefl,    who    bore    the    Virgin's    Head, 
Told    the    Spe6lators    all    her   fpir'tual    Charms  : 

How   no    Enticements    could   her   Mind    miflead 
From    the   dear   Circle   of    her   Saviour's   Arms : 

A    Martyr   true    fhe    well    efleem'd    might    be, 

Who    had   by   Death    (51)    fav'd    her   Virginity. 

But 


{  50  )  So  well  did,  he  prove  a  sympathetick  Love  to  be  that  flos  deliciarum 
to  the  Afflicted,  that  it  well  might  be  said  of  him  as  of  Origen,  Cujus  ex 
ore  non  tarn  verba  quam  mella  profluere  videbantur. 

(  51  )  Cambden  says,  that  she  was  actually  ravish'd,  as  hereafter  will  be 
shewn;  tho'  it  is  contrary  to  the  Opinion  of  most  Writers,  that  mention  the 
Saint, 


[  66  ] 

But,    oh !    thou    impious   Wretch,    that   here    doth   fland, 
A    Statue    like,    tho'    far    from    briny    Salt, 

As   Lot's   frail   Wife,   who   difobey'd    Command, 
Yet   ne'er   committed   fuch   a   bloody    Fault : 

Does   not   thy   Heart   relent,    condemn    the   Deed, 

That   thus   has    made   an    Heav'n-loved   Virgin   bleed  ? 

Thou   haft   prophan'd   the   facred   Day  of  Reft ; 

Thy   Birth   obfcur'd ;    and,    by   the   blackeft   Crime 
Of  Murder,    made   both    Heav'n    and   Men    deteft 

Thy   Memory   until   the   lateft   Time  : 
Better   to   kneel,    beg   Mercy   of    the    Lord, 
Than    on   the   Grafs   to   wipe   your   ftained    Sword. 

To   whom   the    Prince :    Thou   doating"    Fool,    give   o'er. 

'Twas   you   that   caus'd   this   fimple   Wretch's    Fate ; 
Who   would    have   yielded   to   blind    Cupid's   Pow'r, 

Had   you    not   preach'd   her   in    Religion's    State. 
Long   might   fhe    liv'd,    did   fhe  not   me   controul ; 
But   fmce   flie's   dead,   Jove  reft    her   filly   Soul. 

Bu'no   reply'd,    O   thou    unprince-like   Youth, 
Since   no   Compun6tion    from    thy   Soul   proceeds 

Quick   flialt   thou    find   confirm'd   a   woful   Truth, 
Juft   Punifliment   for   thy   accurfed   Deeds. 

Soon    as    he    fpoke,    the    Body  like   M;rrl   Clay,  (52) 

Fell   to   the    Ground,    which    Daemons   bore   away. 

Behold, 


(52)  Soma  write.  He  fell  to  the  Earth,  and  immediately  expired ;  tho' 
they  could  not  otherwise  perceive  the  vindictive  Hand  of  the  Almighty  in  so  quick 
and  tremendous  an  Execution.  Others  suppose,  that  Body  and  Soul  instan- 
taneously sunk  into  the  Regions  of  Darkness,  and  were  received  by  terrible 
Devils;  ivho,  as  a  very  learned  Author  writes,  are  styled  seirim,  derived 
from  a  Word  which  signifies  horrere,  because  usually  tendring  themselves  to 
View  in  the  tnost  glaring,  frightful  and  horrible  Forms. 


[  67   ] 

Behold,  faid  Bu'no,    what   a   fearful    Shame 

Has   him   befall'n,    who   GOD'S  (52a)  Laws   withdood  : 

See  from  aflring^ent  Earth  a  cryflal  Stream, 
As   intermingles   with   the   Virgin's    Blood  !  (53) 

Which,    trickling   to   the  (54)  Vale  will   prove   a   Well, 

The   Fame   of  which   fhall   diflant  Ages   tell. 


CHAP.       VIII. 

Ube  Hr^ument. 

How   WiNEFRED,    to   Life   vejlor'' d. 
Again   on   earth   did  praife   the   Lord  : 
Became   an   Abbefs   much   rever''d, 
And  as   a   Saint  moji  bright  appear'^d. 

"D  U  T   tho'    the   Tyrant   cut   her   Thread   of  Life, 
■^     And   flopt   the    Progrefs   of    that   Vow   flie    made ; 
Heav'n   can't   be    mock'd   by   vain    contending    Strife 

Of  Tyrant's    Rage,      For   her,    lamented    Shade  ! 
We'll   try,  faid  Bu'no,   what   our   God   will    do. 
Come,   join   with    me ;    I'll   pray   for   her   and   you. 

What 

(  52a  )    iVo«  patituy  lusum  fides,  fays  a  great  Divine. 

(  53  )  •^'^  ingenious  Author  writes,  That  GOD,  [who  in  the  Beginning 
moved  on  the  Waters,  Gen.  i.  2)  sometimes  deliver' d  or  shew'd  to  the  ancient 
Priests  and  Prophets  a  certain  Matter  per  beata  fpeftacula,  and  communicated 
for  the  Use  of  His  Worshippers.  At  other  seasons  the  Streams  were  guarded 
by  a  presiding  Angel,  as  mention'd  in  Rev.  cap.  xvi.  ver.  5.  Which  is  more 
generally  affirm'd  in  JoH.  cap.  v.  ver.  4.  that  after  the  divine  Messenger  had 
stirred  the  Pool  of  Bethefda,  whatever  diseased  Person  had  Power  by  a  strong 
Faith,  to  wash  therein,  without  being  thrust  away  by  an  invisible  Arm,  was 
certainly  cured  of  all  Diseases. 

(  54  )  Some  write.  That,  for  want  of  a  Spring  or  Rivulet  before  this 
Miracle,  the  Place  was  called  BRY-Yale.— King  David,  (Pfal.  evil.  35.)  in 
praising  the  Lord,  tells  tis.  That  He  turneth  the  dry  Ground  into  Water- 
Springs  ;  which  agrees  with  Isaiah  xli.  18.  I  will  open  Rivers  in  high 
Places,  and  Fountains  in  the  Midft  of  Vallies  :  I  will  make  the  Wilder- 
nefs  a  Pool  of  Water,  and  the  dry  Land  Springs,  &c.      See  also  Pf.  civ.  10. 


[  68   ] 

What   Wonders   have    not    God's   true    Prophets   done  ? 

Which    none    can    doubt   whoe'er   the    Scriptures    read. 
(55)  Judgments  difplay'd,  and   welcome  Favours  fliown 

To    the  (56)  Difeas'd ;    nay,    even    rais'd   the    Dead! 
And   fure    Heav'n's    Powers,  (57)  from    all    Ages   pad, 
Do   flill    exift,    and   will    unto   the    lafl. 

Did 


(  55  )  "  Talis  fuit  Dathani,  &•  Abironis  exitus,  quos  Mosen  perduelli 
"animo  obfirmatos  liiatu  discendens  miserabiliter  absorpsit.  Talis  mors  Abfalonis, 
"quern  majestatis  pertinacetn  reum  feralis  hasta  confixit.  Tale  quinquaginta 
"  satelliticm,  quos  in  Eliam  parvus  reverentes  caslum  flammariim  globis  avmatum 
"devoravit.  Tale  fuit  Hebraei  hominis  exitium,  quern  cum  in/ami  Madianitide 
"vindex  trajecit  gladius,  &•  lectuluvi  geniakm  miscuit  cum  funcbri."  Which 
Words  of  DREXELIUS,  in  his  Preparation  for  Death,  S-c,  I  thus 
endeavour  to  render  :  Such  was  the  dreadful  End  of  Dathan  and  Abiron, 
for  whom  (for  departing,  thro'  their  obftinate  Temper,  from  Moses, 
who  proved  God  in  his  Creation  by  Tranfmutation  of  his  Rod  into  a 
Serpent,  plaguing  Egypt,  turning  the  Rivers  into  Blood,  and  dividing 
the  Sea,  &-c.)  the  Earth  open'd,  and  fwallow'd  them  up.  Numb.  xvi.  32. 
As  fuch  appeared  the  Fate  of  Absalon,  who,  for  rebelling  againft  his 
royal  Father,  was  pierced  through  the  Heart  with  a  deadly  Spear, 
II.  Sam.  viii.  14,  15.  The  Companies  of  50  armed  Guards,  who,  with 
too  little  Reverence,  had  fummon'd  the  Prophet  Elijah  before  their 
Prince,  Heaven  deftroy'd  them  with  Globes  of  Fire,  II.  Kings,  i.  10, 
&'C.  (as  tho'  they  were  the  Arrows  mention'd  by  David,  Pfal.  cxliv.  6.) 
And  fuch  was  the  Cataftrophe  of  the  unfortunate  Hebrew,  with  the 
infamous  Midianitcss,  Num.  xxv.  8.  ftabb'd  together  in  their  very  Crime, 
by  the  Avenger  of  Wickednefs,  whofe  Sword  mingled  the  genial  Bed 
with  all  the  mournful  Signs  of  a  fpeedy  approaching  Mortality. 

(  56  )  Refembling  what  GOD  was  pleas'd  to  fliew  to  afflifted  Job  : 
For  when  he  had  humbled  himfelf,  as  mention'd  in  Chap.  xi.  4,  5,  we 
are  told,  from  a  Tradition  of  the  Eaftern  Inhabitants,  that,  upon  the 
Almighty's  purpofmg  to  make  no  farther  Tryal  of  that  illuftrious 
Sufferer,  he  fent  the  Angel  Gabriel  from  Heaven  ;  who,  taking  him  by  the 
Hand,  rais'd  him  on  his  Feet :  And  flriking  the  Earth  with  his  Foot, 
immediately  fprung  up  a  clear  Fountain ;  in  which  Water  Job  having 
bath'd  himfelf,  as  alfo  taken  fome  internally,  he  became  as  healthful 
as  ever  he  had  been  in  his  juvenile  Years. 

(  57  )  If  we  look  but  in  the  Writings  of  the  Prophet  Jeremiah, 
Isaiah,  Habakkuk,  &-c.,  we  fliall  foon  be  convinc'd  of  the  Almighty 
Power  and  Majefly  from  and  to  all  Eternity. 


[   69   ] 

Did    not  (58)  EUpia  Iron    caufe   to    fwim, 

Without   the  (59)  Load-Stone,    paffing-   Nature's    Laws  ; 
And   other   Wonders   are   afcrib'd    to    Him, 

Thro'    GOD,    who    made  the  World,  the  fupreme  Caufe. 
Christ    from    the    Cave    caus'd   Lazarus   to    come ; 
And    after   Death    rofe    from    the   filent   Tomb. 

So   faid,    with   Tears,    he   plac'd   the   Virgin's    Head 
Clofe   to    the   Wound    by   which   the    Sword   did    fever; 

And   then    with    Decency   his   Mantle   fpread 

O'er   the    fair    Corpfe,    that    now   was  join'd   tog-ether. 

J  E  s  u  !  faid  he,   whofe    Love   did   chiefly   move 

This   Virgin's    Heart   to   honour   Thee   above ! 

Hear   now   our   Pray'rs,    which    ardently   we    make ; 

Your   holy    Martyr   to    new   Life    reflore : 
Still,    ftill   to    praife    Thee    for   Thy    People's    Sake, 

That   fo   her   Virtues   may   fhine   more    and   more. 
She    lov'd   you    dear ;    for  you    her   Soul   did    melt ; 
And   for   your   Sake   the    Pains   of  Death   fhe   felt. 

Let   now   your   Pow'r   to   the   World   appear, 

Tho'    far   unworthy   to   be   blefl   again 
With   fuch    a    Saint,    that   from    an   heav'nly    Sphere 

We   fliould   call    back   to   caufe    her   future    Pain  : 
But   as   poor   Souls   are   precious    in    Thy    Sight ; 
Let   Her,   thro'   Thee,   prove   to   the   Earth   a   Light. 

Think 


(  58  )  II.  Kings  vi.  6.  And  the  Man  of  God  said,  Where  fell  it?  And 
he  sheiv'd  him  the  place.  And  he  cut  down  a  stick,  and  cast  it  in  thither, 
and  the  IRO\N  did  swim. 

(  59 )  Or  Magnet,  the  Verticity  of  which  was  discovered  about  400 
Years  ago,  by  the  learned  Roger  Bacon.  It  has  two  Poles,  N.  and  S. 
diversely  inclin'd  towards  the  Center  of  the  Earth,  yet  mutual  in  their  Attrac- 
tion to  Iron  or  Steel.  But  I  refer  the  Reader  to  Harris's  Lexicon 
Technicum  for  a  further  Account. 


C  70  ] 

Think   of  Thy   Church,   and   promifed   Defence, 

(60)  'Gainfl   Waters    Rag-e,  and    horrid    Flames  of   Fire ; 

And   let   us    know   thy    great    Omnipotence, 
That   this    thy    fallen    Servant   my   refpire. 

Pity   her   Fate,    commiferate    our   Fears ; 

Reg-ard    our   State,    and    mitigate    our   Cares. 

May   facred   Virgins   e'er   admire   her   Charms, 

Who   conflant   fought   Thee   as    her   chiefefl   Good ; 

And    flrive   to    be    encircled    in   thine    Arms, 
Altho'   vile   Mortals   feek   to   fhed   their   Blood : 

And   when    more   perfect   made,    late   may   the    Urn 

Receive   her   Mold,    her    Spirit   to   Thee   return. 

Being   divine  !    O   grant   us   our   Defire  ! 

Re-animate   this   dear,    this   lifelefs   Clay ! 
(61)  Son  !   with   the   Father!    Holy   Ghofl !    infpire  ! 

Thou  Source  of  Light!  of  Truth!  the  Life!  the  Way!  (62) 
More   did   he    pray,    than    can    recite   my   Pen  : 
To   which   the    People,    weeping,    cry'd,    Amen. 

Then   did   the   Virgin    raife   their    Hopes   forlorn  : 
Moving   the    Veil   that   cover'd   her   fair   Face  : 

And   as   the    Sun-Beams   gild   the   rifing   Morn, 
Gently   fhe   rofe   from   humid    Earth's    Embrace  ; 

Saluted   all   that   humbly   kneeling  were, 

And   with   them   offered    up   due   Thanks   in    Pray'r. 

'Tis 


(  60  )  Isaiah  xliii.  2.  When  thou  passest  thro'  the  Waters  I  will  be 
with  thee;  and  thro'  the  Rivers  they  shall  not  overfloiv  thee;  when  thou  walhest 
thro'  the  Fire,  thou  shall  not  be  burnt;  neither  shall  the  Flame  kindle  upon 
thee. 

(  61  )     The  bright  Morning  Star.     Rev.  xxii.  16. 

(62)  JoH.  xiv.  IsA.  XXX.  21.  \nd  in  many  other  Places  are 
exhibited  the  divine  Influences  of  the  bleffed  Trinity. 


[  71   ] 

'Tis   hard   to   fay  what   inward   Raptures   mov'd,  ' 

When    they   this   wond'rous   Miracle   beheld  ! 

Such   furely   were   by   g-racious    Heav'n    approv'd, 
Which   view'd    the   Tears    in    ev'ry   Eye    that   well'd : 

For   round   her   neck   did    feem   a   Thread   of    Silk, 

Whiter   than    Skin,    which   was   as   white   as   Milk.  (63) 

Some   Legends   fay,    the   Circle   was   of    Red ; 

Of  Scarlet   Dye,    like    Blood   which    from    her   flow'd ; 
But,    to    pafs   by   Reports   which   might   be   fpread, 

Let   us   remark   how   well    flie   ferv'd   her   GOD. 
No    Heart   inflam'd   could    fhow   more    Love    than    fhe  ; 
A   perfedl    P  a  t  t  k  r  n    of    true    PIETY! 

For   once    more    B  u '  n  0   made   her   take   the   Veil 

Of  Sanctimony,    facredly   to   dwell  ; 
And   then    to    Ireland  that    Saint   did    fail, 

Leaving   the   humble   Virgin    to   her   Cell. 
(64)  Near   to    the    Church    feven    Years   flie   liv'd    profefs'd, 
And   as   a   darling   Saint   by   all   confefs'd. 

She    had   Confeffors :    (65)    Sen  an   one   by   Name; 

A   Priefl,   whofe   facred    Knowledge    made   him    fhine ; 
The   other,    (66)    D  e  i  f  e  r  ,    of  equal    Fame, 

That,    like   the    former,    led    a   Life   divine, 
Thefe   told   her   how   flie    might   the   Church    obey, 
And   yet   her   Virtues   to   the   World   difplay. 

Nor 


_(  63  )  The  first  Syllable  of  her  Name  Win,  &c.,  in  the  Saxon  Tongue,  being 
to  win,  get,  or  obtain  ;  and  the  latter,  fred,  or  frid,  denoting  Peace:  But  the 
Britons  are  said  to  call  it  Guinfrid,  which  is  interpreted  WHITE,  fair,  and  of 
a  beautiful  Aspect,  answering  to  the  lovely  Character  I  have  given.  Tradition  has 
it,  That  after  her  Death,  ivhen  her  Spirit  appeared  to  any  of  her  Votaries,  either  to 
comfort  them  in  Sickness,  or  warn  them  of  their  approaching  Dissolution,  they 
presently  knew  her  by  the  aforesaid  Circle.  The  Miracle  is  said  to  have  been 
perform'd  about  the  Year  of  Salvation  644. 

(  64  )  Her  House  I  have  seen  delineated,  as  tho'  the  Building,  or  Part 
thereof,  was  yet  remaining. 

(  65  )     He  deceased  in  the  Year  of  Incarnation  660. 

(  66  )  He  died  A.D.  664,  much  about  the  Time  of  S.  Winefked's  Death. 
Both  were  so  remarkable  in  discharging  the  Duties  of,  their  Christian  Profession, 

that 


[     72     ] 

Nor   failed   to   come   a   (67)    noble    beauteous   Train 

Of  Damsels,    who   lived   round    in    Piety : 
The   Duties   learnt,    flie   taught   to   them    again. 

To    love   the   LORD   in   pure   Virginity; 
And,    vvarn'd   by   Heav'n    near   (68)   Denbigh   did   refide, 
In   which    fair   Convent   Virgins   did   abide. 

For   in    the   Middle   of  the    filent   Night, 
Good   D  E  I  F  E  R   was   order'd,    in    a   Dream, 

To   warn    St.    Winefred   to   take   her   Flight, 
And   go   to    Holy   Saturn,    call'd   by   Name: 

Whofe    Head   was   cover'd   o'er   with    Silver   Hairs ; 

And   crown'd   by   Learning,    as   he   was   by   Years, 

Scarce   filver-fhining    Cyfilhia  ceas'd   to    flied 

Her   lunar   Glory,    and   the    rifmg   Sun 
Had   fipp'd   the   pearly   Dews,    as   from    his    Bed 

He   rofe   his   conflant   circling   Courfe   to    run  : 
Who   with   parental    Love,    and   genial    Heat, 
Enliven'd   where   he   fhone   with  Joys   compleat. 

He   had   but  jufl   peep'd    o'er   the   dusky   Hills, 

When   the    fair   Saint   was  at   her   Morning   Pray'rs ; 

Whofe   weeping   Eyes   did   flow   like   cryflal    Rills, 
And   as   bright    Pearls   appear'd   her    falling   Tears. 

She   took   her   leave,    and   haflen'd   to   that   Cell, 

Where    Him    fhe    fought   with    San6lity   did   dwell. 

He 


that   whilst  St.  Bueno  was  enabled  by  the  Britifli   Nobility  to  erect    several 
Churches,  he  did  not  forget  to  have  them  dedicated  to  their  immortal  Honour. 

(  67  )  It  is  recorded,  They  were  Ladies  and  Gentlewomen  of  very  great 
Families,  according  to  the  plain  Manners  and  Customs  of  that  Age. 

(  68  )  By  the  Britons  called  Kled-vryn,  signifying  the  craggy  Hill ; 
formerly  the  old  Town,  ivhere  the  present  Church  stands.  The  neiv  one  is  at 
the  Bottom  of  the  Mount,  more  conveniently  situated. 


[   73   ] 

He,  like  (69)  Antonius,  took  mofl  fweet  Delight 
In  Contemplation  of  GOD'S   Works  fo  fair ; 

The  (70)  Elemental  Change  of  Day  and  Night, 
With  various  Seafons  of  the  rolling-  Year  : 

Each  Equinox  of  (71)  Spring  and  (72)  Fall  he  knew; 

The  Summer's  (73)  Solftice,  and  the  (74)  Winter's  too. 

He  knew  each  Seed  contain'd  a  Plant  in  kind  ; 

And  in  that  Plant  a  Seed  of  Species  new ; 
In    which    another    Plant    did    lurk   behind, 

And  there  a  Seed  of  diflf'rent  Nature  grew. 
So  without  End   from  what  they  firfl  arofe  ; 
And  all  by  MoifLure,  which  from   Terra  flows.. 

This,  prefs'd  by  Air,  found  Paffage  to  the  Roots, 
He  knew,  was  pregnant  with  Salts,  Sulphur,  Oyls  ; 

That  fubde  Sap,  in  Sun-fhine  upward  flioots. 
Which  Night  condenfes,  ripens  as  it  cools  : 

How  (75)  Infe6ls  Eggs  in  Water,  Air  or  Earth, 

By  SoVs  bright  Rays  receive  their  favour'd  Birth. 

How 


(  69  )  A  noble  ^Egyptian  Monk  and  Hermit,  that  Uv'd  One  Hundred 
and  Five  Years,  the  most  part  in  great  Sanctity. 

(  70 )  Elementa,  calum,  ortus  &•  occasus  siderum,  diiirncs  nocttirnceque 
vicissitudines,  quadripartita  anni  varietas,  qua  duo  aquinoclia  vere,  &•  autumno  : 
ac  totidcm  solstitia  astute  &■  hieme  complectitiir,  quorum  decursu  herba  exolescunt 
&•  deficiimt,  suoqtce  tempore  emergunt  ac  reviviscunt,  quum  multa  indicent  ac 
commonstrent ,  tumdmorte  advitam  reversionem  ac  reditum,  quo  sua  tempore  corpora 
per  resurrectionem  restituenda  sunt  in  integrum,  documenta  prabent.  Lem.  de 
occult.  Nat. 

O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  Works  !  in  wifdom  haft  thou  made 
them  all  :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches.  So  is  this  great  and  wide 
fea,  &c.     PsAL.  civ.  24,  &c. 

(71)     March  10.      (72)  Sept.  11.     When  equal  Day  and  Night. 

(73)     Circ.  JUN.  II.     (74)     Dec.   ii.     Longest  and  Shortest. 

(  75  )  Nihil  in  natura  rerum  tarn  minutum,  tamque  vile,  aut  abjectum, 
quod  non  aliquid  admirationis  hominibus  adferat, 


[   74   ] 

How  unfeen  Fluid,  which  the  Globe  furrounds, 

Helpful  to  Plants,  or  animalian  Life, 
And  ev'ry  Ufe  ;  as  well  in  forming-  Sounds, 

That  charm  the  Ear,  and  footh  a  World  of  Strife  : 
How   agitated,    heated,    cool'd,    congeal'd, 
Comprefs'd,    by   hidden   Caufes,    or   reveal'd. 

Such  the  (76)  Sun's   Rays,  or  fubterraneous  Fire ; 

Sulphurs  and  Salts  which  here  and  there  do  float; 
Nitres  that  fix,  and  Clouds  approaching-  nigher, 

All  which  the  various  Winds  we  hear  promote  : 
Hard  Storms  that  hurtful  Vapours  far  dilate  ; 
And  Breezes  foft  to  cool  the  fultry  Heat. 

How  Exhalations  from  the  Mines  below 

Caufe  Lightning-  blaze,  and  Thunder  to  refound  ; 

Why  Dews,  with  Showers  of  Rain,  and  Hail,  or  Snow, 
Too  heavy  grown,  alternate  fpread  the  Ground  : 

How  Ocean's  daily  Steams,  forc'd  by  the  Wind, 

Sink   into   Mountains   'till    a  Vent   they   find. 

Thefe  Sources  form,  whence  Rivulets  proceed, 
Which  leffer  Rivers  caufe,  as  great  Ones  do ; 

Whofe  flowing  Streams  encircle  as  they  fpeed, 
As  which  fliould  foremofl  yield  the  Sea  its  due  : 

Whofe  Waters,  balanc'd  in  GOD'S  pow'rful  Hand, 

Seem  but  a  Drop,  the  Earth  a  Grain  of  Sand. 

Saturn    did   fludy   what   pertain'd   to   Fate, 
Much  like  our  Bodies  to  Sepulchres  led ; 

Reviv'd  in  vernal  Blooms,  which  fhews  that  State, 
When  Lands  and  Oceans  fhall  yield  up  their  Dead  : 

Why  Darknefs  to  reviving  Light  gives  Way, 

And  Phofphor  ufliers  in  the  coming  Day. 


Or 


(  76  )     This  was  the  Dodrine  of  Zoroaster,  a  Philofopher  near  the 
Persian  Gulph,  mention'd  in  the  Travels  of  Cyrus. 


[  75   ] 

Or  why  Aurora,  with  her  darting-  Gleams, 

Unfolds  ffithereal  Gates  that  Sol  might  fhine  ; 

Or  flreak  the  Eafl  with  his  refulgent  Beams, 
Like  Harbingers  fent  with  a  Pow'r  divine  : 

Why  twinkling  Stars  do  feem  to  quit  their  Spheres, 

When  Phcehus  with  his  glorious  Face  appears. 

Why  Earthquakes  happen,  whence  the  refllefs  Tide, 
That  in  fome  Kingdoms  drown  adjacent  Lands  ; 

In   other   Places,    failing  to   prefide. 
Appear  arenal  and  delightful   Strands ; 

'Till  changing,  like  fucceffive  Wind  and  Rain, 

All  peaceful  feem  their  former  State  to  gain. 

Thro'  Nature's  Womb  he'd  fee  mofl  hidden  Things, 
Why  Waters  petrify,  or  Land  gives  Way ; 

Why  flaming  Mountains,  or  flrange  boiling  Springs, 
Whence  various  Difports  on  the  Land  or  Sea  : 

Each  Min'rals  Force  in  fubterraneous  Streams  ; 

And  Comet's  Power,  which  the  Sky  inflames. 

Why  fruitful  Earth,  when  blefs'd  with  timely  Show'rs  : 
Gives  Juice  and  Verdure  both  to  Herbs  and  Trees ; 

Beauty  to  Gardens,  grac'd  with  various  Flow'rs, 
And  grateful  Odours,  that  our  Smelling  pleafe  : 

Why  genial  Heats  caufe  Birds  and  Beafls  to  love. 

And  piercing  Cold  our  nervous  Senfes  move. 

The  Sun's  Propenfion  to'ards  the  diftant  (77)  Poles, 

His  Declination  from  seflival  Height ; 
Why  that  revolving  Luminary  rolls, 

'Till  Hyem's  Signs  he  doth  in  Order  greet: 
How  the  bright  Moon  doth  thro'  the  (78)  Zodiack  fl:eer 
Within  one  Month  what  takes  him  up  a  Year. 

What 


[   76  ] 

What  Springs  the  human  Body  do  compofe ; 

How  interweaving  Art'ries,  Nerves  and  Veins, 
Form  Bafons,  Pumps,  Canals  ;  what  Liquid  flows 

Throug-hout  the  whole  ;  how  moving  Solid  reigns  : 
Why  Cartilages,  Bones,  and  Mufcles  fine. 
Form  Cords  and  Levers  for  this  nice  Machine. 

Since  Heav'nly  Pow'rs  created  all  thefe  Things, 

Blefs'd,  he  wotdd  fay,  thofe  who  adore  GOD'S  Name, 

For  Whom  great  Bilhops,  Nobles,  Princes,  Kings, 
Have  Stru6lures  rais'd,  to  their  mod  pious  Fame ; 

Where  faithful  Souls  coeleflial  Do6trines  hear, 

With  filial  Love  and  reverential  Fear. 

Tho'  well  he  knew,  as  learn'd  St.  Paul  did  tell,  (79) 
GOD  did  not  dwell  in   Temples  made  with  Hands ; 

His  Omniprefence  he  would  yet  reveal. 
Beyond  Circumference  of  Seas  or  Lands  : 

For  as  fam'd  (80)  Lucan  owns,  look  where  you  will, 

Th'  Almighty  Being  will  be  prefent  flill. 

In  Him  was  All,  beyond  all  Nature's  Laws ; 

The  primal  Caufe ;    THIS,    Saturn  had  allur'd  ; 
Made  him  flight  Riches,  covet  no  Applaufe  ; 

Altho'  not  like  an  Anchoret  immur'd  : 
But  to  all  Comers  open  was  his  Cell, 
That  all  might  witnefs  how  the  Saint  did  dwell. 

'Twas 


(  77  )  The  Points,  from  North  to  South,  on  which  the  Axis  of  the 
World  is  by  the  Learned  faid  to  turn  round. 

(  78  )  A  Circle  of  greateft  Magnitude  on  the  material  Sphere,  which 
equally  feparates  the  ^quinodial,  or  Equator.  In  the  Middle  is  the 
Ecliptic,  beneath  which  the  Sun  moveth. 

(  79  )     Acts  xvii.  24.     GOD  made  the  World,  &c. 

(  80  )     Jupiter  est  quodcunqiie  vides,  quocunque  moveris. 


I 


C   77   ] 

'Twas  fituated  on  a  fair  Afcent, 

Within  a  Rock,  whence  he  the  Ocean  view'd  : 
Here,  with  much  Labour,  g-aining  fweet  Content, 

He  added  Rooms  to  what  old  Hermits  hew'd  ; 
Incrufled  round  with  Shells  like  fliining  Ore, 
Which  had  been  g-ather'd  from  the  neighb'ring-  Shore 

More  inward  was  a  Chapel,  fmall,  but  neat ; 

Where,  by  removal  of  a  Stone,  the  Light 
From  the  bright  Eafl,  an  Altar  mofl  compleat, 

Cut  in  the  Rock,  charm'd  the  Spe6lators  Sight ! 
For  whom  he  pray'd  in  Tears,  fmce  well  he  knew 
Thofe  melting  Signs  would  fet  them  weeping  too.   (8i) 

Before  the  outward  Door,  there  was  a  Green, 
By  Flowers  enamel'd,  where  a  Spring  did  run  : 

On  either  Side  embow'ring  Trees  were  feen, 

To  skreen  from  Wind,  or  fliade  from  Heat  of  Sun, 

Here  warbling  Birds,  which  often  hither  came, 

Did  join  with  Saturn,  and  the  purling  Stream. 

Tall  was  his  Perfon,  of  majeflick  Air  ; 

His  Beard  to  Girdle  reach'd,  his  Robe  to  Feet ; 
Sanguine  his  Cheeks,  his  Forehead  high  and  bare. 

With  Eyes  quick-piercing,  and  a  Voice  mofl  fweet. 
Humble  and  courteous,  as  the  Scriptures  tell, 
Like  Bleffed  JESUS,  at  Samaria's  Well.  (82) 

This  was  the  Man,  fo  much  by  Heav'n  belov'd, 

Fit  to  make  known  what  GOD  would  not  conceal  ; 

An  Angel's  Theme  unto  a  Priefl  approv'd, 
That  fhould,  like  (83)  Ananias,  Truth  reveal; 

Tell  to  the  lovely  Virgin  how  to  trace 

Her  weary  Steps,  and  find  a  refling  Place. 

None 


(  81  )  Si  vis  me  flere,  dolenduni  est 

Primhm  ipsi  tibi ;  tunc  tua  me  infortmiia  ladenf, 
Telephe!  — HOR.  (82)     Joh.  iv. 

(  83  )    Acts  ix.  17.     And  Ananias  went  his  way,  &-c. 


[   78  ] 

None  but  an  Angel  let  him  underfland, 

That  She,  whom  Christ  did  love,  was  on  the  Road. 
This  caus'd  the  holy  Hermit,  out  of  hand, 

Place  All  in  order  in  His  fweet  Abode  : 
Which  fhows,  that  Cleanlinefs,  how  poor  we  be. 
Agrees  with  true  religious  Piety. 

And  as  defcending  to'ards  the  flow'ry  Plain, 
He  faw  how  nimbly  flie  her  Steps  did  trace 

More  fleet  and  fair  than  Nymphs,  whom  Poets  feign, 
Becaufe  adorn'd  with  Angel's  Mein  and  Grace  : 

Fafl  as  his  Feet  could  move,  he  flrove  to  meet ; 

And  then,  as  Words  could  flow,  with  Kindnefs  greet. 

The  Cell  attain'd,  both  on  their  bended  Knees, 
Mofl:  humble  Thanks  did  off'er  up  to  Heav'n  ; 

Which  done,  what  Food  he  had  wherewith  to  pleafe, 
With  Pleafure  to  the  holy  Maid  was  giv'n  : 

Her  Drink  was  Water,  clear  as  Cryflal  fine  ; 

More  fweet  to  her,  than  any  fparkling  Wine. 

Refrefliment  o'er,  the  Hill  on  t'other  Side, 
With  the  fair  Virgin,  he  did  flow  defcend ; 

As  tho'  that  Time  too  fafl  away  did  lade 

To  part  him  from  fo  dear  a  heav'n-lov'd  Friend  : 

And,  as  he  went,  the  Ways  he  eafier  made, 

Removing  Brakes  that  flie  might  fofter  tread. 

Where  ends  my  Travel  ?    a-yd  the    Virgiti  cliajle. 

Daughter,  faid  he,  thou  well-belov'd  of  Heav'n, 
To  fair  (84)   Clutina  s  Vale,  I  pray  you,  haft.e ; 

Where  further  Knowledge  will  to  thee  be  g'iv'n. 
You  foon  will  meet  a  dear  and  heav'nly  Friend, 
Who  knows  your  coming",  and  can  tell  your  End. 


See 


(  84  )     So  called  from  the  pleafant  River  Cluyd,  which  feparates  the 
Province  of  Flint  from  that  of  Denbigh. 


[   79  ] 

See  yonder  Rocks  and  Precipices  dire, 

That  feem  conjoin'd,  and  as  (85)  embattel'd  rife ; 

Proceed  that  Way,  in  Thoughts  to  Heav'n  afpire. 
The  more  you  view  thofe  Mountains  touch  the  Skies. 

Admire  the  Hand  of  GOD    in  all  his  Ways ; 

For  Nature's  Works  declare  her  Maker's  Praife. 

But  left  Night  fhadows  e'er  you  reach  the  Vale, 
As  'twill,  I  believe,  before  I  can  my  Cell ; 

Keep  the  right  Hand  towards  the  flow'ry  Dale, 
And  by  Sun-fet  you'll  find  an  Houfe  to  dwell  : 

For  o'er  the  Door  is  written  :    Pilgrims,  dear  ! 

Enter,  you'll  find  kind  Entertainment  here. 

And  when  To-morrow  near  thofe  Hills  you  come, 
You'll  fee  they  part,  and  foon  will  greet  your  Eyes 

The  lovely  (86)  Valley  in  its  fpangling  Bloom, 

With  Sweets  and  Odours,  to  your   pleas'd  Surprize. 

Fair  Groves  and  Meadows  charm  on  ev'ry  Side, 

And  in  the  Middle  cryftal  Streams  do  glide. 

Daughter,  if  I  may  call  you  fo,  farewell ! 

Happy,  fmce  Christ  enjoys  your  tender  Heart : 
My  Pray'rs  fliall  be  for  you  within  my  Cell, 

Heav'n  to  receive  you,  when  from  Earth  you  part. 
Thank  yoti,   Good  Father  ;    but  I  pray  hejlow 


Your  Benedi6lion  on  me  e'er  I  go. 


His 


(  85  )  Mira  enivi  natum  solevtia  muntium  horum  juga  mvenium  pinnas 
mcntiuntur.  That  is,  For  fuch  is  the  admirable  Workmanfliip  of  Nature 
that  the  Tops  of  the  Eastern  Mountains  referable  the  Battlements  of 
strong  Walls,  &c. 

(  86  )  Camden,  alfo  writing  of  Denbighshire,  fays,  The  Vale  (which  is 
about  17  Miles  long  from  N.  to  S.  and  5  broad  towards  the  Sea)  is  adorn'd 
with  green  Meadows,  yellow  Corn-Fields,  many  fair  Houfes,  and  beautiful 
Churches.  The  Eye  mufl  needs  be  charm'd  with  fuch  a  fair  and  lovely 
Profpedl, 


[   So  ] 

His  Blefling-  g'lv'n,  quick  flie  trod  the  Ground, 
And  by  Sun-fet  approach'd  a  lovely  Field  ; 

When  a  (87)  White-Houfe  near  to  a  Church  fhe  found. 
With  Gates  and  Doors  that  did  a  Splendor  yield  : 

The  fame  wherein  fhe  was  to  lodge  that  Nig"ht  ; 

Where  Peace  did  dwell,  and  Virtue  fhined  bright. 

The  Damfels,  who  this  Hofpital  did  keep. 

With  Emulation  flrove  mofl  to  attend, 
Until  their  lovely  Guefl  inclin'd  to  fleep ; 

Then  to  GOD'S  Safety  her  they  recommend. 
All  early  rofe,  and  fetting  forward  foon, 
Sweetly  they  journey'd  'till  it  was  high  Noon. 

When,  having  refled,  to  take  fome  Repafl, 

Which  they  had  brought,  beneath  an  Oaken  Tree ; 

With  Love  endearing  they  did  part  at  lafl, 
In  mutual  Kindnefs  and  Sincerity : 

Some  Steps  they  trod,  look'd  back,  and  bid  farewell  ! 

Then  fhook  their  Hands,  with  Sighs  no  Words  can  tell. 

And  now  fhe  haflens,  then  a  while  fhe  refls  ; 

Her  Eyes,  to  Heav'n  up-lifted,  flow  in  Tears  ; 
Her  lilly  Hands,  near  to  her  rifing  Breafls 

Infolded,  fhow  her  Zeal  in  fervent  Pray'rs. 
The  Pow'r  unfeen,  who  every  A6lion  knows, 
Prote6ls  the  charming  Virgin  as  fhe  goes. 

Or  elfe,  kind  Reader,  think  how  Angels  bright 
Hover'd  around  her  with  their  fhielding  Wings  : 

For  when  a  Sinner  turns,  wnth  great  Delight 

'Tis  known  in  Heav'n  ;  the  Tyding  quickly  rings  : 

And  as  great  Joy  doth  fill  the  higher  Sphere,  (88) 

Saints  do  not  want  their  kind  Prote6lion  here. 


The 


(  87  )     Called  Tyguyn  by  the  ancient  Britons. 

(  88  )     Luke  xv.  7.    /  say  unto  you  that  likewise  joy,  &•€. 


L   8i    ] 

The  Vir<fin  pafs'd  thro'  fev'ral  pleafant  Vills  ; 

Beheld  the  Beauties  of  the  charming-  Vale  ; 
View'd  Churches,  Houfes,  Fountains,  Brooks  and  Rills  ; 

Whatever  Art  or  Nature  did   reveal  : 
Fair  Nymphs  and  Swains,  for  Charms  and  Strength  renown'd; 
Fine  Flocks  and  Herds,  with  which  they  did  abound. 

But  while  thefe  Things  revolved  in  her  Mind, 
What  Bleffmg-s  Heav'n  did  to  the  Earth  impart ; 

Soon  file  perceiv'd  how  glitt'ring  Turrets  Hiin'd, 
Which  riiis'd  Ejaculations  from  her  Heart. 

She  wept  for  Joy  to  find  a  Place  on  Earth, 

To  live  to  die  ;  and  die  an   happy  Death. 

The  Convent  met  her  in  their  Habits  meet  ; 

Tears  in  their  Eyes,  they  bid  her  w^elcome  home  ; 
Each  Virgin  kifs'd  her ;  fome  did  wafh  her  Feet ; 

And  All  were  pleas'd  the  Saint  to  them  was  come. 
Thrice  happy  fhall  we  be,  each  Lady  faid ; 
Blefs'd  is  the  Place,  where  lives  fo  dear  a  Maid. 

Wytheriacus  was  the  Building  call'd  ;  (89) 
Part  govern'd  by  Theonye,  Abbefs  fam'd ; 

And  where,  contiguous,  very  flrongly  wall'd. 

Were  Monks,  taught  by  her  Son,  (90)  Elcrius  nam'd  ; 

Soon  after  which  in  CHRIST  flie  did  expire, 

Whilfl  he  was  Prieft  to  all  the  Virgin  Choir.  (91) 

Soon 


(  89  )  Commonly  called  Guitherine,  in  North-Wales,  within  the  Province 
of  Denbigh  ;  which  is  a  most  healthful  Country. 

(  90  )  It  was  this  Gentleman  that  erefted  the  Monaflery ;  who,  by 
conjoining  the  Exercifes  of  eremitical  and  monaftical  Converfation,  had 
fundry  Difciples  of  religious  Gentlemen  and  Ladies  under  one  Roof,  tho' 
in  different  Apartments. 

(  91  )  However,  'tis  said,  that  he  was  Confessor  to  S.  Winefred  ;  and 
is  very  much  commended  for  his  Piety  and  Learning. 


[    82    ] 

Soon  to  the  lovely  Saint,  as  One  divine, 

He  urg'd  the  Office,  as  mofl  fit  to  rule; 
And  make  the  Houfe  flill  more  and  more  to  fhine. 

Thro'  her  Improvements  in  Religion's  School. 
For  who  more  fit  than  fhe  to  be  obey'd, 
That  had  fuch  glorious  ChafLity  difplay'd  ? 

Humility  now  lovely  did  appear 

In  her,  whofe  Charity  was  unconfLrain'd  : 
To  various  Wants  (he  did  her  Bounties  fliare, 

With  Words  fo  foft  that  due  Attention  gain'd. 
Labour  enjoin'd,  when  fhe  thought  fit  and  meet. 
Were  to  the  Virgins  eafy,  pleafant,  fweet. 

Some  fpun  raw  Wool ;  nor  others  did  difdain 
To  twirl  the  Spindle  with  their  Fingers  fmall. 

To  "tend  the  Sick,  and  keep  the  Chambers  clean, 
Seem'd  no  Didionour  to  the  BefL  of  All : 

Alternately  fuch  Offices  they  fhar'd  ; 

And  who  prov'd  humblefl  was  the  mofl.  rever'd. 

The  pretty  Birds  that  thro'  the  Air  do  fl-:im  ; 

Beafls  of  all  Kinds  which  on  the  Earth  abide ; 
The  fliining  Fiflies,  that  in  Oceans  fwim. 

Or  what  in  cryfl.al  Rivers  fwiftly  glide  : 
Thefe  pious  Ladies  clearly  did  impart, 
Thro'  Strength  of  Thought,  with  curious  Needle's  Art. 

The  Spring,  as  rifmg  in  its  Infant-State, 

With  Floras  fair  Diverfity  of  Blooms ; 
Not  fcorch'd  as  yet  by  too  fermenting  Heat ; 

But,  like  fair  Tcmpe's  Airs,  {heds  fweet  Perfumes  : 
And  Summer  too,  with  all  its  Charms  o'er-fpread, 
In  lovely  Manner  were  by  Them  difplay'd. 

Summits, 


[   &3   ] 

Summits,  like  Idas  Pines,  which  reach  the  Clouds  ; 

Around  fubfiding  P^ountains,  Groves  and  Fields  ; 
Plains,  grac'd  with  Avenues,  like  blefs'd  Abodes  ; 

And  ev'ry  counter  Walk  that  Pleafure  yields  : 
With  ev'ry  Plant  King-   Solomon   could  tell, 
Thofe  Ladies  Fingers  wrought  exceeding  well. 

Cities  they  wrought  near  undulating  Streams, 
Which  by  Refle6lion  two-fold  did  appear ; 

Like  Mirror  Lakes,  when  Nature  downward  feems. 
With  Earths  conjoin'd,  and  feparated  Air : 

As  tho'  by  Shades  of  Swans,  or  Ships,  or  Trees, 

So  near  we  view'd  far-off  Antipodes. 

Autumn  refembled  much  our  Lives  Decay, 
By  falling  Leaves,  when  Melancholly  reigns  ; 

And  Death-like  Winter,  fhort'ning  more  the  Day, 
Transform'd  the  Waters  into  gelid  Plains. 

Thus  did  the  Virgins  trace  the  Seafons  round. 

And  Ihew'd  the  Works  of  Heav'n  to  be  profound. 

At  Meals  Instru6lions  moft  divine  were  giv'n ; 
Or  Lives  of  Saints  read  of  fair  Amelia's  Line  : 

o 

Such  who  were  judg'd  for  Virtue  blefs'd  in  Heav'n, 

And  who  on  Earth  would  never  ceafe  to  fhine. 
Whilfl  thus  to  a6live  Piety  inclin'd, 
A  fure  Defence  was  placed  o'er  the  Mind. 

In  Painting  fome  would  draw  the  Martyrs  dear, 

How  rack'd,  and  fcourg'd,    fufpended,  burnt  to  death  : 

Yet  in  their  Torments  fhew'd  no  Signs  of  Fear, 
But  rather  Courage,  'till  their  latefl  Breath  : 

Whom  Tyrants  Threats  nor  Promifes  could  move 

To  fave  their  Lives,  fuch  was  to   Christ   their  Love  ! 

Others 


[   84   ] 


Others  again  defcrib'd  immortal  Joys, 

Like  NcHar's  Streams  diflill'd  o'er  pearly  Sand  : 

How  blifsful  Torrents,  with  harmonious  Noife, 
Adorn  the  Meadows  of  that  heav'nly  Land  ; 

Where  fmiling-  Banks  are  crown'd  with  fadelefs  Flow'rs, 

And  martyr'd  Virgin's  blefs'd  in  facred  Bow'rs. 


I 


The   End    of   the   Second    PART, 


I  BritiOi    PIETY    Difplay'd 

^  In    the    Glorious 

§  Life,  ^nffevmg,  and    D  e  a  t  h  § 

J  Of  the  Bleffed                                     J 

t  St.  WINEFRED :       $ 

J  A  Noble  Virgin,  martyr'd  for  her  renowned  T 

^  Chaftity,  in  ^ales  :    Where,  at  Her  Cele-  ^ 

►J<  brated  Fountain,  called  Holy-Well,  many  *^ 

*i*  affli6led    Perfons    have    been  happily  freed  4< 

T  from  their   mofh    dangerous    Diflempers  in  T 

^  paft    Centuries  :    The    falutiferous    Quality  3^ 

4<  of  which  Water,  continuing  in  the  prefent  >^ 

*i*  Age,    occafions    its    F  a  m  e   to    be    fpread  *i* 

*T  in  far-diftant  Kingdoms.                                     T 

*i*  Ecclefia  nunquam  florentior,  quam  cum  affliBior  ititer  cruces  &  T 

^  gladios  fuoriim  martyrum  pugnas  &  viflorias  fpe^lavit. —  *T* 

•T*  Natura  rcruni  ad  Deiim  nos  erigit.      Quam  magnifica  funt  *T* 

►^  Opera   Tua,  D  O  M I N  E  !                                                ►^ 

4^  4^ 

jr,  '■'■  D  E  U S  ter    Optimus   Maximus  in  aquis  ftimmas  excel-  JL 

^  "  Icntiffimas   recondivit  vires  falutares,  quaritm   tanta   ejl  ^ 

jr^  "  prcTjlantia  ut  longe  multumque  onuiibus  aliis  reinediorum  ^ 

jT^  '■'■  gcncribics  fint  fuperiores."     That  is,  The  Mojl  Glorious  ^ 

jr^  and  Omnipotent  God  has  conccaVd  the  greatejl  and  mojl  ^ 

^  excellent  falubrious  Efficacy  in  the    Waters ;    luhich  have  ^14 

j^  fo  prevalent  a  Power,    that   they  are  far  fuperior  to  all  J^ 

^  other  Kinds  of  Remedies.                                                            jr, 

^  P   A    R   T      ?/i^     Sihird.                             ^ 

•t*  York:    Printed   and   Sold   by   the   Author   Tho.    Gent,        >^ 

*T*  in  Petergate,  Anno  Dom.  Mdccxlii.                               *T* 


[   86  ] 


<7"&5Ti        CT^^rrj 


J~iijTi      a~oi 


I  was  g'lad  when  they  faid  unto  me,  Let  us  go  into  the 
Houfe  of  the    LORD. 

Pray    for   the    Peace    of  Jerufalem :    they    (hall    profper 
that  love  thee.     Pfal.  cxxii. 

Venerationis  locus  in  templo  efl. 

jBy  Faith  Abraham  when  he   was   tried  offered  up  his  Son 

Ifaac,  Heb.  xi.   17.  GOD  fo  loved  the     World,    that   he 

gave    his    only    begotten    Son,    that    whofoever    believeth    in    him 
Jhould  not  perifh,  but  have  everlajling  life.     Joh.  iii. 

Many  are  my  perfecutors,  and  mine  enemies  :  yet  I  do 
not  decline  from  thy  teRimonies.      Pfal.  cxix.   157. 

/  will   waJJi  mine    Hands  in  Innocency  :  fo    will  I  eompafs 
Thine  Altar,    O   LORD!     Psal.  xxvi.  6. 


^ 


w 


7";v3Ta      cK/ff 


[  87   ] 


The     Third     PART     of 
Wie    miy    LIFE    and    DEATH    of 

S.  WINEFRED. 

Continuation  of  the  Eighth  Chapter. 

OOME  Virg-ins,  in  embroider'd  Work  employ'd, 

With  Silk  and  Silver  curioufly  inlaid, 
Adorn'd  the  Rooms,  in  which  appear'd  no  Void, 

But  Art  induflrious  feem'd  mofl  fair  array'd. 
But  whilfl  fome  Scarlet  fpun  ;  which  Ladies  wore  ; 
Others  made  Garments  for  the  needy  Poor. 

The  Chapel  was  adorn'd  with  Di'monds  bright ; 

The  Hyacinth,  the  (92)  Em'rald,  and  (93)  Saphire  : 
Deep  Sardins  black,  and  Golden  Chryfolite  ; 

Opal  and  Iris  ;  Rubies  feem'd  like  Fire. 
Fine  precious  Stones,  and  Pearls  for  Diadems, 
With  Life  of  Christ  inlaid  amidfl  the  Gems. 

The  (94)  Parent-Colours  here  were  plainly  feen  ; 

The  tawney  Orange,  and  the  flaming  Red ; 
The  fainting  Vi'let,  and  refrefliing  Green, 

And  diff'rent  Blues  that  in  the  Skies  are  fpread : 

With  Lilly  white,  that  Nature  feem'd  to  glow, 

Exhibiting  both  Scenes  of  Joy  and  Woe. 

As 


(  92  )     Its  Vertue  is  faid  to  expel  the  fatal  Effects  of  Poyfon. 
(  93  )     Pliny  writes,  that  it's  of  a  fine  blue,  or  azure  Colour. 
(  94  )     "  Perfecta  pulchritudo   sita   est  in   suavitate  coloris,  &•  harmonia 
' '  mmbronm ,      Pi,ato  , 


[   88   ] 

As  of  CHRIST'S  wond'rous  Birth,  and  Senfe  divine ; 

The  (95)  Miracles  which  he  flupendous  wroug-ht ; 
Endearing  Meeknefs,  that  fo  bright  did  fliine, 

Surpaffing  ev'ry  human  A61  or  Thought : 
And  as  he  nearer  to  his  Paffion  drew, 
Attra6ling  Sights  did  offer  to  his  View. 

For  as  amidft  the  Twelve  he  feem'd  to  fit. 
Shewing  his  Fate,  in  breaking  of  the  Bread ; 

Judas    did  feem  to  be  in  fullen  Fit, 

And  Peter  tho'  of  Fear  he  had  no  Dread. 

Alas !  their  Weaknefs  our  Redeemer  knew, 

And  prophefy'd  what  foon  became  too  true. 

Ent'ring  the  (96)  Garden,   there  he  was  difplay'd, 
With  Sadnefs  fill'd,  by  his  Apoftles  feen  : 

And,  whilfl  they  flept,  mofl  fervently  he  pray'd, 
Kneeling  in  Sorrow  on  the  verdant  Green : 

Whilfl  Drops  of  Sweat  increafed  like  a  Flood 

Of  intermingled  Water  with  his  Blood. 


'&' 


Next  Scene  difcover'd    Christ   as  Captive  led 

To  Caiphas,  and  of  his  own  deny'd ;  (97) 
Accus'd,  as  having  much  Diflra6lion  bred. 

To  Pilate  ;  and  to  Herod  fent  in  Pride. 
Scoff'd  at,  brought  back,  and  flript  unto  to  the  Skin, 
To  wound  his  precious  Body  for  our  Sin. 

O  cruel 


(  95  )  I  refer  the  Reader  for  a  (liort  Account  of  them  to  a  little 
Book  in  Verfe,  fet  forth  by  me ;  which  I  carefully  extradled  from  the 
Evangelical  and  Ecclefiaftical  Writers,  in  an  eafy,  chronological  Manner, 
for  my  better  underflanding. 

(  96  )     In  the  26th  Chapter  of  St.  Matthew,   Ver.  30,  S-c. 

( 97  )    But  he  deny'd  be/ore  them  all  saying,  &-c.     Ver.  70. 


[   89  ] 

O  cruel  Li6tors  !  worfe  than  Heathen  Rome  I 
To  bind  our  dear  Redeemer's  facred    Hands  ! 

His  Body  fcourge,  'till  precious  Blood  did  come  ! 

Where  but  from  Hell  had  you  fuch  dire  Commands  ? 

Pilate  did  wafh  his  Hands  ;  but,  g-racelefs,  you 

Compell'd  the  Judge  to  what  he  would  not  do. 

Nor  this  enough,  you  thought :    A  fcarlet  Robe 
Clofe  to  His  wounded  Body  girt  with  Zone ; 

A  Crown  of  Thorns,  as  tho'  his  Head  you'd  probe, 
With  num'rous  Wounds  ;  thefe  you  with  Scorn  put  on : 

You  pull'd  the  Garment  off  to  caufe  more  Pain  ;  (98) 

And  let  the  tort'ring  Diadem  remain. 

Women  beholding  feem'd  for  to  deplore  ; 

Bearing  his  Crofs,  which  fcarcely  could  be  borne ; 
And  as  he  fell,  with  Clubs  they  bruis'd  mofl  fore 

That  facred  Flelh  their  Rods  and  Whips  had  torne. 
Well  might  he  fay  Words  melting  and  divine, 
Were  ever  Sorrows  like  to  thefe  of  mine  ! 

Thus  did  the  Virgins  paint  the  (99)  Lamb  of  God, 
Fair  without  (lOO)  Blemifh,  brighter  far  than  Gold; 

That  Lamb,  which  is  the  (loi)  Light  of  Heav'n's  Abode, 
Of  Whom  the  (102)  noble  Prophet  had  foretold; 

The  Crofs,  the  Altar,  with  the  Sacrifice; 

And  mournful  Angels  hov'ring  in  the  Skies. 

What 


( 98  )  It  is  astonishing  to  think  of  their  unheard-of  Cruelty ;  that,  whilst 
they  mock'd  our  Blessed  LORD,  they  should  invent  Torments  ansiverable  to 
their  malicious  Contempt.  The  Robe,  ivhich  they  had  fixed  close  to  his  Body, 
became  cemented  with  his  precious  Blood ;  so  that  when  they  tore  it  off  by 
Violence,  it  no  doubt  caused  great  Misery.  The  Thorns  occasion'd  72  Wounds, 
saith  Orofius. 

(99)    foh.  i.  29. (100)     I.  Pet.  i.  19. (  loi  )    Rev.  xxi.  23. 

(  102  )    Isa.  liii.  7. 


[  90  ] 

What  Sorrow  did  the  Virg-in  MARY  feel, 
An  Evang-elick  Quill  doth  plain  impart;  (103) 

Such  as  more  piercing-  prov'd  than  deadly  Steel, 
A  Sword  of  Grief  to  wound  her  tender  Heart ! 

Well  may  (he  be  in  future  Ages  blefs'd. 

As  by  her  Son's  dear  Church  fhe  is  confefs'd. 

Thus  having  fhewn  him  in  the  Pains  of  Death, 
And  lifelefs  like  an  harmlefs  Lamb  that's  flain ; 

His  Brightnefs  quickly  pierc'd  the  folid  Earth, 
And  caus'd  the  Gates  of  Hell  to  burfl  in  twain  : 

A  joyful  Time  to  Thofe  who  were  detain'd. 

When  they  at  length  their  bleffed  Freedom  gain'd. 

For  when  that   Nicodemus,    Ruler  bright, 
With  pious  Joseph,    did  the  Corpfe  obtain  ; 

Embalm'd  with  Spices,  wrapt  in  Linnen  white, 
Had  laid  it  in  a  Monument  mofl  clean  : 

The  Pow'rs  of  Hell  and  Earth  became  afraid, 

When  Strength  divine  had  rais'd   him  from  the  Dead. 


't>' 


But  his  Difciples  befl  of  all  could  tell. 

When  to  their  wond'rous   Sight  he  did  appear; 

What  Sweetnefs  to  their  Souls  he  did  reveal. 
As  likewife  to  his  tender  Mother  dear ; 

'Till  forty  Days  b'ing  paft,  he  did  afcend 

To  Heav'n's  high  Kingdom,  which  will  never  end. 

From  thence  he  fent  to  them  the    Holy   Ghost, 

Which  his  Difciples  did  fo  high  infpire. 
That  thofe  who  heard  them  feem'd  in  Raptures  lofl, 

Whilft.  o'er  their  Heads  appeared  Tongues  like  Fire. 
And   as    an    Emblem    of  coeleflial  *  Love, 
There  hover'd  in  the  Midfl  an  heav'nly  Dove. 

Then 
(  103  )     Luh.  ii.  35.  *  Acts  ii. 


[  91   ] 

Then   all   the   Saints,    in   proper   Order  plac'd, 
Seem'd   to   difplay   the   high   fupernal   Court ; 

Each   Nitch   was   with   a   comely   Imag-e   grac'd, 
And   all   the   Pillars   of    majeflic    Sort. 

The   Windows   g-lorious,    lofty   ev'ry    Spire, 

That   charm'd   the    Sight,    and   did   the   Mind   infpire. 

St.    Christopher,    who   bore   the   heav'nly   Child, 
Seem'd   to   wade   deeper   in   the   fwelling   River ; 

Whild   on   his    Shoulders   the   fweet   Infant   fmil'd, 

Pleas'd  that  his  Weight  had  made  the  flrong  Man  quiver. 

Thrice   happy   Thofe,    to   whom   our   Lord    appears, 

And   flrikes   their    Souls   with   holy  Joys    or   Fears  ! 

The    Pulpit   mofl   ftupendous   did   appear, 

With   glitt'ring   Angels ;    Figures   of  pure    Gold ; 

Seraphs   and   Cherubs ;    all   the   Orders   were, 
As   tho'    alive,    fo    nat'ral   to  behold : 

The   Tabernacle   in   exalted    Place, 

And   every   Thing   that   could   GOD'S   Altar   grace. 

The  Tombs  of  Paflors,  Lords,  or  Hero's  great, 
Were   here   and   there   in   decent    Manner   rais'd  ; 

Fair  Ladies  who  had  rais'd  the  Church's  State, 
Here   found   Sepulchres,  and  were  folemn  prais'd  : 

And   thus   next   Heav'n   their   Oratory   feem'd ; 

Or  Noah's  Ark,   a  Place   of  Safety  deem'd. 

For   here   the    Sick  were   cured   by   her   Prayers ; 

Deep   Wounded    Spirits    met   Soul-faving   Health : 
Whilfl   the    Opprefs'd   were    eafed   of  their   Cares, 

And   Poor   fupply'd   with   befl   of   well-fpar'd   Wealth. 
None   to   the   Gates   that   came   to   beg   or   pray. 
For  J  E  S  U  '  S   Sake,   were   empty  fent   away. 

O  what 


[    92    ] 

O   what   a   lovely    Sanctuary   this ! 

Blefs'd   Afyhnn   to   thofe   who   were    opprefl  1 
Inflead   of  Sorrow,    here   to   meet   with   Blifs ! 

Or  yokeful   Labours,    find   refrefhing-   Reft ! 
Such   as    make   eafy   Life's   hard   Pilgrimage, 
And   help   them    over   this   terreftrial    Stage. 

For  when    the    Sick   were    on   their    Death-Beds   laid, 
There   wanted   not   with   them    who   did   condole ; 

But,    what   was   more,    due    Preparation    made, 
Whereby   to   fave   each   dear   immortal    Soul ; 

And,    when   the   fleeting   Ghofts   this   Earth   did   leave, 

Took  Care  to   lay  their  Bodies   in   the   Grave. 


CHAP. 


C  93   ] 
CHAP.      IX. 

Zlbe  Brounient 

Virgins   S.    W  I  N  E  F  R  E  D  ftcrround, 
Whiljl  JJie   declares   her    Thoughts  profound ; 
From    Reafon   and  from    Scripture   tells 
Whaf  s   Happinefs,    and  where   it   dwells. 

■^/E   facred   Virgins,    innocent   and    fair, 

Who  now  are  (104)  veil'd,  to  ferve  the  Lord  of  Heav'n, 
O   let   the   Words,    which    I   fhall   here   declare. 

Deep    in   your   tender   Hearts   be   fo   engrav'n ; 
That,    leaving   Parents,    People,    All,    thro'    Duty, 
The   King   may   have  great   Pleafure   in  your   Beauty.  (105) 

Think   of  (106)  Obedience,   which   you   have   profefs'd. 
Let   Chaflity   and    Patience   flill    be    found ; 

Free    from   the   World,    now   fet   your   Souls   to    refl, 
That   Perfeverance   may   at   length   be   crown'd. 

Look   on   this    Place,    as   'tis.    Religion's    School ; 

Where,    tho'    I   govern,    thro'    kind    Heav'n    I    rule. 

'Twas    for   your   Sake    I   did    Submiffion    learn, 
As   you,    no   doubt,    will   do   the   fame   for   mine : 

And   then   the    Pow'rs,    which   all   our   A6ls   difcern. 
Will   knit   the    Union,    make    us   fo   combine, 

As   to   find   Favour   in    their   bleffed    Sight, 

Since   to  (107)  fear   GOD   in   Wifdom   we   unite. 

Religion 

(  104  )     About  25  Years  old  was  the  ufual  time ;   but  now  they  are 
accepted  much  younger,  according  to  Judgment. 

(  105)     Psal.  xlv.  10,  II.      Hearken,  0  Daughtcy,  &'C. 

(  106 )     I.    Pet.    V.    5.       Likewise  ye  younger,    submit  yourselves,    S'C. 
Miiltb  tutius  est,  stare  in  subjectione,  quam  in  pnelatura.     Kem. 

(  107  )    Initium  enim  sapientia  timor   DOMINI. 


[  94   ] 

Religion,   truly,    makes   us  all   to   find 

What  'tis   we   are,    and   lefs   our   felves   elate ; 

The    Body's    Illnefs    oft   brings    Health    of  Mind,  (io8) 
And   That   renews   us   to   a  better   State. 

It   makes   us   think,    and   cafl  (109)  on    God   our   Care, 

Who  is  our  (i  10)  Shepherd,  and  whofe  Voice  we  hear,  (i  1 1) 

Whilft,   fome    for   Gain    explore   the   raging   Flood, 
And   others   Towns   and   Cities   fet   on    Fire ; 

Whilll  vile    Oppreffors    do    enfnare   the    Good, 

'Till    in    deflru6live    Lufls   themfelves    expire:  (112) 

Whilfl   griping  (113)  Mifers,    glutting   in    their   Store, 

Exult,    thro'   Joy,    in   feeing   others   poor. 

Whilfl   fome    in   Waters   perifli,    fome    in    Flame, 
Or   thro'   the    Force    of  fharp   avenging   Steel ; 

Or   in   damp    Prifons,    fill'd    with   Care    and    Shame, 
The   greatefl   Pains   and   Cruelties   do    feel : 

Perhaps   are    fallen   from   an   high    Eflate, 

Which   make   their   Lives   of  Miferies   replete. 

Whilfl   Reafon   feems   extin6l,    and   Paffions   glow ; 

When   Anger   roars    more   fierce   than   flormy  Winds : 
Whilfl   Envy's   pointed    Stings    no    Limits   know, 

'Till  (114)  Death   at   length    its   filly    Owner   binds; 
Happy   are   we   fecur'd   from    all   thofe   Thralls, 
No    Harms   will   come   within    our   peaceful   Walls. 

For 


(  108)     Corporis  morbus  animi  saliis.  D  r  e  x  e  l. 

(  109  )     Sec  for  Comfort  in  Psalm   Ixxiii.   Verse   23,  &c.       And  in  the 
fifth  Chapter  of  the  First  of  St.  Peter,   Ver.  6,  7. 

(no)     I.  Pet.  ii.  25.     Psal.  xxv.   i.         (  in)     Joh.  x.  3. 

(  112  )     I.  Titn.    vi.  9.  10.  (  113  )     Non   qui  parum  habet,  sed  qui 

plus  cup  it  pauper   est. — Quant    difficulter  qui  pcamias   habent,    introibunt   in 
^egnum  DEI.     Luke  xviii.  24.  (  114  )    Job  v.  ii. 


[   95   ] 

For   here    no   Thoug-hts    impure   can   wound   the    Heart ; 

Nor  yet   deluding,    or   deluded   Man, 
Thro'    Sin's    Propenfion,    work   our   bitter   Smart, 

Tho'    they   attempt   to   do   the   worfl   they   can. 
No,    never   fliall   vain   Youth    attain   their   Ends, 
To   make   us   lofe    GOD'S   Favour,    and   our    Friends. 

'Tis   true,    we   do   the   nuptial    State   decline, 

But   not   condemn   what   is   approv'd   by   Heav'n. 

Where   Love   connubial    reigns,    'tis   fure   divine ; 
And   as   a   fruitful    Blefling   That   is   giv'n. 

If  virtuous    Spoufes   righteous    Laws   purfue, 

They   may   love   Christ,    and   one   another   too. 

But  when   that   true   Affe6lion    is   not   found, 
Expos'd   they   float   as   on   a   boifl'rous    Sea ; 

'Till   almofl   lofl   in    Cares,    in   Troubles   drown'd. 
Each   drives   to    Ruin    in   a   diff'rent   Way : 

And   what   a   gloomy   dreadful    State   is   this. 

To   fly   thofe    Paths   that   lead   to   Bow'rs    of  Blifs ! 

Love   comes    from   Heav'n  :    'Tis  there  they  fmg  and  love. 

When   Virtue   fhines   in   Youth   and   harmlefs   Maids, 
Defcending-  Joys   will    fhade   them   from    above, 

Whilfl   nothing   here   their   Happinefs   invades. 
May   mutual   Comforts   blefs   them   whilft   on   Earth, 
And   Love   eternal   crown   them   after   Death ! 

Nor   let   our   State,    we   voluntary   chofe. 
Be   lefs   efleem'd,    becaufe    more   fet   apart 

To  follow   the   bright   Lamb   where-e'er   he  goes,  (115) 
For   which   he   yields   to   us   his   precious    Heart : 

Dearer   than    Children    doth   his   Love    proclaim ; 

As   promis'd   to    us,    with   a   better   Name.  (116) 

Then, 


(  115  )     Rev.  xiv.  4.      (  116  )     Eve7i  unto  them  will  I  give  a  better  place 
in  mine  house,  and  within  my  walls,  a  place  and  a  name  better  than  sons  and 

daughters, 


[   96  ] 

Then,    happy   Virgins !  if,    with   pure    Defire, 

You   long   to   imitate   your   Saviour   dear ; 
Faith's  (117)  Author,    unto   Whom   we    fhould   afpire, 

Who   fends   us  (i  18)  Comforts   to   difpel   our   Fear; 
Which,    like  (119)  foft    Showers,    lovingly   defcends ; 
And    proves    Him   kindefl,    dearefl,    beft   of  Friends. 

With    Food   and    Raiment   let   us   be   content;  (120) 
For  what   we   have    our   grateful    Love   exprefs. 

Expe6l   not   always   Bleffmgs   to   be   fent, 

As   tho'    no    Sorrows   grac'd   our   dear   Recefs. 

We   mufl   be  (121)  try'd,    as    Gold    is    purg'd   by   Fire. 

No    Place   on    Earth    from    Grief  is   quite    entire.  (122) 

Alas !    the   Defert   did    not   wholly   fhield 

The   bleffed  JESUS   in    his    Solitude; 
For   Satan,    like    a   Champion    of  the    Field, 

Attack'd   his   Lord   whilfl    fafling   in    the   Wood. 
But   tho'    the   Tempter   rages    near   at   hand, 
He   none   can   hurt   without   divine   Command. 

The    Prophets,    perfecuted,    Heav'n   rever'd ; 

So   did    K.    David,   by   his    Son   brought   low:  (123) 
And   HezekiaKs    Plaints   were   kindly   heard 

By  Him,  who  did  his  deep  Affli6lion  know : 
Who  bids  us  call,  will  hear  us  when  we  cry ; 
And,   whilll   we   truft   in    Him,    will    raife    us   high.  (124) 

Whoe'er's 


daughters.  Ifa.  Ivi.  5.,  i.e.  Nomen  conjugis  dabo  eis.  Non  cnim  falso 
canit  Ecclesia  de  Sanctis  virginibus,  Vents  ponsa  Christi,  accipe  coronam  quam 
tibi  Dominiis  praparavit  in  atemum.     Bellar.  de  setern.  felicit.  fantftorum. 

(  117  )  Heb.  xii.  2.  (  118  )  See  Pfal.  iv.  xxvii.  xxxviii.  cxxi.  &c. 
(  119  )  Deut.  xxxii.  2.  (  120  )  I.  Tim.  vi.  8.  Pliil.  iv  6.  (  121  )  II.  Tim. 
iii.  12.  Job  vii.  18.  (  122  )  Ubi  namqiie  tvibulatio,  ibi  &■  consolatio;  ubi 
consolatio  ibi  &  gratia  est.     Drexel.       (123)  P5«^.  cxix.  71.     (124)  /i«.  xl.  31. 


[  97   ] 

Whoe'er's  (125)  unlearnt   fad    Suffering-s   to   bear, 
Impatient   proves   beneath   the   heav'nly   Rod ; 

Difpleafing-    Him,    we    know,    who  (126)  loves   us   dear, 
And   is   no   lefs   than   our   Almighty   GOD! 

To   be   reje6ted,    we    fliould   always    fear ; 

Not   any   Pains   that   can   attend    us    here.  (127) 

Now  what   will    make   us   lov'd   in   J E S  U'  S  Sight, 
Is   CHARITY,  (128)  fair    Virtues  comely   Queen; 

Sweet   Union's    Stamp,    clear   as    coeleflial    Light ; 
That   Love,    which   loves   what's   holy   to   be   feen : 

Entire  (129)  Submiflion   to   the   Will    of  Heav'n, 

In   whatfoe'er   State   we    (hall   be   driv'n. 

Let  (130)  Contemplation    refllefs    Paffions   calm; 

And   wing'd   with    Love   to    full    Perfe6lion   g-ain : 
'Twill   prove   as    unto   painful   Wounds   a   Balm ; 

When   we,    by   Labour,    that   high   Mount   attain  : 
Where,    like  (131)  Olympus    Top,    is    conflant   Refl, 
And    Heav'n's   bright   Profpe6l   plainer   is    exprell. 

S.    Paul,   who   well   thofe   endlefs   Manfions    knew,  (132) 
Recounts   the   A6ls   by   which   we   may   afpire.  (133) 

Like   David's    Sounds,    from   which  the  Daemon   flew,  (134) 
Elfe   Meditation's   like    a   filent   Lyre;  (135) 

Whereby   Temptations   might   fo   bear   us   down. 

As   to   make   void   our   glorious   promis'd   Crown,  (136) 

Avoid 

(  125  )     Tanto  qiiisque  minus  est  doctus,  quanta  minus  castigationis  paticns. 

(  126 )  Qxmn  enim  diligit  Dotninus,  castigat,  &•:.  Heb.  xii.  6. 
Psal.  xciv.  12. 

(  127  )     Ne  timeas  flagellari,  sed  timeas  exharedari. 

(  128  )  Radix  omnium  bonorum  est  charitas.  Quid  suave  fecit  jugum 
paupcytatis,  &•  continentiii ,  cS-  obedienticB  tot  milibus  religiosorum  cS-  sancti- 
monialum,  nisi  oleum  charitatis  ?    Bellar. 

(  129  )  Divince  voluntatis  regula  sine  omni  exceptione  est.  Bomim  est 
tibi  humiliari  sub  potenti  manu  Dei.     Drexel. 

(  130  )  Contemplationis  plmna  nos  subkvat,  atque  inde  divind  dulccdine 
ad  caelum  erigimur.    Bonavent.         (  131  )     Olympi  cacumen  semper  quietum. 

(  132  )     II.  Cor.  xii.  2,  (S'C. 

{  133  )  Rom.  xii.  ^c.  (  134  )  I.  Sam.  xvi.  23.  (  135  )  Meditatio  sine 
exertio  similis  est  lyrce  taciturnce.        (  136  )  Jam.  i.  12. 


[   98   ] 

Avoid   Prefumption,    equal   as   Defpair;  (137) 

Two   dang'rous    Rocks,    on   which   fo    many   fplit  : 

Without   GOD'S   Help,    alas !    rnofl  weak   we   are ; 
But  (138)  flrong-   to   a6l,    if  He    fliall   think   us   fit. 

In    awful   Silence,    ancient   ev'n   as   time,  (139) 

Think   mofl   of  Him    in   Thoug^hts   the    mofl   fublime. 

But   if  to   fpeak   at   any   Time    requir'd. 
Let   your   Difcourfe   be   fhort   and   reverent. 

Speech    is   the   Gift   of    Heav'n,    fo   much   admir'd, 
The   Mind's   fair   Index,    Nature's   Ornament  ! 

How   melts   the    Heart,    whilfl   it   perfuafive    reigns ; 

And,    like   fweet   Mufick,    trickleth   thro'    the   Veins. 

True   in   your   Words,    like    Hours   to   the    Sun ; 

Jufl   in   your   A6lions ;   all    exa6l   agree  : 
No   Inj'ries   do,    but   rather   bear   what's   done. 

In    Imitation   of  DIVINITY: 
Pray   for  your   Foes ;    for  Vengeance   doth   belong 
To   GOD,    who   knows   when    to   revenge    our   Wrong. 

Thrice   happy   They,    altho'    on    Earth   opprefs'd, 
Whom    Heav'n   to   vifit   kindly   condefcends  ! 

Unknown   to   Men,    by   Angels   are   carefs'd, 

Whofe   Love   exceeds   That   of   the   proudefl   Friends. 

Blefs'd   Comforters,    whom    God   is   pleas'd   to   fend ; 

And   dear   Condu6tors   when   all    Sorrows   end!    (140) 

Nor  think  like  BaVloris  Streams  this  Life  appears, 

Where  (f )  Floods  do  threaten,  and  high  Billows  foam ;  (|) 

Nor  flrive  to  add  to  thefe  our  flreaming  Tears, 
Too  apt  to  fhow'r  as  Sicknefs  calls  us  home  ! 


Since  !' 


(  137  )     Rarissinie  vicit,  qiii  victor iam  ante  pugnam  desperavit. 

(  138  )     Psal.   cvi.  2.  and    cviii.   13.       Isa.    xl.    29,  31.       Phil.  iv.   13. 
Joh.  viii.  12.     Rom.  viii.  31.     Si  Deus  pro  nobis,  quid  contra  nos  ? 

(  139  )     Thought  coseval  with  Eternity,  before  Nature  began. 

(  140  )     Job.  iii.  17.    Psal.  xci.  11.     Luke  xvi.  22. 

( t )  Psal-  Ixix.  2.     ( t )  Or  like  troubled  fea,  saith  Isaiah  Ivii.  20. 


[  99  ] 
Since  Heav'n's  Phyfician  then  can  befl  avail,  (141) 
When  fkilful  Do6lors  round  our  Beds  do  fail. 

Then,  whilfl  amidfl  the  gloomy  Shades  of  Death, 
With  Confcience  pure,  we  need  not  be  afraid;  (142) 

But  in  the  Lord  (143)  mofl  precious  yield  our  Breath, 
When  Angels  bright  our  hov'ring  Souls  fliall  lead. 

With  heav'nly  Mufick,  borne  upon  their  Wings,  (144) 

To  meet  our  lovely  Spoufe,  the  King  of   Kings. 

Holy  of  Holies  !  Oh  !  that  wond'rous  Place  !  (145) 
There  dwells  the  Prince  of  Angels  we  revere  ! 

With  Saints  furrounded  in  his  Throne  of  Grace, 
Refulgent  Brightnefs  fills  the  glorious  Sphere  ! 

Whilfl  Joys  exprefslefs  thro'  Heav'n's  Choir  abounds. 

And  Harmony  in  ev'ry  (146)  Manfion  founds. 

Tho'    diff'rent   Glories   mofl    refplendent   fliine, 
Yet   equal    Pleafures   charm   the    Ever-Blefl :  (147) 

For   there   the   Love   of  (148)  GOD   in   All    combine. 
That   tends   to   mutual   Charity   and    Reft : 

Where    Saints    inceffant   praife,    and   never   tire ; 

But   fill'd   with    Raptures   ever   do   afpire.    (149) 

This,    I    pray   GOD,   we    may   at   laft   obtain. 

For  which   let   one    another   Heav'n   befeech. 

So  /aid,  JJie   blcfs'd  her   lovely     Virgin    Train, 

Who   zvept   in   Love   to   hear   her   vielting    Speech. 

With  Jledfajl   Faith   ajid  mutual  Joys   infpird, 

All   took   their   Leave,    and  to   their    Cells   retir'd. 

CHAP. 

(  141  )  Et  licet  morientis  lectum  pcritissimi  medicoriim  cingant,  nullus 
juvare  potest,  nisi  medicus  e    ccelo.     Drexel. 

Et  abstersurus  est  Deus  omnem  lacrymam  ab  oculis  eorum,  Rev.  xxi.  4. 

(  142  )     Psal.  xxiii.  4.         (  143  )  I.  Pet.  i.  9.     II.  Tim.  iv.  7,  8. 

(  144  )  Ezek.  i.  8.  (145)  O  regnum  beatitudinis  sempitera,  ubi  tu  Domine 
spes  es  sanctorum,  iSf  diadcma  gloria,  facie  ad  facicm  videris  a  Sanctis ;  latificans 
eos  undique  in  pace  tua,  qua  exsiipenit  omnem  sensum.  (146)  Novas  semper 
harmonias  vox  meloda  concrepat. 

(  147  )  Dispar  est  gloria  singulorum,  sed  communis  est  Icetitia  omnium. 

(  148  )  Omne  opus  eorum  latis  Dei  sijie  fine,  sine  defectione,  sine  labore. 
Meditat.  &  Sol.  jS.  Aug.        (  149  )  II.  Cor.  iv.  17.     I.  Pet.  v.  4. 


[    100] 

CHAP.       X  . 

Uhc  Hroument. 

The   Afls   of  B  u '  N  0   here   is  praised. 
Who   many    Churches  fair   had  rais'd  ; 
To   whom  great    Ho7iour   had  been  giv'71, 
Be/ore   he   dy'd,    and  wcfit   to    Heav'n. 

\  FTER   St,    Win'frid   was    to    Life    reflor'd, 

Bu'no   became   a   Priefl   of    mig-hty   Fame : 
And   being-   call'd    in    Spirit   by   the    LOR  D, 

His   Will   in    diflant   Places   to   proclaim, 
He    for   her   Parents   dear   did   fervent   pray, 
And   unto   them   thefe    pious   Words   did   fay. 

"As   you    for   CHRIST'S   dear   Sake  a  Church    has   giv'n, 
"  At   Finho7i,   where   the    Faithful    GOD   implore ; 

"  So   are   you   now   rewarded   by   kind    Heav'n, 
"And   will   be   blefs'd    therein    for   evermore. 

"  An   holy   Man    fliall    in    my   Place   prefide ; 

"And   let   your   Daughter's   Virtues   be   your   Guide. 

"And   you,    fair  Win'fred  !    flrive   to    run    the    Race, 
"As   I   have   taught   you   with   true    Pains    and    Care  : 

"Virgins   fele6l,    and   be   your   Dwelling-Place 
"  Round   the   faid   Temple,    in   true   Order   there : 

"And   when    for  fev'n   Years   thus   you    have   obey'd, 

"You   will   depart   from   thence,    my   heav'nly   Maid! 

"  For   Strangers   will    from    foreign   Countries   come, 

"To   be    inflru6led    in   Religious    Rules; 
"Your   Piety   will   found   thro'    Chrijlcndom, 

"And  your  Example  fhine  in  all  their  Schools. 
"Weep  not,  fair  Daughter!  tender  Parents  dear! 
"Dry   up   thofe   Tears   that   on   your   Cheeks   appear." 

This 


[  loi] 

This   faid,    he   led   them    to   the   cryflal    Fount, 
And,    having-   pray'd   a   while,    he   thus   begfun  : 

Virgin,    behold !    GOD'S    Power   will  funnoiint ! 
See  you   thofe    Stones  o'er   which    the     Waters   rim  ? 

'T-ivas  from  your   Blood  that   they   the    T injure  gaiti  d, 

When  you   the    Croivji   of  Martyrdom   obtaitt'd. 

Their  fang  nine    Spots   can   ne'er   be   ivafi'd  away:  (150) 

And  ivhofoever   three   times  journeys   here. 
With    Souls   devout,    tho'    Sichiefs    them    decay, 

Will  find  a  gracious   Anfwer   to   their   Prafr. 
As   near   the   Ocean    1   intend  my    Cell, 
There's  one    Thing   more   that   I  to  you   ytiuf  tell. 

If  once   a    Year  you    are    difpos'd  to  fend 
A    Token,    lay   it   in   this   limpid  Stream  : 

Ne'er  fear   but   Providence   will   7ne   befriend, 
Whereby   I  furely  ftall   receive   the  fame. 

And  now  farewell ;    but   tho'    I  bid  you  fo. 

Still  I  ftall  pray  for  you,    where   e'er   I  go. 

So  faid,    they   parted,    and   that    Life    fhe   led 
As   he   defir'd ;    and   when  e'er   fhe   fent 

A   Parcel   wrapt,    'twas    at   the    Fountain's   Head 
She   laid   the    fame,    and   fwiftly   on    it   went 

Until   it   came    towar'd   the   welcome    Strand, 

Which   driven    clofe   to   Shore,   came  to   his   Hand. 


As 


(  150  )     There  is  at  Whitby  headless  serpentine  Stones,  of  which  Camden 
thiis  twites.    HiLD^  atdem  precibus  adscribit  credulitas,  tanquam  ilia  commiitdsset 
qxice  primitiva  Saxonum  ecclesia,  sacrerdotum  tonsures,  &•  Paschalis  juxta  Roma- 
7inm  ritum  celehrationi  pro  viribus  obsistebat,  synodo  his  de  rebus  anno  664  habita 
in  monasterio  svo,  quod  hoc  in  loco  posuerat,  &<  cui  ipsa  prima  pr(sf nit. 


[    102] 

As   Christ  well    knew,   that  in   a   Fifh's   Mouth 
There   might   be   found   a   Piece   of  Silver   laid ; 

And   order'd  (151)  Peter   for   to    prove   the   Truth, 
Whereby   that    Ccefar's   Tribute    mig-ht   be    paid  : 

So    did   he   fay   to    his   Apoflles    true, 

They   might   thro'  Faith   do   what   they   faw   him  do.  (152) 

Thus    faithful   Bu'no,    and    St.    Win'frid    fair. 

As   one    dire6led,  t'other   did   obey : 
And    Both    in    Sight   of  Heav'n   was   held   fo    dear, 

As   made   obfequious   prove   the   roaring   Sea. 
The   ^ftuary   is   by   BRITONS  fam'd. 
And   the    fair   Creek  Port   of  the    Vejlment  nam'd.  (153) 

So   great   the   Virgin's   Fame   abroad    had   fpread, 
That   Lords   and    Bifhops   came   to    Guitherme  : 

For   that   a   Martyr   dear   fhould   lofe   her   Head, 
And   live !    did   feem    mofl   wond'rous    and    divine  : 

But   when   the   Fa6l   before   their   Eyes    was   feen. 

They   more   admir'd   than    did   fair    Sheba's   Queen.  (154) 

Tho'    importun'd,    fhe   car'd   not   to   reveal 

Her   Pure    White    Circle   round   her    Iv'ry   Neck ; 

Until   her  Virgins   Suit   did   more    prevail, 
Whofe    dear   Defires   fhe   thought   not   fit   to    check  : 

But   when   fhe   threw   her   fable   Veil  afide, 

None   could   behold   the   fame,    but  wept   and   cry'd. 

Ah! 

(  151  )  Mat.  xvii.  27.  (  152  )  Joh.  xiv,  12.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto 
you,  He  that  believeth  on  me,  the  works  that  I  do,  shall  he  do  also ;  and  greater 
works  than  these  shall  he  do,  because  I  go  unto  my  Father. 

(  153  )  In  Welfli  Forth  y  Cassul.  The  firft  Prefent  was  a  fine  wrought 
Veflment,  which  St.  Bucno  placed  in  the  Veflry  of  the  Parifh  Church  of 
Clynnog,  fituated  near  the  inlet  from  the  Sea. 

(  154  )     II.  Chron.  ix./rom  beginning  to  Ver.  12. 


[  103  ] 

Ah !   wicked    Prince,    they  fat'd,   what   flinty   Heart, 
But   your's,    could   a6t   fo   infamous   a   Crime  ? 

Thus   for   to   make   fo   g^ood   a   Creature   fmart ; 
So    innocent   a   Maid,    yet   fo    fublime ! 

But   yet   fhe  lives  to    prove   when    Martyrs    bleed, 

Their   precious   Blood   becomes   the    Church's    Seed.  (iSS) 

Then   from   their   Cheeks   the    Tears   would  trickle  down. 
As   tho'   they   faw   her   circled    in    fad    Fears ; 

Or   fympathiz'd   with   her   in    ev'ry   Moan, 

And    Sigh    fhe   vented,    when    immerg'd    in    Cares : 

Which    made   her  weep,    and   alfo   them    confole, 

With    Praife   to    Heav'n,    that   thus   had    made   her   whole. 

And   is   it   You,    they  faid,   that   lovely   Star, 

Which   to   your   heav'nly   Spoufe   appears   fo    fair  ? 
'  Whofe    Light   has   led   us    fpangling   from   a-far. 

And   brought   us   where   true   Virtues   fhining   are  } 

That   in    our   holy   Churches   do   refound  ! 

And    fhall   we   fay,    that   you    at   length   we've    found } 

You,    whom    St.    Bu'no    did   fo   dear   efleem. 
And   told   your   moving   from    fair   Holy-  Well  P 

At   whofe   Deceafe,   jufl   Heav'n    did   wifely    deem 
That   Eight   Miles   you    fliould    travel   to   the   Cell 

Of  D  E  I F  E  R  !    and   then    to    Hcnthlant  neat. 

Where    venerable    Saturn   keep   his   Seat .? 

O   what   extatic  Joys   your   Mind   mufl   fill, 

Blefs'd   Virgin !   when    he   did   dire6l  you   here : 

Where   Bloody   Tyrants   have    no    Pow'r   to   kill, 
And   nothing   more    prevails   than    heav'nly   Pray'r : 

Where   GOD'S   true   Word    to    Sin    becomes   a   Sword ; 

Who,    pleas'd,    looks   down   to   fee    Himfelf  ador'd. 

What 

(  155  )     Sanguis  martyvnm,  semen  Ecclesice, 


[  104] 

What  lovely  Thing's  of  you  can  we  now  fay, 
Fair  Patronefs,  and  Glory  of  our  Land  ! 

Since  we're  affur'd  for  us  you'll  ever  pray, 
And  Bleffings  draw  from  the  Almighty's  Hand  : 

Long-  live,  dear  Creature  !  live  till  hence  you  foar. 

On  Angels  Wings,  to  live  for  evermore. 

The  modefl.  Virgin  blulh'd  to  hear  fuch  Praife, 

Which  more  increas'd  their  high  Efteem  and  Love 

She  bore  the  fame,  becaufe  fhe'd  not  difpleafe  ; 
But  gave  the  Glory  to  the  Pow'r  above  : 

And  in  Return  fhe  had  fuch  Favours  giv'n, 

That  each  Beholder  judg'd  Her  fit  for  Heav'n. 

For  fev'ral  Years,  whilft.  W  i  n  '  f  r  e  d  was  rever'd 
At  Finhons  Dwelling,  B  u '  n  o  was  employ'd 

In  founding  Churches,  whilfl  the  People  heard 
Sweet  Preaching,  that  their  Souls  were  overjoy'd  : 

And  many  Converts  came,  from  diflant  Lands, 

To  feek  for  Baptifm  at  his  facred  Hands. 

Thus  did  his  Life  and  Miracles  accord, 
In  whom  was  kindled  fuch  an  holy  Flame, 

He  travell'd  far  to  ferve  his  bleffed  Lord  ; 
And  when  fo  done,  again  to   CaiJibria  came. 

No  Labour  fpar'd  he  precious  Souls  to  bring. 

By  Heav'nly  Knowledge,  to  the  Heav'nly   KING. 

King  Cad  VAN  much  elleem'd  this  holy  Priefl, 
Who  at  one  Time  appear'd  before  his  Throne ; 

And  found  fuch  Goodnefs  in  his  royal  Breafl, 
As  rais'd  his  Spirits  more  to  beg  a  Boon. 

Which  he  defign'd ;  a  Monaflry  to  build  : 

To  which  Requefl  the  pious  Prince  did  yield. 

The   End   of  the  Third   PART. 


$  Britifli    PIETY    Difplay'd     | 

*y  In    the    Glorious                                 ^ 

J  Life,  ^xxffevnt!^,  and    Death  ;|; 

J  Of  the  Bleffed                                     J^ 

?  St.  WINEFRED :       t 

T  A   Noble  Virgin,  martyr'd  for  her  renowned  *^ 

^  Chaftity,  in  Wales  :    Where,  at   Her  Cele-  S 

►p  brated  Fountain,  called  Holv-Well,  many  ►j^ 

^  affli6led    Perfons    have    been  happily  freed  4* 

2^  from    their    miferable     Diftempers    in    paft  J 

3^  Centuries  :      The    falutiferous     Quality    of  3] 

►J^  which    Water,    continuing    in    the    prefent  ^ 

^  -A^gG)    occafions    its     Fame    to    be    fpread  4" 

T  in  far-diftant  Kingdoms.                                     ^ 

T  ^  ►J^  ►J^  ►J^  ►J*  ►J^  ►J*  ►Jfl  ►J^  ►J^  ►J*  ►JoJ<  ►J^  ►J^  ►!<  ^  A  ►!<  ►J*  A  *T* 

£  ...                                "^ 

T  Ecdefia  tnmqtiam  floreyitior,  qiiam  ciun  affUnioi'  inter  cruces  &'  *t^ 

*T*  gladios  fuorum  viartyrum  pugnas  &"  vi^orms  fpcHavit. —  *t* 

T  Nat  lira  rerum  ad  Detnn  nos  en'git.      Quain  viag7iifica  fimt  •r* 

>b  Opera  Tua,  D  0  MI N E  !                                                4* 

j;^  '^  D  E  U  S  ter    Optimus   Maximus  in  aquis  fiunmas  excel-  ^ 

^  "  lent  iff imas  recondivit  vires  falutares,  quanim   lafita  ejl  ^ 

^  '■'■  prcBjlantia  tit  longe  7mdtu?nque  omnibus  aliis  remedioriim  ^ 

^  " generibus  jlnt  fuperiores."     That  is,  The  Mojl  Glorious  ^ 

^  and  Omnipotent  God  has  conceal' d  the  greatejl  and  mojl  ^ 

^  excelletit  falubrioiLS  Efficacy  in  the    Waters ;    which  have  j^ 

^  fo  prevalent  a  Power,    that   they  are  far  fuperior  to  all  ^ 

^  other  Kinds  of  Re?nedies.                                                            ^r^ 

^1"^  kX^  kXrf  fci^  kXd  kXrf  kX^  ^L^  wT.^  ^L^  kX^  wT^  wT^  ^T.^  ^Lu  hX^  ^x^  ^l^  wT^  kJ^  ^x^  ^T^   ^l 

*  ^1^  ^i^  ^r^  ^i^  PI ^  pi^  ^X^  ^T^  "1"  ^X^  Pi^  ^1^  pi^  pi^  ^T^  ^T^  ~i~  pi^  ^X^  ^T^  Pi^      * 

^  P  A  R  T     a^    fourth.                      ^ 

4*  4* 

T^  York:    Printed   and   Sold   by   the   Author   Tho.    Gent,        T^ 

*T*  in  Petersate,  Anno  Dom.  Mdccxlii.                               ►t* 


[  106] 


As  CHRIST,  when  youn^,  was  clafp'd  within  the  Arms 

Of  Heav'n's  blefl  Virgin,  and  fecur'd  from  Harms  ; 

So  oft  it  happens,  that  the  Jufl  prote6l 

The  Innocent,  and  not  their  Caufe  neg-le6l : 

Speak  in  Defence  to  Mag-iflrates  of  Towns ; 

And  for  Truth's  Sake  difvalue  Smiles  or  Frowns. 

Thus  B  u '  N  o  a6ted  with  religious  Heart, 

As  you  will  find  perufmg  of  this  Part : 

Which  I  have  drove,  with  no  fmall  Pains,  to  make 

The  Reading-  pleafant  for  the  Reader's  Sake  : 

And  hope  'twill  lad  for  Ages  yet  to  come, 

Since  to  ferve  Others  I  my  Life  confume. 

"  Alij's  ferviens   mcipfiivi   contcro." 


m 


[  107] 


[  loS  ] 


The     Fourth     PART     of 


Sfhe    ^Coly    LIFE    and    DEATH    of 

S.  WINEFRED. 


Continuation    of  the    Tenth    Chapter. 
Containing   a    further    Account    of    St.    Buno's   Piety. 

'npHE    King-'s  fair  Son,  Cadwallon,  did  beflow 

Some  (156)  Lands  likewife  the  Stru6lure  to  enlari^e. 
Whilfl  the  Foundations  laying-  were  below, 
A  Gentlewoman  did  the  work  difcharge. 
A  little  Child  was  clafp'd  within  her  Arms  ; 
When  with  thefe  Words  flie  thus  the  Saint  alarms  : 

Bu'no,  /lie  f aid,  the  Land  is  none  of  your's ; 

But  this  fweet  Infant's,  by  Inheritance. 
He  anfwer'd.  Lady,  He  that  Wrong  procures, 

Deferves  no  Good  from  Men,  or  Heav'n's  Defence. 
Come  to  the  Palace,  where  your  Eyes  may  fee 
The  royal  Prince,  who  fign'd  this  Gift  to  me. 


So 


(  156  )     Historians  write,  They  were  called  Gwareddog. 


[  109] 

So  at  (157)    Cacnnarihc7i  on  a  Day  they  met, 
The  young-  Man  fitting  near   his  Father's  Throne. 

'Twas  wrong", /a/^  B  u '  N  o ,  me,  alas!  to  treat, 

In  granting:  Lands,  which  were  not,   Sir,  your  own. 

Return  the  homag'd   Scepter,  which  I  gave 

To  hold  with  greater  Right  than  what  I  have. 

Vex'd  was  the  Prince,  and  fir'd  at  the  Heart : 
Nor  would  give  back  what  B  u  '  n  o  had  requir'd. 

The  Priefl,  thus  griev'd,  did  excommunicate 
The  royal  Youth,  and  from  the  Court  retir'd. 

The  noble  (158)    Giuiddant,  hearing  the  Complaint, 

Call'd  for  his  Steed,  and  overtook  the  Saint. 

Stay,  holy  Man  !  he  faid,  your  Words  recall, 
And  for  our  aged  King,  his  Son,  and  me. 

Offer  your  Pray'rs  :  Accept  what  now  I  fhall 
Out  of  my  own  Eflate  free  grant  to  thee  : 

A  Townfhip  fair,  to  build,  and   there  implore 

Bleffmgs  from  Heav'n,  ne'er  to  be  troubled  more. 

The  Saint  thus  foften'd  at  the  Noble's  Speech, 
Blefs'd  him  as  David  did  fair  (159)  Abigail ; 

Pleading  for  Nabal,  that  mofl  furly  Leech, 
By  Riches  curs'd,  and  like  by  them  to  fail  : 

Your  Offer,  Sir,  faid  B  u '  n  o,  I  receive  : 

May  Heav'n  reward,  and  add  to  what  you  have  ! 


Then 


(  157  )  Or  Caernarvon,  called  Gear  Seiont,  and  by  the  Roman  Emperor 
Antoninus   Segontium ;    where  a  Church    was   dedicated  in   Honour  of  St. 

SiMPLICIUS. 

(  158  )  He  was  Cousin  German  to  Prince  Cadwellon,  or  Cadwallon, 
&c.  St.  Bu'no  also  came  of  royal  Extract,  in  Montgomeryfhire,  at  the  Fall 
of  the  River  Rhyw,  that  runs  into  Severn,  and  thence  called  Aberhyw.  St. 
Gundeleius  was  his  Grandfather,  and  St.  Dangelius  his  Tutor.  His  Father 
Binfi  descended  from  Cadel  Prince  of  Glefiwig ;  his  Mother  from  Anna, 
Queen  of  the  Pids,  5/5/^;'  to  the  great  K.  Arthur. 

(  159  )     I.  Sam.  XXV.  32,  33,  &c.      And  blessed  be  thou,  &c. 


C    HO] 

Then  did  he  (i6o)  build  a  Church  mofl  neat  and  fair, 
The  Ifles  crofs-ways,  and  ilately  to  behold  ; 

With  lofty  Turrets  fearing  in  the  Air, 

Whofe  S{3ires  did  glitter  like  to  burnifli'd  Gold  : 

And  foon  he  rais'd  a  Monaflry  of  Fame, 

Which  to  his  Praife  was  called  by  his  Name. 

Here  with  the  Clergy,  fweetly  fpending  Time, 

Did  them  affift  in  ferving  of  the  Poor. 
The  Comfortlefs  he  chear'd  with  Thoughts    fublime, 

And  mov'd  the  Rich  to  give  fome  of  their  Store ; 
Since  Christ  would  largely  balance  fuch  a  Sum, 
When  he  in  Glory  as  their  Judge  did  come. 

Thus  having  lived  to  a  good  old   Age, 

A  bright  Example  to  the  Jufl  around  ; 
And  Deiith  at  length  had  mov'd  him  from  Earth's  Stage, 

A  noble  (i6i)   Sepulchre  his  Body  found  : 
Whilfl  his  Remembrance  do's  with  Honour  lafl,    (162) 
Which  Time  thro'  rolling  Ages  ne'er  could  blafl. 

CHAP 


(  160)  Some  disagree  when  it  was  erected;  but  from  the  Monasticon, 
'tis  certain  the  Place  was  called  Clunok  Vaus,  or  Vaur,  or  Klynog-Vaur,  in 
Caernarvonfliire,  almost  as  large  as  St.  DAVID'S  Cathedral.  A  new 
Church  was  erected  contiguous  to  it. 

(  161  )  He  dy'd  in  65o.  His  Memory  in  the  Englifli  Martyrology 
is  celebrated  on  the  i/^th  of  January. 

(  162  )  In  memoria  aterna  crit  Justus.  His  Body  was  bury'd  in  the 
Parifli  Church,  near  Forth  y  Cassul,  or  the  Port  of  the  Veilment,  by 
reafon  of  the  Token  fent  from  5.  WINEFRED,  where  the  Sea  runs  up 
as  an  Inlet.  His  Tomb  is  faid  to  be  remaining  ;  and  her  Hiflory  was 
raoft  curioully  painted  in  the  Glafs  Windows  thereof. 


[  III  ] 

CHAP.      XI. 

Zbc  Hvguinent. 

How   W I N  E  F  R  E  D    (ltd  yield  her   B^-eaih, 
With   her   TranJlatio7i   after   Death ; 
And  frovi  far   di/ia?it   Parts   did  come 
Pilgrims,    ivho   vifited  her    Tomb. 

n"*HE  lovely  Virg-in,  more  and  more  renown'd, 

For  thofe  bright  Virtues  which  adorn'd  her  Mind  ; 
In  ev'ry  Duty  like  the  reft  was  found, 

And  doing  Good  to  All  flie  knew  inclin'd ; 
Thofe  who  were  tempted  quickly  flie'd  perceive ; 
And,  thro'  GOD'S  Help,  moft  ghoftly  Councels  gave. 

More  by  Intreaty,  than  by  harfh  Command, 
She  over  all  did  fweet  Obedience  gain  ; 

To  hear  her  Praifes  flie  would  never  ftand, 
But  rather  Pray'rs  from  Pilgrims  poor  obtain. 

For  nothing  that  fuperfluous  appear'd, 

But  what  was  only  neceffary,  car'd. 

Patience  with  Perfeverance  crown'd  her  Mind, 
And  frequent  Invocations  grac'd  her  Tongue ; 

Her  Extafies  and  Raptures  were  refin'd. 

Her  Voice  like  Angel's  when  fweet  Hyinns  Ihe  fung : 

Her  Love  to  JESUS  did  all  Hearts  inflame ; 

She  always  figh'd,  when  e'er  fhe  heard  his  Name. 

And  as   GOD' S  wonderful  in  all  his  Saints, 
Mirac'lous  Cures  {he  often  did  perform ; 

Sick  People  eas'd  of  all  their  fad  Complaints, 
And  even  thofe  who  did  thro'  Madnefs  ftorm. 

Nay,  her  Difcourfe  did  Malefa6lors  turn, 


And  make  them  for  their  great  Offences  mourn. 


As 


[    112] 

As  late  one  Night  St.  Win'fred  (164)  kneel'd  at  Pray'rs  : 
She  feem'd  encircled  as  with  Rays  of  Light; 

When  to  her  wond'rous  Joy,  there,  lo  !  appears 

(165)  Her  LORD  ftie  thought,  thro'  Faith,  before  her  Sight: 

Who  fignify'd  that  Death  was  drawing  near, 

And  bid  her  for  her  latter  End  prepare. 

''Thy    Will  be  done,"  my  deareft  LORD!  faid  fhe, 
Your  Sight's  delightful  to  my  longing  Mind  : 

Pleas'd  at  Releafement  from  Captivity, 
Now  my  Defire  I  firmly  hope  to  find. 

"  Thy  Kingdom  come''  !     Who  can  thy  blefs'd  Words  fay, 

Yet  with  for  Earth's  Enjoyments,  here  to  (lay.?  (166) 

Alas!  fweet  LORD!  dire  Sins  flrive  to  furround, 
And  from  Temptations  none  are  fcarcely  free!  (167) 

Thy  Number,  foon,  accomplifhed,  be  found  ! 
'MongfL  whom,  I  truft,  thou  hafl  fele6led  me  ! 

Thy  precious  Arms  will  thine  in  Safety  clofe  : 

O  let  my  Soul  with  thee  find  blefs'd  Repofe. 

Fear 


(  164  )     Beati  sevvi  illi,  qnos  cum  venerit  Dominus,  iiivcnerit  vigilantes. 

(  165  )  Thus  did  our  Bleffed  Saviour  appear  unto  St.  Paul  in 
Jerusalem,  Ads  xxii.  ver.  18  to  21.  And  another  time,  when  he  gave 
Encouragement  to  bear  Witnefs  of  Him  in  Rome,  Cap.  xxiii.  11.  Befides, 
Church  Hiflory  tells  us  of  that  Miracle  of  Grace,  and  Nature's  Beauty, 
the  fair  Saint  Potamiana,  (martyr'd  about  the  Year  205,  along  ivith  the 
Virgin  Herhais)  who  appeared  the  third  Night  after  Exectition  to  Bafilides 
the  Soldier,  who  with  Tears  had  been  obliged  to  conduct  her  to  the  Flames; 
when,  holding  a  starry  Diadem  over  his  head,  she  inspired  him  to  Christiatiity, 
by  which  he  obtaiti'd  the  Crown  of  Martyrdom.  About  the  same  time  S. 
Perpetua  had  a  Vision  a  little  before  she  suffer'd,  of  a  narrow  golden  Ladder 
edg'd  with  Knives,  &-c.  And  Zoe,  who  had  been  hung  by  the  Hair,  and 
suffocated,  the  succeeding  Night  encouraged  S.  Sebaflian ;  who  was  cruelly 
wounded  with  Arrows,  atid  most  barbarously  whipt  to  Death. 

(  166  )  Quid  rogamus  &•  petimus,  ut  adveniat  regnum  ccelorum,  si 
captivitas  terrena  delectat  ? 

(  167  )  Nemo  tam  beatus  vivit,  quin  plurimis  obnoxius  vivat  periculis : 
<&•  raro  periculum  sine  periculo  vitatur.     Dkex. 


[  113] 

P'ear  not,  faid  CHRIST;    I  ne'er  forfake  my  own, 
But  come  to  ferve  them  in  their  g-reatefl  Need  ; 

Ang-els  fhall  guide  thee  to  my  Father's  Throne  ; 
A  fecond  Time  thou  flialt  not  for  me  bleed. 

Watch  for  the  Hour  of  Death,  to  waft  thee  o'er 

Where  (i68)  Safety  dwells,  ne'er  to  be  fhip-wreck'd  more. 

My  Lord,  faid  Jhe,  my  Father  !    All  in  All  ! 

Sweet  are  the  Words  that  from  my  Spoufe  I  hear. 
I'll  wait,  obey  the  only  happy'fl  Call, 

That  can  tranilate  me  to  an  higher  Sphere!  (169) 
Tho'  Nature  mourns,  for  Change  of  Joy  it  weeps  ; 
And  each  alternate  Paffion  Vigil  keeps. 

That  I  may  enter  in  Heav'n's  furthefl  Gate,  (170) 
Where  doubtful  Spirits  can't  my  Soul  turmoil;  (171) 

Both  Day  and  Night  I  fliall  my  Bridegroom  wait. 
My  Lamp  fupply  with  conflant  flowing  Oil. 

O  happy  Moment !  when  from  hence  I  fever, 

Once  more,  thro'  Death,  to  live  with  Thee  for  ever!  (172) 

To  St.  E  L  E  R I  u  s  {he  her  Vifion  told, 

And  fome  time  after  to  her  Virgins  dear ! 

The  News  fo  dampt  them,  like  a  fhiv'ring  Cold, 
That  for  a  while  they  could  not  flied  a  Tear. 

But  when  that  Grief  was  fettled  in  its  Throne, 

Then  Show'rs  and  Streams  did  from  their  Eyes  run  down. 

Weep 


(  168  )    Fcelix  littus  I  securus  partus  !  in  quo  nemo,  nisi  volcns,  naufragatuv. 

(  169  )    Finis  calamitatimi,  transitus  ad  immortalitatem. 

(  170  )    PsAL.  LV.  6.  ami  LXIII.  also  Psal.  LXXXIV. 

(  171  )    Heb.    XL  25. 

(  172  )  Quemadmodum  dcsidcrat  cci'vns  ad  fontcs  aqitarum,  ita  dcsidcrat 
anima  mea  ad  te,  Dens  I  Ctipio  dissolvi  &-  esse  cum  Chvisto.  Vid.  Psal.  xlii.  i. 
and  Phil.  i.  23. 


Weep  not,  faid  Jlie,  'tis  my  Creator's  Will, 

To  follow  dear   T  h  e  o  n  i  a   to  Refl ; 
Nor  think  but  what  I  fliall  be  ufeful  Hill ; 

My  Pray'rs  for  you  fliall  be  among-fl.  the  Bleft. 
Unto  my  heav'nly  Spoufe  I  am  to  go  ; 
Then  joy  with  me,  fmce  He  will  have  it  fo. 

O   good   E  L  E  R I  u  s ,    dear   Confeffor  !    come, 
The  Sacrament  let  me  with  Hope  receive  ; 

Since  'tis  the  only  fure    Viaticum, 

To  guide  my  better  Part  beyond  the  Grave. 

Virgins,  be  mindful ;  think  of  what  has  pafl. 

That  you  and  I  may  meet  in  Heav'n  at  lafl. 

O  let  my  Body  near  T  h  e  o  n  i  a  lye 

Clofe  as  you  may  to  that  blefl  Matrotis  Side. 

So  faid,  flie  look'd  around  with  tender  Eye, 

Blefs'd  them  once  more,  then  clos'd  her  Lids,  and  dy'd. 

Peaceful,  flie  breath'd  her  lafl  within  their  Arms  : 

And  as  flie  liv'd,  fo  dy'd  with  Angel's  Charms.  (173) 

Whilfl  doleful  Sounds  came  from  the  Pafling-Bell, 
An  (174)  ancient  Cufl.om  calling  all  to  Pray'rs; 

And  Reqxiiems  fmg,  as  good  Hiflorians  tell. 

When  precious  Souls  are  eafed  from  their  Cares  : 

So  nothing  was  there  wanting  to  reveal 

The  piercing  Grief  that  ev'ry  one  did  feel. 

No 


(  173  )  My.  Gauther  writes,  That  she  deceased  Anno  Christi  664, 
on  the  /^th  Day  before  the  Nones  of  November.  (The  Nones,  or  6th  Day, 
after  the  Kalends  ;  Which  latter  is  the  1st  Day  after  the  Months  of  March, 
May,  ]nne,  and  Ocflober ;  in  the  rest  the  ^th.)  Others  place  her  Death  much 
later. 

(  174  )  Quod  cum  ilia  audisset,  suscitavit  cunctas  sorores  &■  in  ecclesiam 
convocatas,  orationibus  &>  psahnis  pro  anima  matris  operant  dare  monuit." 
Bed.  Ven. 


For  fuch  a  Saint,  who  had  fo  high  excell'd, 
Mod  moving-  Accents  thro'  the  Buildings  rung ; 

No  piteous  Eye  but  what  with  Waters  well'd, 

No  Praife  was  wanting  from  each  grateful   Tongue. 

She's  gone  !  they  cry'd,  where  Heav'nly  Joy's  in  Store  ; 

But  g-one  from  us,  alas  !  for  evermore  ! 

The  good  Elerius  faid  the  Fun'ral  Pray'rs, 
And  others  fung  the  Dirge  fweet  and  divine ; 

The  (f)  Grave,  all  humid  with  their  falling  Tears, 
Became  illuflrious  thro'  the  Virgin's  Shrine  : 

For  Miracles,  mofl  evident  difplay'd. 

Did  raife  the  Glory  of  this  virtuous  Maid. 

The  Priefl,  as  (175)  One  afferts,  did  then  retire 
Into  a  Defart ;  Others  (176)  write,  to  France: 

There,  near  a  (177)   River,  but  a  Fountain  nigher, 
A  (178)  Chapel  to  GOD'S  Honour  did  advance. 

But,  willing'  for  to  lay  his  Bones  in    Wales 

Amongfl  the  Saints,  he  to  fair  Cambria  fails. 


'to' 


Not  long,  methinks,  he  after  this  did  live   (179) 
On  Earth,  but  went  to  meet  the    Saint  in  Heav'n  ; 

Where  his  blefs'd  Soul  did  certainly  receive 

Thofe  jufl  Rewards  that  to  the  Saints  are  giv'n  : 

Whilft.  in  the  Church  his  Memory  did  bloom. 

For  Wonders  wrought  to  Pilgrims  at  his  Tomb.  (180) 

Long 

(  t  )  It  was  near  to  that  of  Theonia,  wheva  former  Saints  were  ititerred. 
Amongst  'cni  were  S.  Chsebeus  of  Anglefea,  and  S.  Senan ;  one  at  her  Head, 
the  other  at  her  Side,  both  famous  for  Miracles. 

{  175  )     Pits  in  Eler.  (  176  )     Malbranque,  &c. 

(  177  )  Lifaine.  This  and  the  Fountain  (fays  Cressy)  in  ancient  times 
afforded  great  Benefit  and  Help  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  Places  and 
Strangers.  But  (  179  )  the  same  Gentleman  does  not,  tlirough  Obscurity  of 
Writers,  ascertain  the  exact  time  of  his  Death.  (  178  )     Luxueil. 

(  180  )     In  a  Church  erected  to  his  Name  and  Memory. 


[  ii6] 

Long  lay  S.    WIN'  FRED'  S  Corpfe  in   Gtiilherine, 
To  which  all  Sorts  of  Pilgrims  did  refort : 

Amongffl  them  Nobles  vifited  her  Shrine, 

To  feek  for  Bleflings  from  the  heav'nly  Court. 

And  as  her  Well  was  honour'd  ;    fo  her  Tomb, 

For  Wonders  done,  appeared  frefli  in  Bloom. 

For  as  a  Lab'rer  flruck  an  ancient  Oak, 

Near  to  the  Church,  where  Pilg-rims  often  pray'd. 

His  Hand  and  Ax  were  faften'd  with  the  Stroke, 
That  might  have  fpoilt  the  beauty  of  the  Shade  : 

But  as  in  Tears,  proje6led  from  the  Ground, 

He  begg'd  Remittance,  fo  he  Mercy  found. 

The  very  Thieves,  when  they  had  Mifchiefs  done. 
Were  terrify'd  with  horrid  gloomy  Thoughts  ; 

Brought  to  confefs  before  the  Altar  Stone, 
And  there  detefl  their  facrilegious  Fau'ts : 

Or  elfe  deep  Vengeance,  thro'  tormenting  Pains, 

Enwrapt  their  Bodies,  like  to  burning  Chains. 

A  certain  (i8i)  Priefl,  in  Firfl  King    Wilh'am's  Reign, 
Had  fuch  Diflempers  none  could  truly  tell, 

Until  two  Brethren,  fent  to  eafe  his  Pain, 
Went  to  the  Chapel  of  fair  Holy- Well; 

Where  faying  Pray'rs,  as  order'd  in  a  Dream, 

From  that  blefs'd  Hour  he  mofl  found  became. 

A  Carpenter,  who  had  a  Daughter  dear. 

Born  blind,  and  us'd  to  mourn  her  Loss  of  Sight  ; 

When  Fame  had  touch'd  the  Organs  of  her  Ear, 
The  Cures  there  done,  beyond  dim  Reafon's  Light ; 

She  begg'd  her  Sire  to  lead  her  to  the  Place, 

And  then  as  unto  Heav'n  flie  told  her  Cafe. 

O  pity 


(  i8i  )  Belonging  to  a  famous  Monastery  begun  A.D.  1087,  by  Earl 
Roger  0/ Montgomery,  (to  whom  the  Conqueror  had  given  Shropfhire) 
and  his  pious  Lady,  at  Shrewfbury,  near  Severn. 


[  117] 

0  pity  me,  fhe  faid,  a    Virgin  poor  ! 

That  can't  thy    Wonders  vietv ;  hit  yet  conceive, 
By  tvhat  I've  heard,  dear   God !  thy  ivondrous  Poiv'r 

To  faithful  Mortals,  very  near  their   Grave. 
So  faid,   Hie  in  the  Stream  did  bathe  her  Head, 
And  after  that  was  to  the  Chapel  led. 


Moa  of  that  Nig-ht  the  pray'd,  for  Wijifrid's  Sake, 
That  GOD  her  feal'd-up  Eye-lids  would  unclofe  : 

And  that  her  grateful  Soul  would  Off'ring-s  make. 
When,  lo !  foft  Slumber  gave  her  fweet  Repofe ; 

And,  whilfl  awaking  from  angelick  Dreams,  (182) 

She  view'd,  what  oft  fhe'd  felt,   Sol's  radiant  Beams. 


(183) 
'Twas 


(  182  )  And  iipon  the  handmaids  in  those  days  will  I  pour  out  my 
spirit,  Joel  ii.  Part  of  Ver.  29.  And  in  32  Ver.  Whosoever  shall  call  on 
the  Name  of  the  LORD,  shall  be  delivered,  &c. 

(  183  )  The  Miracles,  related  by  St.  Aug.  de  Civit.  Dei,  Lib.  xxii. 
Cap.  8,  are  very   furprizing ;    and   the   more,   becaufe  he  fays  he  was  a 

Witnefs 


'Twas  in  the  '•'  Year  'Lev'n  Hundred  Thirty  Eight, 
The  Abbot  (184)  Herbert  fent  7  Monks  to    Wales; 

They  went  to  Bangor's  See,  where  Daniel  fat 
Of  old  as  Bifhop,  and  their  Suit  reveals 

To  mitred  David,  who  mofl  courteous  fent 

Them  to  a  Lord,  to  further  their  Intent. 

That  Nobleman  did  think  their  Errand  good. 
Thus  the  blefs'd  Virgin's  Relicks  to  defire  ; 

But  feem'd  afraid  the  People  Umbrage  Ihou'd 
Take  in  their  Hearts,  if  Heav'n  did  not  infpire. 

So  with  his  Words  they  joyful  did  appear  ; 

And  yet  immediate  fell  in  fudden  Fear. 


Nor 


Witnefg  to  fome  of  them  :  A  blind  Man  and  Woman  receiving  Sight ; 
the  wonderful  Cures  of  hmocentius  and  Innocentia  ;"of  a  converted  Phyfician; 
paralytick  Perfons  eafed ;  Places  and  Dasmoniacs  difpoffeffed ;  the 
Oppreffed  wonderfully  relieved  in  extreme  Penury,  Sicknefs,  &c.  All 
thefe  by  vifiting  the  revealed  Graves  or  Shrines  of  Saints,  with  Acts 
agreeable  to  their  Conversion  and  Faith,  by  holy  Baptifm,  Prayer,  and 
Charity.  And,  writing  of  the  miraculous  Cure  (at  Uzali,  near  Utica)  of 
the  noble  Lady  Petronia,  who  was  much  devoted  to  St.  Stephen,  and 
living  in  this  Father's  Time,  he  has  thefe  remarkable  Words :  Non 
credunt  hoc,  qui  etiam  Doviinum  JESUM  per  integra  virginalia  ynatris 
enixiim,  dv  ad  discipulos  ostiis  clausis  ingressum  fuisse  non  credunt.  Sed  hoc 
certe  quarant,  cS-  si  verum  invenerint,  ilia  credant.  Clarissitna  fcemina  est, 
nobiliter  nata,  nobiliter  nupta,  Carthagine  habitat :  ayiipla  civitas,  avipla 
persona,  ran  quarentes  latere  non  sinunt.  Martyr  certc  ipse,  quo  impetrante 
ilia  sanata  est,  in  filitim  permanentis  virginis  credidit,  in  eum  qui  ostiis  clausis 
ad  discipulos  ingressus  est,  credidit.  Postremb,  propter  quod  omnia  ista  dicuntur 
d,  nobis,  in  eum  qui  ascendit  in  calum  cum  came,  in  qua  resurrexerat,  credidit : 
&•  ideo  per  eum  tanta  fiunt,  quia  pro  ista  fide  animam  posuit.  Fiunt  ergo 
etiam  nunc  multa  miracula  :  eodem  Deo  faciente  per  quos  vult,  <&■  quemadmodum 
vult,  &-C. 

(M    1138. 

(  184  )    Who  prefided  over  the  aforefaid  Monaflery. 


[n9] 

Nor  without  Caufe  :  For  many  flood  ag-ainft 

The  Meffeng-ers,  'till  (185)  Vifions  made  it  known, 

That  Heav'n,  who's  honour'd,  g-lorifies  the  Saints, 
And  which  on  this  Tranflation  fet  them  on  : 

So  when  allow'd  to  enter  Holy  Ifle, 

With  g-reat  Devotion  there  they  pafs'd  a  while. 

They  faw  the  healing-  Oyl  flow  from  her  Tomb, 

Which,  like  (186)   Glyceria's,  wond'rous  Cures  perform'd : 

They  fmelt  the  Odours  fweet  that  did  perfume ; 

And,  flruck  with  Wonder,    feem'd  like  Men  transform'd. 

Now  they  rejoic'd,  then  figh'd,  or  vented  Moans  ; 

And  kifs'd,  with  Love  and  Reverence,  the  Stones. 

In  finefl  Linnen  they  her  Bones  infold, 

And,  whilfl  returning-  Home,  did  Wonders  do ; 

Then  in  St.   Giles's  Church,  fair  to  behold. 
They  on  the  Altar  plac'd  to  publick  View. 

One  Night  a  poor  fick  Youth,  who  did  invoke,  (187) 

Slumb'ring  nigh  Morn,  was  heal'd  when  he  awoke. 

When 

(  185  )  St.  Cyprian,  lib.  iv.  fays,  That  the  Vismi  of  the  LORD  fore- 
told the  eighth  Persecution.  Theodorus,  when  in  extreme  Torture,  was 
comforted  by  an  Angel  in  Form  of  a  blooming  Youth.  Remarkable  was  that 
Vision  to  King  Edwin,  written  in  the  History  of  York  ;  of  that  to  the  noble 
Virgin  Csecilia ;  the  Apparitions  to  S-  Sebaflian,  Lucina,  and  several  others; 
particularly  of  the  Martyr  Thecla  to  the  Emperor  Zeno,  as  written  by  the 
noble  Evagrius  Scholafticus,  lib.  iii.  c.  8.  An  extraordinary  Vision 
(resembling  our  Saviour's  to  S.  Paul,  AcSs  ix.  3,  &c.)  was  that  to  Genefius, 
a  Comedian,  in  the  reign  of  Dioclefian,  whilst  ridiculing  the  Sacrament  of 
Baptism  :  Which  converting  him  from  a  wicked  Player  to  a  glorious  Martyr, 
he  suffered  the  greatest  Torments,  and  made  his  last  Exit  from  the  Theatre  of 
this  Life  with  the  Applause  of  the  ccelestial  Inhabitants. — Most  of  these 
STARS  shewing  that  this  World  ivas  but  like  Mount  Calvary,  xvhich  wou'd 
present  'em  inith  nothing  but  Crosses  and  Spectacles  of  Misery;  encouraging 
them  to  suffer  Death  to  gain  Heaven,  which  Kingdom  cannot  be  shaken. 

(  186  )  A  Virgin,  martyr'd  at  Heraclea;  from  whose  Body  a  Medicinal 
Oyl  proceeding,  that  perform'd  miracidous  Cures,  occasioned  the  Emperor 
Mauritius  to  visit  her  Church  in  that  City,  and  to  repair  what  had  been 
destroy'd  by  the  cruel  Barbarians. 

(  187  )  The  young  Matt  was,  it  seems,  almost  bent  double;  and  having 
been  long  time  in  that  miserable  Condition,  his  stidden  Relaxation  and  Recovery 
became  wonderful  to  the  People. 


[    120  ] 

When  in  Proceffion  thefe  dear  Relicks  were 

Removing-  to  Earl  Roger's  Monaflry  ; 
When  e'er  they  pafl,  the  Streets  were  dry  and  clear, 

Whilfl.  Rains  bedew'd  the  refl  of  Shrewsbury  : 
And  in  the  Church  of  Peter  and  St.  Paul, 
On  the  high  Altar,  to  be  feen  by  All, 

They  plac'd  the  Saint's  Remains,  in  fplendid  Shrine, 

Where  People  vifited  with  tender  Love  ; 
And  as  their  Faith,  fo  Miracles  divine 

Did  very  often  to  their  Comforts  prove  : 
Both  Souls  and  Bodies  found  fweet  Solace  here, 
Who  came  with  Hearts  devout,  and  Minds  fincere. 

Archbifliop  (i88)  Henry,  who  rul'd   Cantium's  See, 

Was  fo  much  moved  when  he  heard  her  Fame, 
That  in  a  learn'd  conventual  Synod,  he 

A  Feafl  did  on  November  Third    proclaim. 
In  Fourteen  Hundred  Twenty  it  was  done. 
The  annual  Time  when  flie  her  Race  had  run. 

In  *  Sixteen  Hundred  Six,  a  famous  Knight, 

Sir  Roger  Bodenham,  of  Bath  fo  fair. 
Thro'  Quartan  Ague,  became  fo  flrange  a  Sight, 

No  Leper  foul  could  worfe  than  him  appear. 
His  (189)  Do6lor  learn'd,  a  choice  and  skilful  Man, 
Did  all  that  Mortal  cou'd,  or  ever   can. 

Sienna 

*  1606. 
(  188  )     Henry   Chickley,  the   63d    from    St.  Augustine,  a  great  Bene-  H 

fadlor.  He  erefted  part  of  the  South  Steeple ;  founded  a  Collegiate 
Church  at  High am-F err ars,  where  he  was  born ;  two  Universities  at  Oxon, 
&c.  dy'd  An.  1443,  and  lies  in  a  (lately  Monument  on  the  N.  Side  of 
the  Cathedral  in  Canterbury. 


[    121] 

Sienna  boalled  where  he  was  profefs'd  : 

Padiia  for  Pra6lice,  and  in  divers  Parts 
Of  Italy,  and  England,  was  carrefs'd  ; 

For  all  that  knew  him  lov'd  him  in  their  Hearts. 
He  to  Aiigujlds  Colleg^e,  where  he'd  been,  (190) 
Sent  the  Knight's  Cafe,  and  what  was  done  therein. 

That  learned  Train   return'd  an  anfwer  flraight, 

Nothing  in  Nature  could  afford  a   Cure  ! 
WhilfL  he,  diflrefs'd  !  feem'd  only  Death  to  wait ; 

His  Friends  Advice  true  Comfort  did  procure  : 
Good  Sir !  faid  they,  pray  bathe  in  Win'fred's  Well. 
Remember  (191)  Nam  a  an:  Heav'n  can  Men  excell. 

'Tis  very  true,  faid  he ;  and  I'll  try  there. 

So  faid,  his  trufly  Servants  did  attend  ; 
And,  whilft.  he  wafli'd  him  in  the  Waters  clear, 

Upon  a  fudden  found  himfelf  to  mend  ! 
How  great  the  Joys  that  center'd  in  his  Heart, 
To  find  the  Cure  that  was  unknown  to  Art!  (192) 

His  Family  GOD'S  wond'rous  Goodnefs  prais'd ; 

Others,  who  held  the  lep'rous  Knight  in  Scorn, 
Were  at  themfelves  for  fuch  a  Sin  difpleas'd, 

Since  now  his  Flefh,  like  to  a  Child  new-born, 
All  Clean  and  fweet,  appear'd  before  their  Eyes  ! 
Whilfl  grateful  Sounds  like  Arrows  pierc'd  the  Skies. 

'Twas 


(  189  )    John  David  Rhes,  born  in  Wales,  of  worthy  Parents. 

(  190  )  In  the  College  of  Phyficians,  London,  where  he  had  been 
Reader  to  mofl  of  that  learned  and  illuftrious  Body. 

(  191  )     II.  Kings  V.  14.     Then  ivent  he  down,  and  dipped,  &'C. 

(  192  )  The  Witneffes  of  this  Cure  were  Sir  Roger's  Lady  ;  Mrs. 
Mary  Bodenham,  his  Daughter-in-Law ;  William  Green,  and  his  Spoufe ; 
Richard  Bray,  John  Henley,  and  other  Attendants;  particularly  Mr. 
Thomas  Beale,  Steward,  who  carry'd  the  Report  of  the  Knight's  Cafe  to 
the  College  of  Phyficians. 


[    122] 

'Twas  ^  Sixteen  Hundred  Thirty,  when  a  Wretch 
The  Saint  derided,  and  her  Pilg-rims  dear  ; 

As  if  the  Devil  did  his  Soul  bewitch, 

Whilfl  to  his  End  he  was  approaching-  near  ! 

For  the  next  Day  the  Jury  found  him  dead,  (193) 

And  Verdi6t  gave,  GOD'S  Judgment  on  him  laid. 

Some,  f  fev'n  Years  after,  who  had  much  defac'd 
The  Virgfin's  Image ;    and  the  Iron  Beams 

Had  took  away,  which  pious  People  plac'd 
That  Pilg-rims  might  fupport  them  in  the  Streams ; 

Their  facrilegious  Deeds  did  Heav'n  offend. 

As  made  them  haplefs  at  their  latter  End. 

About  that  Time  a  Wonder  did  commence  ; 

Mrs.  Jake  W  a  k  e  m  a  n,  with  a  Cancer  g-riev'd  ; 
WTien  Do6lors  gave  Opinion  to  this  Senfe, 

By  Amputation  Ihe,  fhould  be  reliev'd ; 
Or  elfe  mufl  wait  a  loathfome,  ling'ring  Death, 
And  in  a  naufeous  Stench  refign  her  Breath  : 


'&' 


To  cut  it  off  fhe  car'd  not  to  agree ; 

But,  in  Jum  Sixteen  Hundred  Thirty  Eight, 
Left  Londoji  City,  and  down  haflen'd  fhe 

To    Win'/red's  Well,  to  gain  a  better  State. 
And  as  the  flowing  Streams  fhe  enter'd  in, 
To  ceafe  from  running  did  her  Sores  begin. 


The 


*  1630.  t  1637. 

(  193  )  So  did  a  Judgment  fall  on  two  Brothers  of  the  Name  of 
Styles,  mention'd  in  the  Appendix,  Pag.  28.  of  my  Second  Volume  of 
Antiquities,  concerning  the  Abbey  of  Kirkstal. 


[  123] 

The  third  Time  did  the  Gentlewoman  heal 
To  the  Surprize  of  her  beloved  Spoufe,  (194) 

Joyful  to  fee  what  GOD  did  fo  reveal, 

That  both  to  Heav'n  might  offer  up  their  Vows  ! 

Three  Children  afterwards  to  him  fhe  bore ; 

Then  quitted  Life  to  live  for  evermore. 

And  fome  *^  Years  after  this  divine  Relief, 
Once  Mrs.  Clec  a  Pilg-rimage  did  take 

On  Foot  from  Worccjler,  to  eafe  her  Grief, 
That  many  Years  did  her  uneafy  make  : 

At  Kiderminjler  call'd  on  Coufm   Cook, 

And  told  the  Reafon  fhe  her  Journey  took. 

A   Bed-rid   Woman,    kept   on    Parifh-Pay, 
Heard  what  fhe  faid  in  an  adjoining  Room  ; 

And  calling,  as  departing  on  her  Way, 
The  pious  Pilgrim  back  again  did  come  : 

To  whom  the  Woman  faid.    This  Peiiny  take. 

And  give   it  fome  poor    Creature  for   my    Sake. 

But   tell  fuch   in   the   Holy-  Well   to  go, 

And  pray  fmcere   that   I  my   Limbs   may  gain: 

My   Faith   does   tell   me   Hcazhi   will  grant   it  fo, 
And  that   I  fliall   be   eafed  of  my   Pain, 

If  'tis   but   done,    as   I  cotCd  wifJi   to   do; 

And  this   dear   Miflrefs !     I  befeech    of  you. 

'Twas   done,    and   inflantaneous   was    fhe   feen 
Perfe6l   and   well   by   all   who   dwelt    around  : 

Which    Mr.    Bridges,    who'd    High-Sheriff  been, 
Recorded   as   a   Miracle   profound ; 

And    Mrs.    Clec,    returning,    was   amaz'd. 

As   flie   on    the    late    Bed-rid   Woman    gaz'd. 


Mifs 


*  1647. 
(  194 )     Mr.    John    Wakevian,  in   Roughley,  of  Horsham    Parilh.     He 
faw  the  dead  Wretch,  who  had  abufed  the  Pilgrims. 


[  124] 

Mifs   Mary   Numan,   when    but   five   Years   old, 
Thro'   Ag-ue    and    Fever   all   her   Limbs    did   lofe. 

Of  her   fad    Pains   the   reigning"   King-   was   told, 
And    his    Phyficians    utmofL    Skill    did    ufe  : 

Touch'd    by   the    Monarch;    then   to   Bath   fhe   went, 

And   unto    Scotia's   faireil   Spring's   was   fent. 

She   fail'd   to   France ;    in   fecond    Grape-Prefs    put ; 

Touch'd   by   that   Country's    King-   to   eafe   her   Pain ; 
Did   vifit    Sichem ;    Places   mofl   devout ; 

Amongfl   the   refl   was   at   fair   Aquifgrane : 
In    Belgia   too,    where   an    Italian    Prince 
Advice   did   give,    but   not   her   Cure   evince. 

In  ■■•'  Lnfitanian   Baths   fhe   oft   did   lave ; 

But   flill   a   Cripple    prov'd   as    at   the   firfl  ; 
And   twice    St,     Winifred's  Well  did   her   receive, 

Which   made   her   think   her   Cafe   to   be   the   worfl. ; 
'Till   calling   to   her   Mind   what   B  u '  n  o   faid, 
"  Three    VISITS  JJiould  tmto   the    Well   be   made "  .• 

'Twas  Sixteen  Hundred  Sixty  Six,  in  June, 
She   came   again ;    and,    as   a   tender    Child, 

Was   put   therein ;   when,    bathing,    very   foon 

Found   that   her   faithful    Heart   was   not   beguil'd. 

Sore    Pains   fhe   felt ;   but   then    they   were   not   vain ; 

For   ev'ry  Joint   mov'd   to    its    Place   again. 

No   diflocated   Bones    fad    Forms   difplay : 

But   on    her   Feet   with    comely   Geflure    flood ! 

And,  when  fhe  had  been  led  a  little  Way, 
Walk'd   of  herfelf  within   the   flreaming   Flood. 

She   wept   for  Joy,    thank'd    Heav'n    for   being   heal'd. 

And   foon    to    fair   Hibernians   Ifle    fhe    fail'd. 

Hugh 

*  Portugal. 


[  125] 

Hugh   Williams,    but   a   lad   of    nine   Years   old, 
Try'd   once   to   leap   quite   o'er   the   limpid   Well ; 

But,    as   tho'    punifli'd    for   a   Crime   too   bold. 
He   prov'd   too   weak,    and   in   the    Water   fell : 

All    gave   him    o'er   for   drown'd;    or,    yet   as    il!. 

Thought   kill'd   beneath   the    Pavement   and   the   Mill. 

There  were   about  two   Inches    Space   between. 
And   yet   efcap'd   thro'    Means   none   certain    knew : 

For   by   a  Youth   a   filhing    he   was   feen 

Creep    from   a   Ditch,    with   only   lofs    of    Shoe ! 

Except   a   little    Skin    from   Ancle   torn, 

An    Indication   what   he   might   have   borne ! 

Cornelius   Nich'las,    aged    feventeen   Years, 
Struck   by   a   Blafl,    liv'd   in    corroding   Pain ; 

'Till,    in    a   Barrow   plac'd,    to   eafe    his   Cares, 
The   tender-hearted    WdJJi   drove   him   amain 

To   the   fair    Well ;    when,    bathing   in   the    Stream, 

His    Strength   return'd,    and   he    mofl   found   became. 

So    Roger   Whetstone,    fixty   Years   of  Age, 
Much   indifpos'd,    repaired   to   the   Well ;  '•' 

To   wafli   with    others   car'd   not   to    engage. 
But   drank   the   Water,    and   afleep   he    fell. 

When    he   awoke,    his   Crutches   threw   afide. 

And   thus   in  joyful    Raptures   out   he   cry'd : 

Thrice   happy   Streams,    that   thus   have   fet   me   free ! 

How   ftiall    I    tell   the  Joys   that   fill    my   Heart  ? 
Blefl   Tongue   that   hither   has   dire6led   me ! 

To    raife   my   Soul,    and   eafe    my   Body's    Smart ! 
Delightful    Spring !    Comfort   of  the    Opprefs'd, 
O   may   thy   Streams   for   evermore   be   bleft ! 


Long 


A.C.  1667. 


[  126] 

Long-   have   have    I   liv'd    in    Sidmore,    many   Years, 
And   mofl   induflrious    earn'd    my   daily   Bread, 

Until   that   Sicknefs   fill'd   me   full   of  Cares ; 

And   then    my   Hands   could   fcarce   fupport   my   Head ! 

When,    being   much    reduc'd,    I    grew   fo   poor, 

That   I   was   forc'd  to   beg   from   Door  to   Door. 

Ten    Days    I   have   been    coming   to   this    Place ; 

And   if    Ten    Hundred,    fure    'tis   worth    my   Pains : 
For  what   is    Life   depriv'd   of    Health,    or   Grace  ? 

Or  can  Wealth  equal  happy  Pilgrims  Gains  ? 
Oh !  that  mine  Eyes  may  flill  be  running  o're. 
Thro'    Gratitude,    'till    I   can   weep    no   more ! 

Tremendous    Being !    who    rules    over   all, 

And   whom   the   holy   Virgin    did   obey ; 
My    Soul   of    thy   mofl   wond'rous    Mercy    Ihall 

Give    Teflimony   to    my   dying   Day : 
That   ev'ry   People    may   draw    near   to    Thee, 
And    praife   Thy   Name   by   what   they   fee    of    me, 

Then,    with    exploring   Eyes,    when    he    efpy'd 

The   sanguine    Stones,    he   beat   his   aged    Heart : 

His   flowing  Tears    did   with   the   Waters   glide : 
He    knew   not    how   to    flay,    or   well    depart : 

The    People  joy'd   to    find   his    Strength    renew'd ; 

And   yet   they   wept   to    fee    his   Cheeks   bedew'd. 

Thus   mighty   Wonders   can   th'  A  l  m  i  g  h  t  y   work 
Unto   the   Lame,    the   Dumb,    the   Deaf,    or   Blind : 

He   cures   Diflempers,    which    in    Bodies   lurk ; 
And   to   his   faithful    Creatures   is   mofl   kind. 

Above   the   World's    Philofophy   He   knows ; 

And   to   the    Humblefl   greatefl   Pity   fhows. 

Now 


[  127  ] 

Now  let  us  love  CHRIST'S  Church  with  all  our  Hearts, 
'Tis   orthodox,    mofl   faithful,    and   divine ! 

And   let   our   Pray'rs   afcend   like   quiv'ring   Darts ; 
That,    as    in    Suff'ring-s    did    Her   Martyrs    fliine ; 

So    may    She   triumph    in    the    ReiUms    above, 

Where   all   is   Peace,    and    Harmony,    and    Love. 


Non  nobis,  Domine,  non  nobis,  fed  Noviini  Tuo     da     .  /.;  iin 

PSAL.    cxv.     I. 


CHAP 


[128] 


CHAP.      XII. 

Ube  Broumeiit. 

Si.   WINEFRED'S  furpaffing    Well,  ( 1 95) 
Of  which   the   learned  Do6lors   tell  : 
Difeafes   rim   to   vajl  Ex tr earns, 
That  Jlill   are   cured  by   the   Str earns. 
Judgments  from   either   mundane    Caufe, 
Or   Miracle,    ^hove   Nature's   Laws  : 
How    GOD,    who   is    Om?iipotcnce, 
Oft   oBs   beyond  all   human    Senfe. 

TT7ITHIN    a   little   Church,    near   which   the   Saint 

'  '       Was   decollated   by   the    Heathen    Prince ; 
Mofl   curious   Artifls   did   her   Pliil'ry   paint, 

Fair   on   the    Glafs,    the   World    for   to   convince : 
At   leafl   difplay   Tradition    from    an    old, 
Deliver'd   down    by   Pen,    in   Words   oft   told. 

Clofe 


(  195  )  'Tis  in  Flintshire,  not  far  from  Desert  Caftle,  fuppofed  to  be 
fo  called  from  its  Solitude.  And  here  I  cannot  omit  the  very  Words 
of  Camden  :  Suh  hoc  Haliwell,  i.e.  fo7is  sacer,  Wenefrid^  virginis  menioria 
quiB  ftuprum  per  vim  oblatiim  ibi  morte  hut,  <&>  musco  gratissimi  odoris  longe 
est  celeberrimus,  ex  quo  emanat  fluviolus  statim  eximius,  parque  vtola  agenda, 
tanto  impetu  proruit.  Several  have  expatiated,  with  Enlargements  in  their 
Tranflations  ;  of  which  I  fliall  quote  only  that  of  the  Bp.  of  London, 
viz.  Under  this  Place  I  view'd  Holy-Well,  a  small  Town,  where  there's  a 
Well  much  celebrated  for  the  Memory  of  Win'fred,  a  Christian  Virgin, 
ravish'd  here,  and  beheaded  by  a  Tyrant;  as  also  for  the  Moss  it  yields  of  a 
very  sweet  Scent.  Out  of  the  Well  a  small  Brook  flows  (or  rather  breaks 
forth  thro'  the  Stones,  on  which  are  seen  I  know  not  what  kind  of  Blood- 
Spots)  and  runs  with  such  a  violent  Course,  that  immediately  it's  able  to  turn 
about  a  Mill.  But  a  later  Writer  afferts.  That  the  said  SPRING  in 
View  turns  THREE  Mills  in  Breaft ;  and  several  Mills  below  them  that 
never  wanted   Water. 


[  129] 

Clofe   to   the   fame   a   pretty  Chapel   ilands,  (196) 
Of   curious    Stone,    well   wrought,    as   Authors   tell ; 

Or   from   a   Rock,    which   choice   laborious   Hands 
Had   hewn    exa6lly,    (hading   o'er   the   Well : 

Whofe   lovely  Waters   beauteoufly   do    fliine, 

Tranflucent,    like   to  (197)  livmg   Streams   divine.    (198) 

Here   Pilgrims    from    remotefl   Parts    refort. 

And   fhivering   in   the    Streams   do    mingle   Tears ; 

When   looking   up   towards   the   heav'nly   Court, 

They   pierce   the   Heav'ns   with    mofl.   pathetick   Pray'rs : 

When,    lo !   the    Heat   of    blefs'd    fupernal   Love, 

Superior   to   the    piercing   Cold   do's   prove. 

Courageoully   they   fink   beneath   the    Streams, 
With   Vows   alacrious    in    tranfporting   wife. 

That   Heav'n    might   help   them    in   their   word   Extreams, 
And   fend   down    Bleffings    from   the   arched    Skies : 

Not   only   make   their   Bodies   clean    and   found, 

But   deck   their   Souls   with    piety   profound. 

Now 


(196)  Dedicated  to  the  Memory  of  St.  WINEFRED:  Her 
Life  was  written  firft  by  St.  Elerhis  aforefaid ;  from  him  Robertus 
Salopiensis,  (in  Latin)  who  added  her  Tranflation,  dedicated  to  another 
Benedictine  Prior  Guarinus  of  Worcester,  and  approved  by  Baroniiis,  Pitts, 
Possevinus,  and  Surius.  The  learned  Mr.  jfohn  Flood,  Mr.  Cressy,  and 
fome  others,  have  treated  of  this  bleffed  Virgin ;  and  I  hope  what  I 
have  done  with  a  pious  Intent  will  not  be  unacceptable  to  my  kind 
Readers. 

(197)  Jok.  iv.  10,  II,   14.  and  Chap.  vii.  Ver.  38. 
(  198  )    Rev.  vii.  17,  and  Chapter  xxii.  i.  Verfe  17. 


[  130] 

Now   more   they   fee   than    once   they   only   heard, 
A    Spring    in    Wales   had  done   unnumber'  d   Cures  ; 

Faith   here   is   firengthen'd ;    Reason   undebarr'd, 
In   finding   what   the    Pow'r   divine    procures. 

CHRIST   to    His   Church   will    Ever   prove    a   Friend, 

Since    promis'd   to   be   with   them    to  the  Etid.  (199) 


(  igg  )     Mat.  xxviii.  20.     /  am  UHth  you  alukiy,  S-c. 


The    End    of   the    Fourth    PART 


I  Britim    PIETY    Difplay'd     | 

3^  In    the    Glorious                                 *^ 

§LiFE,  ^ttff^vht0,  and    DEATHt 

J  Of  the  Bleffed                                     J^ 

$  St.  WINEFRED :       t 

T  A   Noble  Virgin,  martyr'd  for  her  renowned  ^ 

^  Chaftlty,  in  ^^/^^  ;    Where,  at  Her  Cele-  ^ 

4<  brated  Fountain,  called  Holy-Well,  many  ►j^ 

^  affli6led    Perfons    have    been  happily  freed  4< 

T  from    their    miferable     Diftempers    in    pad  *j* 

jL,  Centuries  :      The    falutiferous     Quality    of  S 

4^  which    Water,    continuing    in    the    prefent  ►j^ 

*i*  Age,    occafions    its    F  a  m  e   to    be    fpread  4^ 

*y  in  far-diftant  Kinj^^doms.                                    *i* 

f  ^                                             ^ 

*T*  Ecclefia  7iunqua7n  florentior,qnamcum  affliftior  inter  cruces  &  ►J* 

*T*  gladios  ftionim  viartyrwn  piignas  &  viBorias  fpcnavil. —  Hh 

T  Natura  rerum  ad  Deiim  iios  erigit.      Quavi  magnificafmit  HH 

^  C!/)^;-a   r/m,  D  O  MI  N  E  !                                                4" 

►j^  ...                          4* 

j^  ^^  D  E  U S  ter    Optivins   Maximus  in  aquis  fiimmas  excel-  ^ 

^  "  letitiffimas   recondivit  vires  falutares,  qiiariivi   tanta  ejl  3^ 

ji(  '' prcEjianiia  ut  long'v.  imdtimique  oiimibus  aliis  reniedioruvi  j^ 

^  " generibus  fml  ftiperiores."     That  is,  The  Mojl  Glorious  ^^ 

^  and  Omnipotent  God  has  conceaV d  the  greatejl  and  mojl  3^ 

j^  excellent  faluhrious  Efficacy  in  the    Waters ;    ivhich  have  ^ 

1X4  fo  prevalent  a  Povoer,    that   they  are  far  fupcrior  to  all  ^ 

j^  other  Kijids  of  Remedies.                                                            ^ 

•^  P    A    R    T      ^/^^     ^ifth.                             ^ 

T  York:    Printed   and   Sold   by    the   Author   Tho.    Gent,        T^ 

T^  in  Petergate,  Anno  Dom.  Mdccxlii.                               Ht 


[  132] 

The     Fifth     PART     of 
5%^    ^oly    LIFE    and    DEATH    of 

S.  WINEFRED. 


Continuation   of  the    Twelfth    Chapter. 

q^HO'    to    St.    Wiiifrid's   Streams   the    Sick   do   come, 
-*-      Where   late   lame    Perfons   Crutches   leave   behind; 
Tho'  Weak   find    Strength    fo   as   to   travel   Home ;  (200) 

And   precious   Sight   is   given   to   the   Blind  : 
Moll   leprous   Perfons   cleans'd,    and   fo   renew'd, 
As   once   more   blefs'd   with    new-born    Flefli    and   Blood : 

Yet   Men   will   think   fome   fubterraneous    Stream, 
By   Miners   turned    from   its    ancient   Courfe, 

Was   the   firft   Caufe ;    thro'    Rains    lefs   clear   became ; 
Or   bluifh  Colour,   ftill   made   worfe   and  worfe  : 

As   tho'    fome   Mines   of  Lead   lay   in    its   Way;  (201) 

Or   elfe   proceeded    from    an   harden'd   Clay. 

That   learn'd  (202)  G  i  r  a  l  d  u  s   never   heard   its   Praife  ; 

And,    confequently,    was   not   in    his   Time : 
Who   liv'd   Five    Hundred   Years   fmce    BiCrids   Days, 

When    He    and    Wi?ifrid  flourifh'd   in    their   Prime : 

Nor   view'd   he   any    Pilgrims    in    their   Weeds, 

Who   gave   Account   of    fuch    amazing   Deeds. 

But 


(  200  )     Efpecially  thofe  newly  recover'd  of  the  Small  Pox. 

(  201  )  "The  fubterraneous  Family  of  Minerals  is  a  coagulable  (or 
"congealed)  fat  Humidity;  a  Mixture  of  Fire,  Air,  and  ptcre  Earth  over- 
"  caft  with  Water."     So  writes  a  Gentleman. 

(  202  )  Cambrensis,  fo  call'd  for  his  being  a  Native  of  Wales.  His 
Chriftian  Name  was  Sylvester.  That  this  Man  could  adore  both  the 
falling  and  rifmg  Sun,  by  the  Death  of  K.  Henry  II.  and  Succeffion  of 
King  Richard  I.,  this  is  afcrib'd  unto  him  : 


[  133] 

But   others   fay,    That   Author   did    but   dream, 
When   writing-   of  the  (203)  Silver   Veins   below ; 

Or   had    no   Mind   to   fpread   the   Virgin's    Fame, 

Like  (204)  One   concealing-   what   he   well   might   know : 

Nor   could   the   Monks    fo   flrange    a   wonder   tell, 

If  GOD'S   great   Power  had   not  caus'd   her  Well.  (205) 

This   fubtle,    fluid    Force    appears   divine, 

They   fay ;    and    is    a   Miracle    indeed : 
Will   not   allow   the    Story   of    the   Mine ; 

Or   that   it   fhould   from    any   Caufe   proceed, 
But   Him,    who    Nature   and    its    Laws   did   make,  (206) 
That   fliew'd   this   Wonder   for   His    Martyr's    Sake. 

Thus 


Miro  cano,  sol  occubuit,  nox  nulla  seqmita. 
The  former  Prince,  whofe  Life  he  wrote,  had  call'd  him  from  his  Travels 
to  be  his  Secretary  ;  and  fent  him  as  Tutor  to  his  Son  John  in  Ireland. 
He  not  only  exhibited  the  Adions  of  his  Pupil,  but  alfo  the  Hiftory  of 
that  Nation  with  great  Applaufe.  The  like  Praife  he  obtain'd  by  his 
Itineranum  of  Wales  and  Britain,  with  a  Chronicle  of  Englidi  Tranfadions, 
&c. 

(203)  Prope  hunc  locum,  Giraldi  estate,  erat  ut  ipse  scribit,  "dives 
"  vena,  fructuosumque  argenti  scriitinitim,  ubi  pecuniam  fcrutando  itum  eft 
"  in  vifcera  terrse."  That  is,  Near  unto  this  Place  in  the  Time  0/  Giraldus, — 
There  was  a  rich  and  profitable  Vein  of  Silver ;  in  searching  after  which  more 
diligently,  no  Pains  were  spared  to  enter  into  the  very  Bowels  of  the  Earth. 

(  204  )  Tho'  the  learned  Works  of  Venerable  Bede,  an  Englifli  Saxon, 
are  highly  approved  of  by  several  Authors;  yet  they  do  not  seem  well  pleased 
that  he  confined  himself  to  treat  only  of  his  Country  Saints ;  quite  omitting 
those  of  the  ancient  Britons,  (and  of  Ireland,  except  St.  Fursius,  who  built 
a  Monastery  in  Suffolk  near  the  Sea,  thro'  the  Favour  of  King  Sighbert) 
amongst  whom  I  find  to  have  been  many  pious  and  illustrious  Personages,  such 
as  S.  Urfula,  S.  David,  St.  Dubricius,  St.  Patricius,  S.  Kentigern,  Bishop 
of  St.  Afaph,  ,?;.  Sampfon,  S.  Theliau,  S.  Juftinian,  S-c. 

(  205  )  Et  dixit  DEUS,  cujus  nomen  fandtificetur  ,  Fecimus  ex  Aqua 
omnem  rem.  Ex  Lib.  sacro. 

(206)  "The  Almighty,  on  account  of  His  dominion,  is  called 
"Lord  God,  pantocrator,  or  Universal  Ruler.  [Du,  an  Arabic  Word,  (in 
"the  oblique  cafe  di)  fignifies  only  Lord,  from  which  a  learned 
"Gentleman  has  derived  Deus.']  He  is  Eternal,  Infinite,  Omnipotent, 
"  Omnifcient,  &c. 


[  134] 

Thus,    hon'ring-   Her,    HIS   Goodnefs  Jlill  is    fhown. 

Frefh   Wonders   caufe   his    Power   more   to    fhine ; 
And   that   to    all   devoted    Hearts    is   known. 

Whereby   to    Pray'rs    and    Praifes   they  incline ; 
When,    for   her   Sake,    each   wounded    Soul    implores  ; 
And,   with   flrong-   Faith,    revifits    Seas   and    Shores. 

As   g-rateful    Patients,    long   thro'    Pains   opprefs'd. 
Recall   to   Mind   Those   who    have   giv'n    Relief; 

And   hon'ring   Them,    like   Guardian   Angels   blefs'd. 
With    moving   Words,     exprefs   their   former   Grief: 

So   when   heal'd    Pilgrims   think   of    Wmfrid's  Well, 

They   weep   thro'    Love,    and   of  her   Virtues   tell. 

Tokens    mofl   dear !    For   as   learn'd   Do6lors    melt 
In    Love  to   thofe   who   love   Them   and   their   Art : 

So   Heav'n    has   often    for   our    Suff'rings   felt 
Grief  fympathetick,    like   a   tender   Heart : 

For   mutual  Joys   will   evermore   abound, 

Where   due   refpe6l   or  Adoration's   found. 

Far   be  (207)  Lucretius'    Thoughts,    like    rocky    Shelves, 
That   GOD   of    Human    Nature   takes   no   Care ; 

Or   that   fupernal    Powers,    of  Themfelves, 

Live    undiflurb'd,    or   fprung   at   firfl   from    Fear,  (208) 

Which    proves,    if  \  Nature   tiothhtg    doth    in   vain. 

As   Fear   in   All,   fo    GOD   on    Earth   will    reign. 

Did 

+  Arifl. 

(  207  )  Titus  Lucretius  Carus,  a  Roman,  who  taught  the  Dodrine 
of  Epicurus,  a  temperate  Man,  that  placed  the  summum  lionum  in  mental 
Felicity,  but  unhappily  deny'd  divine  Providence.  "  Tully  corredted  his 
"  Writings.  Virgil  eagerly  fludied  them,  as  Macrobius  and  Gellius 
"  witnefs  ;  the  latter,  like  Ovid,  calling  him  Poetam  ingenio  (S-  facundia 
"  pmcellentem  ;  and  Cornelius  Nepos  hath  placed  him  inter  elegantissimos 
"  Poetas."  M.  Gravina,  who  lately  at  Rome  publiflied  a  Book  concerning 
Poetry,  does  not  approve  thefe  Words  of  Quintilian  :  Nam  Macer  & 
Lucretius  legendi    quidem,   fed  non  ut  phrafin,  id  eft   corpus   eloquentia; 

faciant 


[  I3S] 

Did    not   Tiberius,    that   wife   Emp'ror   dread 

The  Sting-s  of  Confcience  which  did  often  wound  ?  (209) 

So  poor   C  A  L I  G '  L  A   crept   beneath   the   Bed, 
When    Lig^htning-   blaz'd,    and   Thunder   did   refound  ? 

And   WoLSEY,    near   his   Death,    betray'd   fad    Fears, 

As    if  that    G  O D  forfook   him   in  gray   Hairs!  (210) 

But   that   there    is   Reward    and    Punifhment,  (211) 
Throuo^hout   the    Scriptures,    Inflances   are   found : 

To    Hell   g"reat,    learned,    wicked    Souls   were   fent  ; 

And  thofe,  lefs  knowi?tg  ,in    brig-ht   Glory   crown'd  :  (212) 

Judgrnents   and   Mercies    in    the   World    have   been; 

As    have   been    heard,  fell,    underjiood,    and  feen. 

What 


faciant  :  Elegantes  in  fua  quifque  materia,  fed  alter  humilis,  alter 
diflficilis. — On  the  contrary,  Gravina  fays,  he  was  a  very  great  Poet ; 
of  surprizing  Facility,  and  full  of  Majefly  mix'd  with  Sweetnefs,  con- 
fidering  the  intricate  Subjefts  he  wrote  upon.  And  tho'  fome  perfons 
have  flyled  him  what  I  care  not  to  repeat  after  them  :  Yet  Archbifliop 
Tillotson,  who  has  moft  learnedly  preach'd  and  wrote  againft  Atheifm  ; 
while  he  profeffes  him  to  have  been  but  a  bad  Maker  and  Contriver  of 
the  World,  however  admires  his  Compofition.  His  fortuitous  Beginning 
of  the  Univerfe,  tho'  abfurd,  that  great  Divine  fays  is  very  elegantly 
expreffed  ; 

Sed  quibtis  ille  modis  conjectiis,  &-c.      Lib.  5.  Pag.  142. 
Englifhed    by    the    Rev.    Mr.    Creech,    pag.    153.   Edit.   5.    of   Epicureati 
Philofophy  ;  to  both,  or  either  of  which,  I  refer  my  Reader. 

(  208  )    Primum  in  orbe  Deos  fecit  Timor. 

(  209  )  C.  Sueton.  Iranq.  TIBER.  Cap.  63.  And  tho'  he  had  small 
regard  to  Religion;  yet  he  was  exceedingly  afraid  of  Thunder.  "  Tonitrua 
tamen  prseter  modum  expavefcebat."  80  it's  less  to  be  wonder' d  in  the 
Tyrant  his  Successor. 

(  210  )  Upon  the  account  of  that  great  Cardinal,  fee  my  Odavo 
Hiftory  of  York,  pag.  80.  But  this,  and  the  two  former  Inflances,  are 
pertinently  mention'd  by  the  aforefaid  Archbifhop  againfl  the  Opinions 
of  fuch  who  may  think  Religion  invented  by  Politicians,  and  a  Juggle  of 
State  to  cozen  the  poor  ignorant  People  into  Obedience. 

(211)  Archbifliop  Dawes  has  fully  written  of  a  future  State, 
fufficient  to  convince  a  corrupt  and  treacherous  generation,  almofl  ruin'd 
thro'  Party  Feud  and  Animofity. 

(  212  )     Surgunt  indocti,  (S-  ccelum  rapiunt,  cS-c.     Aug. 


[  136] 

What   GOD   defigns,    Earth's   Power   can't   put   by ; 

And,   when   he   pleafes,    Bleffing-s   can   withdraw : 
Both   give,    and   take ;    grant   Favours,    and   deny ; 

Pleafe,    or   affli6l ;    His   Will   mud   be   our   Law. 
When    Mortals   finn'd ;    or   if  repenting   were, 
His   Gifts   withdrew,    or   did    His   Bounties   Ihare. 

f  Thus   when    Lysimachus,    did,    at   Eptre,  {2\t,) 
An    Impofl   raife   on    the    Tragafaaji  Salt ; 

Heav'n   was   difpleas'd   at   fuch   at   bafe   Defire, 
And   made   it   vanifh    for   the   Taxer's    Fault : 

But   when   he   did   the    publick   Right   reflore. 

It    came   as    freely   as   it   did   before. 

The   Gardens   of    (214)   CEnotria,    mofl   fair. 
Where   befl    Calabria's   Manna   did   defcend ; 

When    by   the    King   of    Naples   clofed   were, 

That   People   might   be   tax'd   to   ferve   his    End : 

GOD   took   away   the   Bleflings    he   had   giv'n, 

And   till   the   Tribute   ceas'd,    none   came   from    Heav'n. 

So   when  (215)  Ant  I  G  ON  us   upon    the    Sick, 
Who   came   to    drink   at   fair    Edepfum's   Spring, 

A    Rate   did   lay ;    the    royal    Mifer's   Trick, 
Heav'n   did   refent    as   an    unkingly   Thing  : 

The   new-fprung   healthful   Waters   fled   amain. 

And    inflantaneous   perifli'd   all   his    Gain. 


Thus 


t  Those  three  Examples,  following  the  above  Mark,  I  have  selected  from 
an  excellent  Book,  intituled.  Holy  Living  and  Dying,  Pag.  171,  mitten  by 
Jeremy  Taylor,  a  learned  Bishop. 

(  213  )  A  Country  in  Greece,  bounded  E.  by  Achaia  ;  on  the  N.  by  Mace- 
donia ;  has  the  Mountains  Acroceraunii  on  the  W.  and  the  Ionian  Sea  on 
the  S. — Tragafaea  is  a  Region  belotiging  to  Epire. 

(  214  )     The  Name  of  Italy,  from    CEnotrius,  Ki7ig  of  the  Sabines. —  |l 

Calabria  is  an  Island  that  lies  on  the  upper  Fart,  and  so  very  plentiful  as  to  ' 

bring  forth  choice  Fruit  twice  every  Year. 

{  215  )     Several  Kings  of  Syria  were  of  this  royal  Name. 


[137] 

Thus   as   a   Friend   can't   fee   a   Friend   opprefs'd ; 

Or   like   a   Parent   who   defends   his    Child  : 
So    neither   Heav'n    will   flight   us   when    diflrefs'd. 

But   yield    Prote6lion,    when    by    Foes   hegniVd! 
Foes    mofl   deceitful,    (like   to   crooked  Reeds) 
Who   Villains   live,   and  periJJt   thro'    their   Deeds. 

And   as   poor   honed   Prls'ners   in    a  Jayl, 

By  vile   Betrayers    barbaroufly   thrown, 
When    fome    kind    Providence    affordeth    Bayl, 

From   which    Timonean    Harpyes    long-   were   flown  ! 
And    now   exult   with  Joy   that   they   can    fee 
That   precious   Thing   once   more,    call'd    Liberty: 

So,    in    a   myflick    Senfe,    the   Wonders   wrought,  (216) 
With    Sighs    for  heav'nly  Streams   the  Jufl.  infpire  ;  (217) 

And   flrike   the    Soul,    from    Satati    freed,    with    Thought 
Of  grateful    Love,    and    ivhat   we    fliou'd   defire  !  (21 8) 

Jufl   as   a   Bird   efcap'd   eludes   the    Snare ; 

Takes   the    right   Way,    and   fmgs   that   ail    may   hear. 

Or   as   a   Perfon    foon    reflor'd   to    Sight, 

Looks   round,    amaz'd,    and   thinks   he   fweetly   dreams ; 
Surpriz'd   with    Raptures    at   bright   Phoebus'    Light, 

Skies,  Meadows,  Groves,  Plains,  Mountains,  Vales,  and  Streams  ! 
So   oft'    to    Mental    Sight    Heav'n's   Views    appear, 
Strange    and    portentive    like    what  Jofeph's   were.     (219) 

Why 

(  216  )     The  springs  of  ivater  were  seen,  and  the  foundations  of  the  ivorld 
were  discover'd  at  thy  chiding,  0  Lord.     Pfal.  xviii.  15. 

(  217  )     Now  "  to  the  pleasing  Springs  above  III  go  ; 

"  The  Springs  that  in  the  heav'nly  Canaan  flow." 

(  218  )     "  Q210  sitieiis  igitiir  petereni  de  flumine  lympham, 
"Cum  meo  tarn  varinm  viscera  virus  edit? 
"Ah!  nisi  Te  niello  sitis  hac  placatur  ab  haiistu, 
"Tu  potes  hanc  solus  fonte  domarc  sitim. 
"  Scis  etenim,  mea  lux,  quam  te,  mens  ardor  anheles 
"  Cerviis  tit  irrigui  fontis  anhelat  aquas."     HER. 

(  ?ig  )     And  Joseph  dreamed  a  dream,  &-c.     Gen.  xxxviii.  5. 


[  138] 

Why   do   we  wonder  (219)  GOD   has   Wonders   fhown  ? 

What   can't   He    do,    who   is   Omnipotence  ? 
Did   not   his    Servant   Moses    force   hard    Stone  (220) 

Even   to    flream    for   IfracVs    Life's   Defence  ? 
Nay,  (221)  Oyl    and    Honey   flinty   Rocks   did   yield, 
That    He   might   His   fele6led    People   fhield ! 

Did    not    E  L  I  s  H  A    give   the  *  Shiinnamite, 

When   unexpe6led,    a   mod   lovely    Son  ? 
And,    when  \  cold   Death   had   took   her   Heart's   Delight, 

II  Recall'd   fwift   Life,    a   longer   Race   to   run  ! 
So    Peter    Tabitha   did  §  wondrous    raife  ; 
And   Eiitychus,   thro'    Paul,  f  liv'd   Heav'n    to    praife. 

Prophets,    Apoflles,    Martyrs ;    Ihining   Men  ! 

What   have   not   they   perform'd   thro'    fledfafl   Faith  ? 
That   Virtue,    fo   high-prais'd   by   facred   Pen, 

Mountains  to  move,  as    plain   the    Scripture    faith ;  (222) 
Slain    ev'n   with    Breath    fuch   who  would    111    maintain,  ff 
Which   fhew'd   their   Pow'r,    thro'   GOD,    was  not  in  vain. 

When   Christ  was   dying,    Sol   did   lofe    its   Light : 
The   Temple   rent,  Graves   open'd,    Dead   arofe  ! 

Earth   groan'd   and   trembl'd,    as   in   horrid    Fright ; 
And   Heav'n    itfelf  did   fearful    Signs   difclofe  : 

Who   then    can    doubt,    by   what   good   Writers   tell,    \% 

But   that   that   the   Deity   can    form    a    Well  P 

Did 


*  II.  Kings  iv.   17.         \  20.       II  35.         §  Acts  ix.  40.       \    xx.  10. 

(  219  )     IsA.  xl.  12.     Wlio  hath  ineasured  the  Waters,  &-c. 

(  220  )     Rock  Horeb,  Exod.  xvii.  6.         (  221  )     Dent,  xxxii.  13. 

(  222  )     Mat.  xvii.  20.  ft  Acts  v.  5th  and  loth  Verses. 

\l  For  One,  see  Dorotheiis  of  the  Prophets,  who  is  commended  by 
Eusehius.  He  lived  in  the  Time  of  Diocletian,  &c.  He  was  Minister  of 
the  Church  of  Antioch.  By  Reason  his  Work  was  so  compendious,  he 
intitul'd  it  Synopsis. 


C  139  ] 

Did  JewiJIi    Do6lors    learn'd    Isaiah   praife,  (223) 
That  GOD,  thro'  him,  had  wrought  Siloani's  Stream  ? 

And  to  that  Martyr  dear  a  Tomb  did  raife,  (224) 
That,  by  his  Pray'rs,   they  mig-ht  enjoy  the  fame  ? 

Sure  faithful  Britons  to  their  Praife  may  own 

As  clear  a  Spring-,  and  Saint  of  fair  Renown, 

Whilfl  Win' FRED  liv'd  on  Earth,  there  many  came; 

And,  by  their  Pray'rs,  with    Her's,  were  fpeedy  cur'd  : 
Nay,  after  Death,  fuch,  who  had  heard  her  Fame, 

But  unto  painful  Travels  not  innur'd  ; 
Or  too  far  diftant   throug-hout   Chrijlendovi, 
And  had  not  Strength,  or  Wealth,  nor  Pow'r  to  come  : 

Her  Spirit  would  in  Vifion  oft  appear  ; 

Tell  for  thofe  lovely  red-fpot  Stones  to  fend  ; 
Which,  being  thrown  in  Cups  of  Waters  clear. 

And  drank  thereof,  would  their  Diflempers  mend  : 
Such,  mindful  of  thefe  vifionary  Dreams, 
Were  certain  cur'd,  when  in  the  vv'orfl  Extreams. 

fCHRIST'S  Apparition  firfl  converted   Saul, 

But  'twas  a  '"'  Vifion  Anajiias  fent : 
A  Vifion  too,  behold  !  had  praying  Paul,  \ 

And  with  neiv  Light  the   ||  Holy   Ghojl  was  fent. 
So  to  St.  Peter,  and    Cornelius,  dear  § 
To  Heav'n  above,  Heav'n's  Angels  did  appear. 

Dreams 


(  223  )     He  was  fawn  afunder  in  the  Reign  of  Manasses. 

(  224  )     His  Monument  is  near  thofe  of  the  Kings  of  Jerusalem. 

t  Acts  ix.  3.       *  10.        \   12.       II  17,  18.       §  Acts  X.  3,  II,  &c. 


[  140  ] 

Dreams  often  warn  us;  fuch  when  Guardians  wait, 
For  whom  we  pray  they  ??iay  furroiind  our  Bed;  (225) 

Thefe,  under   GOD,  preferve  our  happy  State  ; 
By  them  to  certain  Glory  we  are  led  : 

'Tis  they,  they  chiefly,  evil   Spirits  chace  ; 

Fore-arm  our  Thoughts,  or  let  them  refl  in  Peace. 

Thus  when  Lig-ht's  flreaky  Rays  o'er  Darknefs  peep. 
And   Chanticleer's  flirill  Notes  ///  Spirits  fright ;   (226) 

The  Innocent,  in  waking  from  their  Sleep, 
In  blifsful  Hopes  find  fpirit'al  Delight : 

The  dear  remember'd  Vifions,  whilil   they  pray. 

Rife  as  the  Sun,  and  flourifli  with  the  Day. 

Where  is  the  Harm,  (ye  pious,  learn'd  Divines ! ) 

To  think,  in  awful  Silence  of  the  Night, 
A  fair  ingliding  Virgin  kneeling  fhines, 

'Midst  Rays,  more  bright  than  Gold,  before  our  Sight ! 

And  fhews  us  Streams  and  Chapels  where  to  find 

Cures  for  the  wounded  Body,  or  the  Mind  ? 

To 

(  225  )  Let  thy  holy  Angels  pitch  their  Tents  about  my  Bed,  &-c.  (or 
our  Beds).     See  the  Compaition  to  the  Altar,  Page  74. 

(  226  )  See  in  my  Octavo  History  of  York,  Page  145,  concerning  this 
Tradition,  begun  in  the  ^th  Century,  about  afflidled  or  ill  Spirits  being 
frighted  away  at  the  Crowing  of  the  Cock:  However,  it  was  a  good  Angel 
that  delivered  Peter  out  of  Prison  in  the  Night,  Adiis  xii.  9.  And 
undoubtedly  an  holy  One,  even  GOD,  that  wrestled  with  Jacob  ;  who  said, 
Let  me  go,  for  the  day  breaketh,  Gen.  xxxii.  26.  Good  Angels  appear 
both  Day  and  Night,  hi  the  Even  Two  were  entertained  by  Lot ;  who,  in 
the  Morning,  set  him  without  the  City,  Gen.  xix.  i.  to  16.  Those  were 
Spectres  of  the  Night  that  appeared  to  trembling  Job,  valiant  Brutus,  religions 
Anthony,  and  other  eminent  Personages  mentioned  by  Lavator  in  his  Book 
de  Speftris.  Whilst  some  assert.  That  our  departing  Souls,  thro'  a  particular 
Judgment,  will  immediately  enter  into  an  intermediate  State  'till  the  general 
Tribunal,  when  their  final  Sentences  are  to  be  pronounced  for  or  against  them  : 
Others  allow  not  only  from  Ethnick  Antiquity,  but  frequently  since  the  Pro- 
mulgation of  the  Gospel,  even  in  latter  Ages,  that  known  Apparitions  have 
been  seen ;  of  which  they  have  given  some  Instances.  But  whether  they  pro- 
perly appear'd,  or  that  other  Spirits  supply'd  their  Places,  I  humbly  leave  my 
kind  Readers  to  determine. 


[  HI] 

To  pray  no  Harms  againfl  us  may  prevail ; 

Or  Friendfliip  turn  to  Hatred  mofl  unjufl : 
No  cruel  Hands  our  kindeft  Hearts  affail, 

Nor  faithlefs  Kindred  to  betray  their  Truft  : 
And  when  forfaken,  languifliing  thro'  Grief, 
To  point  the  Way  wherein  to  feek  Relief ! 

To  think  blefs'd  Ang-els  bid  us  weep  no  more ; 

But   for   a   better   State   in    Heav'n    prepare ; 
Think  how  they  fmile  and  beckon  as  they  foar, 

And  unfeen  Choirs  of  Saints  melodious  hear ! 
Are  thefe  infomnial  Airs  ?    Or  rather  Gleams 
Of  Lights  from  Heavn,  tho'  fhaded  in  our  Dreams  ? 

When  Miracles  have  fo  long  lain  obfcure, 
Why  now  reviv'd,  few  Friends  have  I  to  tell  ; 

But  that  true  Virtue  urg'd  me  on,  I'm  fure, 

Like  when  I  wrote  of  YORK,  'tis   known  full  well. 

O  may  this  Work  with  its  kind  People  take, 

As  well  as  Others,  for  St.    WIN' FRED'  S  Sake! 

Hail,  ptcblkk  FRIEND  !  lov'd  by  fair  B—rl—gio7i, 
Since  I  mufl  call  You  by  no  other  Name ; 

Behold  St.    Wm/rtd's  Life,  which,  when  begun. 
Kind,  You  approv'd  ! — that  fet  my  Soul  a-flame  ! 

May  Your's,  when  Death  in  Swan-like  Strains  you  fing, 

'Mid'fl  Joys  exprefslefs,  mount  on  Angel's  Wing ! 

May  blefs'd  ELIZA,  Comfort  of  your  BreaR 

When  living,  meet  you  with  St.    Win! f red's  Ghofl ; 

And  never  part  until  Ye  all  find  Reft, 

Thro'  Seas  of  Air,  upon  the  heav'nly  Coafl; 

Unlefs  it  be,  thro'  GOD'S  Command  to  do 

A  Guardian's  Part,  as  Angels  do  for  You. 


Let 


[  142  ] 

Let  not  my  wand'ring  Thoughts  the  leafl  offend, 
Since  to  learn'd  Judgments  I  (hall  e'er  give  Place. 

The  Soul's  Extenfion  blifsful  Hopes  attend, 

Swift,  as  on  Turtle's  Wings,  that  fly  to  Peace. 

Err,  fure  mme  may;  like  thofe  who  rove  thro'  Dark, 

'Till,  with  Faith's  Branch,  it  finds  Religion's  Ark. 


Return,  O  Mufe,  from   dear  St.    Wiiifrids  Ghofl, 
To  clofe  my  darling  Subje(5l  of  her  Spring  : 

An  endlefs  Theme  !    Joy  to  fair  Flintia  s  Coafl ; 
Where  faithful  Patients  her  high  Praifes  fmg  : 

Humbly  mount  Heav'n  thro'  Extafies  and  Pray'rs  ; 

Which  God,  that  fees,  thro*  Christ,  in  Mercy,  hears. 

O   ScarU rough 


[143] 

0  ScarVrotigh  !  did  thy  Waters  firfl  proceed 
From  fuch  a  Virgin,  thro'  divine  Command, 

Thy  pendent  Cliffs  might  not  have  done  ill  Deed 
To  thy  fair  Town,  and  fmoothly-moving  Sand  : 
But  fmce  thy  Springs  are  found,  and  cleans'd  thy  Shore, 
Be  kind  to  All,  and  Heav'n's  great  Pow'r  adore.*'* 

Some  learn'd  Phyficians  have  been  heard  declare, 
That  no  Place  can  exceed  St.    Win/red's  Well  : 

Not  Jordaiis  Streams,  nor  various  Spaws  that  are  ; 
Nor  the  hot  am' rous  Bat  h  s  of  la  Chapdle.  (227) 

1  will  not  fay  compare;  tho',  fmce  divine, 
Fair  Holy-  Well   above  the  viojl  may  fhine, 


For 


*  Gent  alludes  in  this  Verse  to  a  curious  Event  which  happened 
a  short  Time  before  the  publication  of  the  Life  of  S.  Winefred.  In  the 
Month  of  December,  1737,  the  Staith  or  Sea- Wall  of  the  Spa  at  Scar- 
borough, composed  of  a  large  Body  of  Stone  bound  by  Timber,  gave  way 
in  an  extraordinary  Manner.  A  great  Mass  of  the  Cliff,  containing  nearly 
an  Acre  of  pasture  Land,  with  the  Cattle  grazing  upon  it,  sank  perpendi- 
cularly several  Yards ;  whilst  the  Earth  and  Sand  beneath  the  Cliff 
rose  North  and  South  of  the  Staith  for  a  Length  of  above  one  hundred 
Yards  to  a  Height  of  6-7  Yards  above  its  former  Level.  The  Spa  Well 
rose  at  first  with  the  Mass  of  Earth,  but  soon  ceased  to  flow,  and  it  was 
only  in  1740  that  the  Mineral  Spring  was  again  discovered  and  the  Spa 
re-opened.     (Note  by  the  Editor.) 

(  227  )  Aix  la  Chapelle,  Aquisgyanum,  or  Aachen,  a  City  in  Westphalia, 
belonging  to  Germany.  See  fome  Account  at  the  End  of  the  firfl  Volume 
of  my  Hiflory  ot  England,  amongfl  the  Additions  treating  of  an  Emperor, 
Pag.  257.  The  hot  mineral  Waters,  on  which  account  it  is  much  fre- 
quented, are  convey'd  by  Pipes  into  28  Baths,  where  Perfons  find  Relief 
in  all  chronical,  or  inveterate,  slow,  and  almoft  immoveable  Diflempers  ;  and 
are  of  very  great  Service  to  Pofterity,  if  we  may  believe  the  following 
Epigram  made  of  its  procreative  Vertues. 

"  Vidit  Aquisgyanum,  terras  dum  luftrat  &  urbes, 

"Alma  Venus;  geniumque  loci  mirata  lacufque, 

"Hoc,  dixit,  locus  est  hand  dignior  uUus  amore. 

"Jam  valeant  arcus,  ignitaque  fpicula.     Pofthac 

"  Unda  cupidineis  incendet  peftora  flammis. 

"Sic  fatur,  natumque  vocans,  jubet  ire  natatum, 

"  Cserulaque  ardentem  deferre  in  balnea  tasdam. 

"  Exequitur  mandata  puer  :  cum  lampade  in  undas 

"Infilit, 


C  144"] 

For  Here  not  only  Hearing  to  the  Ears, 

And  Fruitfulncfs  is  given  to  the  Womb  :  (228) 

Not  only  pleafant  Sight,  and  Speech  that  chears  ;  (229) 
Dear  unto   Thofe  born,  haplefs,  deaf,  and  dumb  ! 

But,  thro'  thefe  Streams  convulfive  Pangs  depart ; 

And  Daemons  fly  each  Sitis  poffeffed  Heart.   (230) 

If  this  we  ponder,    lefs  we've  Caufe  to  own 

Some  Things  in  Nature,  tho'  they  curious  feem  : 

For  if  not  ufeful,  little  Vertue's  known  ; 

If  hurtful,  why  fliould  they  deferve  Efleem  : 

Unlefs  it  be,  thro'  Contrafl,  to  declare 

What  Men  may  ufe,  and  what  they  fhould  forbear. 

One  Fountain  carries  Death  within  the  Stream,  (231) 
Another,  if  but  touch'd,  the  Country  drowns  ;  (232) 

A  Third  ingenders  Evils,  mofl  extreme,   (233) 

A  Fourth  makes  wife  Folk  drunk  as  foolifh  Clowns.  (234) 

A  fterile  Fifth  deflroys  the  fruitful  Womb,    (235) 

And  a  blind  Sixth  proves  like   Civimerias  Gloom.  (236) 

So 

"Infilit,  &  niveae  fparguntur  gurgite  pennae. 
"Dum  natat,  algentes  cecidit  fcintilla  per  undas, 
"  Incaluitque  vadum.     Liquids^  contagia  flammas 
"  Senfit  pofteritas.     Quicunque  hie  lavit,  amavit." 

(228)  "DEUS     DAT     I  N  C  R  E  M  E  N  TU  M  ." 

(229)  "  Sandtorum  patrociniis  terra  laetatur." 

(  230  )  "  Martyrum  orationibus  propitiatur  DEUS  populi  peccatis." 
Confess.    S.    August,    de    Sanctis. 

(  231  )  In  Isl.mdid  est  fons,  qui  rem  qncimlibct  injectam  in  lapidem  trans- 
mufat :  &■  alius,  qui  gustatus  Mortem  adfert. 

(  232  )  In  Hybernid  est  fons,  cujus  aqua  pilis  aspersa  illos  canos  reddit. 
Est  S'  alius,  quo  si  quis  abluatur,  non  canescit.  Est  &•  alius  qui,  tadlus  ab 
homine,  (latim  totam  provinciam  inundat.  These  Wonders  Giraldus 
acknowledges  to  have  heard  in  his  Time. 

(  233  )     Amongst  the  Alps,  that  certainly  gives  the  King's  Evil. 

(  234  )     In  Paphlagonid  est  fons  vinei  saporis,  qui  potantes  facit  temulenios. 

(  235  In  Sicilid  est  fons  acetosus,  quo  indigenes  utuntur  pro  aceto.  Ibidem 
sunt  duo  f antes,  quorum  unus  foeeundat  sterilem,  alter  foecundam  facit  sterilem. 

(  236  )  In  Italy.  But  in  Sardinia  are  dijferent  Fountains  that  cause  and 
cure  Blindness. 


[  H5  ] 

So  Ethiopia's  red-flream'd  Fountain  makes 

The  thirfly  Strang-er  turn  dire6lly  mad  :   (237) 

Much  like  Avernus  or   Tartarean  Lakes, 

Where  nothing-  reigns  but  Grief,  or  Torments  fad ! 

But  let  us  tell  the  Vertues  of  what  Spring's 

Seem  to  promote  the  Happinefs  of  Thing-s. 

What  tho'  one  Well  an  unflious  Surface  g-race,  (238) 
Or  from  another  ufeful  Waters  flow ;  (239) 

Or  Lyhia's  Fountain  freezing  in  hot  Days,  (240) 
And  in  hard  Nights  like  boiling  Liquids  glow; 

Or  Egypfs,  which  extinguifh  and  caufe  Fire  ; 

Or  cold  Illyrias  burn,  that  all   admire  ! 

What  tho'  fair  Carls-bad  Streams  o'er  flinty  Stones, 

In  fair  Bohemia,   pleafantly  do  run  ; 
Whofe  Virgin-nitrous  Salt  each  Patient  owns 

Has  gentle  Powers  that  fo/ne  Cures  have  done  ; 
For  which  they're  flyled  Baths  of  Caroline,  (241) 
As  dear  to  them,  and  held  in  part  divine. 

What  tho'  a  Fountain  of  fam'd  Pale/line, 

Blefs'd  IdumcecCs  call'd,  Three  Months  appears 

Like  raging  Waves  ;  then,  turning  red,  combine 
The  other  Three  to  firike  the  Mind  with  Fears  : 

For  Three  Months  more  do  fhow  a  lovely  Green, 

And  the  lafl  Three  like  clearefl  Cryflal  feen  : 


What 


(  237  )     In  JEthiopia  est  fans  ruber,  e  quo  Mbit,  fit  lymphaticus. 

(  238  )     In  Scotia,  cS-c.  (  239  )     In  Sicily,  as  aforefaid. 

(  240  )  In  Lybia  est  fons,  qui  Sole  orto  &•  occaso  est  tepidus,  in  meridie 
fvigidus,  media  nocte  calidissimus.  Dicitur  fons  Solis. — Apud  Garamantes  fons  est 
tarn  algens  interdiu,  ut  bibi  nan  qiieat,  tain  calidus  node,  tit  ferri  non  possit  ipsius 
caliditas.  Vid.  Alfted.  Cnrsus  Philosophici,  Pag.  1422,  S-c. 

(  241  )  In  Bohemia  commendabiles  funt  Thermas  Carolin.'e.  A  Diffjr- 
tation  upon  thofe  hot  acid  mineral  Waters,  which  had  their  Original  from 
Mines  abounding  with  Pyrites,  or  Flint  Stones,  was  A.D.  170S.  publiQieJ  at 
Wolfenbuttcl,  Sec.  by  a  dignify'd  Phyfician,  under  the  following  Title:  Saci'd 
Majestati  Regis  AUGUSTI  dicata  dc  Tliennis  CAROLINIS  Commentatio,  qua 
omnium  Oyigo  Foutium  calidoruni  iiemque  acidonini  ex  Pyrite  ostenditur.  Aiictore 
Joanne  Gothofredo  Bergero,  Archiatro  Regio  &•  Professore  Medico.  (In  4to. 
Pag.  157.) 


[  146] 

What  tho'  Mount- Falc oii s  Spring  doth  petrify, 

Whence  floney  Rinds  proceed,  and  Boughs  with  Leaves ; 

And  from  hot  Baths,  which  do  contiguous  lie, 
The  fickly  Patient  long'd-for  Health  receives  : 

Tho'  Medicinal  Herbs  do  blefs  the  Land, 

Where  flout    Venetids  Sons  bear  jufL  Command  : 

Yet  All  thefe  can't  compare  with    Winfred's  Well  : 
Their  Streams  but  partly  heal ;  but  Her's  the  whole. 

Heav'n,  for  her  Sake,  who  did  all  Vice  repell, 
Cures  evry  Pilgrim,  comforts  evry  Soul  ! 

To  Flifitia,  then,  may  Thofe  diflrefs'd  repair. 

And  feek  true  Health,  fmce  they  may  find  it  there. 

The  Catholicks,  unfliaken  in  their  Belief, 
With  flowing  Tears  for  tender  Mercy  cry  : 

They  think  the  Saint,  who  gives  to  All  Relief, 
Will  pray  for  Them  to  the  Blefs'd  TRINITY. 

The    LITANIES,  {24.1a)  exhibited,  reveal 

That  Love  and  Pow'r,  they  own,  to  pray,  and  heal. 

And, 


(241a.)      T    ORD,   have  Mercy  upon  us. 

Christ,  have  Mercy  upon  us. 
Lord,  have  Mercy  upon  us. 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  Mercy  upon  us. 
God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of   Mankind,  have  mercy  upon  us. 
God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  have  Mercy  upon  us. 
Holy  Trinity,  One  God,  have  Mercy  upon  us. 
Holy  Mary, 
Holy  Mother  of  God, 
Holy  Virgin  of  Virgins, 
O  Blessed  St.   Wenefride, 
O  Humble  and  Mild  Virgin, 
O  Glorious  Spouse  of  Christ, 
O  Devout  and  Charitable  Virgin, 
O  Sweet  Comforter  of  the  Afflidted, 
O  Singular  Example  of  Chastity,  O  Radiant/ 


L  H7  ] 

And,  fure,  whatever  Happinefs  can  be 

In  Heav'n  or  Earth,  All  wifli  for  to  iicquire. 

We  are  like  Pilg-rims  to  Eternity, 

And  might  be  loft,  or  in  our  Journey  tire, 

Thro'  Sin's  foul  Burden,  if  we  fought  not  Aid 

From  Chrifl,  as  they  do  by  this  fhining  Maid. 


'Tis 


'\ 


O  Radiant  Star, 

O  Fairest  Flower  of  the  British  Nation, 

O  Admirable  and  Elefted   Vessel, 

O  Mirror  of  Chastity, 

O  Mirror  of  Devotion, 

O  Mirror  of  Piety, 

O  Bright  Lamb  of   Sandtity, 

O  Golden  Image  of  Angelical  Purity, 

O  Hope  and  Safety  of  distressed  Pilgrims, 

That   we   may   be   deliver'd   from   all  Disorder'd  Passions  of  the 

Mind, 
That  we  may  be  delivered  from  the  Deceits  of   the  World,  Flesh 

and  Devil, 
That  we  may  be  deliver'd  from  all  Occasions  of   Sin, 
That  we  may  be  delivered  from  Plague,  Famine  and  War, 
That  we  may  be  delivered  from  the  Wrath  of   God,  and  Eternal 

Damnation. 
That    we   and   all    Sinners    may    have    true    Contrition,    and    full 

Remission  of  our  Sins, 
That  all  Schismaticks,  Hereticks,  and  Infidels  may  be  Converted 

to  the  Holy  Catholick  and  Apostolical  Faith, 
That  we  may  always  hate  Sin,  and  overcome  all   Temptations, 
That  we  may  despise  all  worldly  Vanities  and  Delights,  [     ^ 


O 
^ 


'  That  we  all  may  ever  fear  God,  and  fulfil  his  Holy  Will,  v^ 

That  we  may  have  both  Spiritual  and  Corporal  Plealth, 
That  we  may  devoutly  affect  Chastity  and  Purity  of  Life,  IlJJ 

That  we  may  fervently  love  Humility  and  Mildness,  ^ 

That  we   may   delight   in   pious   Prayer,   Fasting  and  Charitable      S^ 

Alms, 
That  we  may  discreetly  and  fervently  continue  in  the  Exercise  of 

Godliness, 
That   we   may   cheerfully   and   constantly   suffer   for  the  Love  of 

Christ, 

That/ 


[  148  ] 

'Tis  fcarce  deny'd,  that  Heav'n  hears  ev'ry  Pray'r, 
And  Hymn  that's  offer'd,  tho'  it  be  to  Saints : 

So  we  may  learn,  from  Signs  and  Tokens  clear, 
By  fudden  Cures  in  many  fad  Complaints  ! 

And  may  not  Joy,  like  good  Enthufiafm,  range 

O'er  boundlefs  Scenes  for  fuch  a  rapturous  Change  ? 

And  if  we  can  but  gain  an  happy  End ; 

If  GOD  is  with  our  OflF'rings  fatisfy'd  : 
What  matters  much,  how,    or  by  whom,  we  fend ; 

Since  Pray'rs  conjoin'd  thro'  CHRIST  are  not  deny'd  ? 
For  when  flrong  Faith  and  Love  in  Woes  appear, 
No  Sigh's  unheard,  nor  drops  in  vain  one  Tear. 

But 

That    the   Souls    in   Purgatory,    and   all   Afflidted    Persons,    may  \    o| 

obtain  heavenly  Consolations, 
That  our  Benefadtors,  and  all  that  labour  to  save  Souls,  may  be 

blessed  with  abundance  of  Grace  and  everlasting  Life, 
That  we  may  enjoy  true  Peace,  and  endless  Felicity, 
That   God   of    His  abundant   Mercy   will  vouchsafe  to  bless  this 

our  Pilgrimage, 
That   by   thy   pious  Intercession  it  may  be  to  the  perfedt  Health 

of  our  Souls  and  Bodies, 
That  thou  wilt  vouchsafe  to  grant  our  Requests, 
O  Blessed  Winefride !  I    ^ 

Let    us    Pray. 

A  LMIGHTY    and    Everlasting    God,    who    hast   adormd   St.    Winefride, 

with    the   Reward   of   Virginity :    Grant,    we  beseech  thee,  by  her  Pious 

Intercession  to  set  aside  the  Delights  of  the   World,   and  obtain   with   her  the 

Throne   of   Everlasting   Glory.      Through  Jesus  Christ,  Thy  Son,  who  with 

Thee  liveth  and  reigneth  in  the  Unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  for  ever.     Amen. 

A  nother  Prayer. 
A  LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  that 
blessed  S.  Wcncfride  may  obtain  for  us  such  Spiritual  and 
Temporal  Benefits  as  are  expedient  for  Thy  Holy  Service,  and  our 
eternal  Salvation.  Through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  who  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  hveth  and  reigneth  ever  one  God,  World 
without  end.     Amen. 


^ 


<^ 


[  149  ] 

But  fliould  our  Pray'rs  for  Months  or  Years  feem  vain, 
Let  not  Impatience  give  to  Heav'n  Offence  : 

Tho'  Ang-els  fly  us,  think  it  not  Difdain  ; 
Nor  blame  an  over-ruling-  Providence. 

Powers  divine,  when  they  think  fit  will  give 

Thofe  proper  Virtues  how  to  die,  or  live. 

As  when  from  various  Ports  poor  Paffengers 

Send  up  their  ardent  Pray'rs  for  wifli'd-for  Gales ; 

GOD,  tho'  He  ev'ry  craving  Mortal  hears, 
Yet  at  one  Time  not  ev'ry  Pray'r  prevails  : 

But  if  they  to  His  Will  divine  agree, 

At  lafl  He  fends  All  where  they  wifli  to  be  : 


Ev'n 


The  Hymn  of  S.  Wenefride. 

A  S  fragrant  Rose  in  pleasant  Spring, 

To  God's  own  Son  a  Spouse  most  dear, 
And  Martyr  rare  of  Christ  our  King, 

Saint  Wenefride  did  flourish  here. 
Descended  well  of  BRITISH   RACE, 

In  Faith  was  firm,  in  Hope  secure ; 
With  Holy  Works  and  Soul  in  Grace, 

From  Worldly  Filth  preserved  pure. 
Cradock  this  Sacred  Maid  did  kill, 

And  him  Hell  swallowed  presently, 
Where  Tears  in  vain  do  run  down  still, 

'Mongst  burning  Flames  incessantly. 
A  Token  sure  of  this  strange  Thing, 

Bespotted  all  with  Bloody  Red, 
A  Well  by  God's  Command  doth  spring. 

Where  Tyrant's  Sword  cut  off  her  Head. 
Here  Wonders  great  God's  Hand  doth  work : 

The  Blind  doth  see,  the  Dumb  doth  speak  ; 
Diseases,  which  in  Bodies  lurk. 

Are  cured  where  Faith  is  not  weak. 
O  glorious  Virgin  Wenefride, 

To  us  the  raging  Sea  appease, 
And  free  us  so  from  Satan's  dread. 

That  he  on  us  may  never  seize.        Amen, 


[  ISO] 

Ev'n  fo  'tis  here  :  Tho'  All  would  Health  attain, 
And  evVy  Soul  defires  to  find  Relief : 

Heav'n  firfl  will  fearch  their  Faith  before  their  Pain, 
And  eafe  the  HumblefL  of  their  {harped  Grief  : 

At  length  give  Joy  to  All  who  weep  and  mourn. 

And  to  their  Homes  with  Gufts  of  Blifs  return. 

Two  Hundred  Forty  Tons  S.  Win/red's  Well 
And  comely  (242)  Ciflern,  do  together  hold  ; 

But,  when  difcharg'd,  as  worthy  Perfons  tell, 
Two  Minutes  do  reftore  the  Number  told  : 

Scarce  Alteration  of  the  Weather  taints  it ; 

And  to  the  Eye  moft  clear  Heav'n's  Power  paints  it. 

More  than  one  Hundred  Tons  the  Spring  doth  rife, 
In  ev'ry  Minute  'twixt  the  clofe-laid  Stones  ;  (243) 

Which  with  their  sanguine  Spots  do  flrike  the  Eyes, 
And  wound  the  Heart  with  fympathetick  Moans  : 


For 


A  Prayer  to  S.  Wenefride. 
r~\  BLESSED  S.  Wenefride,  O  Glorious  Virgin  and  Martyr,  who  hast 
admirably  beautified  with  the  Purple  of  thy  Blood  the  rare  Purity 
of  thy  Innocent  Life,  whom  God  has  so  specially  chosen,  so  highly 
privileged,  and  so  wonderfully  restored  to  Life  again,  gracing  thee  with 
the  Honour  of  a  living  Martyr,  causing  a  Fountain  miraculously  to 
spring  bearing  a  perpetual  Memory  of  thy  name,  for  the  Relief  of  all 
diseased  and  distressed  Pilgrims,  who  shall  devoutly  beg  thy  powerful 
Intercession :  O  Blessed  S.  Wenefride,  hear  the  Prayers,  and  receive 
the  humble  Supplications,  of  thy  poor  devoted  Pilgrims ;  and  obtain, 
that,  by  thy  pious  Intercession,  God  of  his  infinite  Mercy  will  be 
pleased  to  grant  us  a  full  Pardon  and  Remission  of  our  Sins,  and  a 
Blessing  to  this  our  Pilgrimage ;  and  that  we  may  increase  and  persevere 
in  God's  Grace,  and  enjoy  Him  eternally  in  Heaven.  This  we  beg  of 
thee,  O  blessed  Virgin  and  Martyr  for  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and 
Saviour's  Sake.     Amen. 

(  242  )     Or  Bafon,  being  4  Feet  in  depth.     The  Water  feems  to  boil, 
as  tho'  in  an  extraordinary  hot  Caldron. 

(  243  )     The  Experiment  was  made  A.D.  1731,  before  the  Reverend 
Minifter,  feveral  learned  Perfonages,  and  others. 


[  151] 

For  here  no  other  Arg-ument's  allow'd, 

But  that  the  Red  came  from  the  Virg-in's  Blood. 

Some  Blood-Stones,  of  a  reddifli  Iron  Hue,   (244) 

In   Gen?iany  and  Britam  s  Ifle  are  feen  : 
A  diflf'rent  Sort,  but  of  kind  Nature  too,  (245) 

Shews  fang-uine  Veins  flreak'd  in  a  dufl^y  Green  : 
But  Her's,  for  wond'rous  Beauty,  in  clear  Streams, 
None  can  excell  from   Tyber  unto   Thames. 

Each  bleeding-  Stone,  with  downy  Mofs  embrac'd, 
Like  Incenfe  fmells  ;  as  Wall-lov'd  Ivy  feems  ; 

And  fmce  all  are  in  lovely  Order  plac'd. 
United  Beauties  g-ild   the  cryflal  Streams. 

Like  flow'ry  Pots  fome  look,  in  Fiords  Prime, 

When  Meadows,  Groves,  and  Gardens  look  fublime. 

And  tho'  the  Streams  with  dimpling-  Eddies  play. 
Not  far  they  run,  but  in  Maeanders  twine  : 

But  where  'tis  deeper,  fmoother  make  their  Way, 
And  like  brig-ht  Cryflal  do  the  Waters  fliine.   (246) 

So  quick  the  Vafe  emits,  fo  fafl  it  fills. 

As  to  fupply  feven  larg-e  and  ufeful  Mills. 

And  thus  it  has  obtain'd  fo  great  Renown, 

That,  as  to  Bath,  g-reat  Quality  refort  ; 
So  from  a  Villag-e  to  a  Market-Town, 

Is  Holy-  Wdl,  or  rather  like  a  Court : 

Where  kind  Affiflance  to  the  Poor  is  giv'n, 

Who  pray  for  Bleffmgs  to  defcend  from  Heav'n. 

Hail, 

(  244  )  See  Dr.  Quincy's  Difpenfatory,  Edit.  8.  pag.  iii.  under 
Lapis  Hamatites ;  good  in  Hamorrhages,  or  Bloody  Eruptions. 

(  245  )  The  Heliotropium,  the  true  Blood-Stone  of  the  Ancients.  It 
is  fo  called,  becaufe  it  changeth  the  Sun-Beams  by  Reflexion,  if  cafl 
into  Water  ;  if  out  of  it,  like  a  Burning-Glafs,  we  may  fee  the  Sun's 
Eclipfe,  and  Motion  of  the  Moon. 

(  246 )  The  Water  is  fo  tranfparent,  that  the  fmalleft  Piece  of 
Money,  or  even  a  Pin's  Head,  may  be  feen  at  the  Bottom  ;  and  the 
Fragrancy  of  the  circling  Mofs  is  look'd  upon  as  a  divine  Effufion,  in 
refpeft  of  the  Saint's  angelical  Virtues. 


[  152] 

Hail,  Patroness,  divine!  blefs'd  Saint  renown'd  ! 

May  blooming-  Youth  and  Virgins  fair  attend, 
Whilil  Hymns  of  Praife,  with  Mufick's  Charms,  refound 

Thy  Life,  harmonious,  and  thy  precious  End  ; 
Thy  Ang-el's  State ;  thy  Country  fam'd  thro'  Thee ; 
Efleem'd  by  All,  and  lov'd  mofl  dear  by  Me.  (247) 

St  George  within  our  fair  Cathedral  flands,  (24S) 
As  tho'  he  with  a  bloody  Dragon  fights  ; 

Worfe  than  abforbing  Bnites,  who  fwallow  Lands, 
Or  hinder  good  Men  to  renew  their  Rights  : 

And  thus  his  Image,  which  Time  long  has  fpar'd, 

For  fair  SabrincCs  Sake,  fhews  him  rever'd. 

If  not  Britannids  Guardian  dear  confefl, 

How  comes  that  Saint's  Refemblance  to  be  feen, 

In  fliining  Armour,  glitt'ring  on  the  Breafl 

Of  every  valiant    King,  and  lovely   Queen  ? 

Long  may  He  be  rever'd,  whilfl  Truth  prevails  ; 

And  fight  for  Engla?id,  whilfl  She  prays  for    Wales. 


(  247  )  In  my  juvenile  Years,  being  driven  by  Storms  into  Douglas,  in 
the  Isle  of  Man,  /  viet  ivith  such  kind  Usage  from  the  Family  of  Mr.  Corris, 
Mr.  Kendale,  and  other  Inhabitants,  that  on  a  lofty  prominent  Rock  tiear  the 
Place  I  was,  as  it  were,  inspired  to  write  some  Stanza's  in  their  deserved 
Praise;  And,  afterwards,  forc'd,  thro'  contrary  Winds,  towards  the  extremest 
Promontory  or  Westerly  Corner  in  the  most  Northerly  Part  of  North-Wales, 
in  the  Isle  of  Mona,  or  Anglefey  ;  /  ivas  obliged  to  land  at  a  Place  (famous 
of  old  thro'  St.  Kiby,  a  pious  Hermit)  called  Holy-Head.  In  my  tiresome 
Journey  from  thence  to  Weft  Chefter,  /  must  needs  own,  what  thro'  false 
Report  I  did  not  expect  in  this  Manner  to  observe,  That  I  never  found  a  more 
hospitable  and  good-natur'd  People  to  distressed  Pilgrims,  or  Strangers. 

(  248  )  For  a  compendious  Account  of  this  Guardian  Champion  of 
England,  I  refer  my  kind  Reader  to  my  Hiftory  of  York,  Pag.  31.  where 
I  treat  of  its  magnificent  Cathedral,  juftly  fo  call'd,  thro'  the  extra- 
ordinary Care  of  a  moft  illuftrious  Dean,  and  other  worthy  Dignitaries 
of  the  Church. 

The    End     0/    the     Fifth     PART. 


I  Britifli    PIETY    Difplay'd     $ 

3^  In    the    Glorious                                2^ 

JLife,  guff^mtg,  and    Death^I; 

[fe  Of  the  Bleffed                                     *f 

J  St.  WINEFRED :       t 

S  A  Noble  Virgin,  martyr'd  for  her  renowned  T 

>i*  Chaftity,  in  ^ales  :    Where,  at   Her  Cele-  *i* 

3^  brated  Fountain,  called  Holy-Well,  many  T 

^  affli6led    Perfons    have    been  happily  freed  ^ 

►j^  from    their    miferable    Diftempers    in    paft  ^ 

*i*  Centuries  :      The    falutiferous     Quality    of  *i* 

A  which    Water,    continuing    in    the    prefent  i^ 

T  Age,    occafions    its    F  a  m  e   to    be    fpread  T 

4<  in  far-diftant  Kingdoms.                                    >^ 

4"  4* 

*T*  ►I^  ►I^  ►l^  ^  ^  ^  ►^  *^  ►!<  ►P  ►!<  ^  ►I^  ^  ►P  ►I^  ^  ►!<  ►!<  ►^  ►I^  ►p 

t  ^ 

►^  Ecclefia  nunquani  florentior,  quamcum  affliftior  inter  a-uces&  ►^ 

►J^  gladios  ftcortim  viartyrum  pugnas  &"  viBorias  fpe^avit. —  ►J^ 

►J^  Natura  rerum  ad  Deiim  nos  erigit.      Quam  viagnifica  funt  ►!< 

4<  O/^rfl  r?/rt,  D  0  MINE  !                                               4" 

^  ^^  D  E  U S  ter    Optimus   Maxinms  in  aquis  fwiunas  excel-  [|] 

2J  "  lent  iff imas   recondivit  vires  faliitares,  quarinn   tanta  ejl  ^^ 

^  " prcEjlatttia  nt  longe  multumqtie  ovmibiis  aliis  remediorum  ^J 

2]  " gefieribtis  Jint  fiiperiores."     That  is,  The  Mojl  Glorious  3^ 

^  a«</  Omnipotent  God  y^flj-  conceaVd  the  greatejl  and  viojl  ^^ 

2]  excellent  falubrious  Efficacy  in  the    Waters ;    ivhich  have  ^^ 

^  fo  prevalent  a  Power,    that   they  are  far  fiiperior  to  all  ^^ 

^  other  Kifids  of  Remedies.    .                                                        ^§[ 

►J^  York  :    Printed   and   Sold   by   the   Author   Tho.    Gent,        ►J^ 

►r*  in  Petergate,  Atmo  Dom.  Mdccxlii.                               *^ 

4"  ^ 


[  154] 


/  thought  it  cojivenient  to  add  the  folloiving  Epitome,  in 
order  to  oblige  fome  Readers;  who  either  may  think  it 
more  eafy  to  be  underjlood,  or  ajjijl  thevi  the  better  to 
penife  what  has  been  pioufly  written  concerning  the  Holy 
Life  of  this  celebrated   Virgin. 

OT.  WiNEFRED,  the  Daughter  of  Lord  Thewith  and  Lady 
Wenlo,  was  born  in  the  troublefome  Reign  of  King 
Cadwallown.  As  Ihe  grew  up,  fhe  appear'd  a  perfe6l 
Beauty ;  and  no  Care  was  wanting  in  her  Education,  After 
the  King  dy'd,  he  was  quickly  fucceeded  by  Eluith,  the 
Second  of  that  Name.  Then  flourifh'd  a  very  reHgious  Priefl, 
called  BuENO,  who  fprung  from  noble  Parentage.  Whilft  he 
was  paying  a  Vifit  to  his  Relations  in  FlintJJiire,  in  a  particular 
manner  he  fhew'd  his  RefpeSl  to  the  aforefaid  Lord  Thewith, 
his  Brother-in-Law,  whofe  Spoufe  was  his  Siller.  In  a  long 
Difcourfe  with  him,  he  befought  a  Piece  of  Ground,  that  he 
might  ere6l  a  Church  upon  for  the  Good  of  Souls  in  general; 
and  to  pray  for  the  Happinefs  of  the  Family  in  particular. 
The  good  Lord  quickly  condefcended  to  the  pious  Requefl. 
Nay,  he  gave  him  the  Manor  he  then  liv'd  in;  making  Choice 
of  a  fit  Dwelling  upon  an  Hill,  not  far  from  the  Place  :  And 
befought  the  Saint  to  educate  his  fair  Daughter.  The 
Building  immediately  was  promoted,  and  the  Nobleman 
carry'd  Baflcets  with  Materials  to  encourage  others  to  follow 
on  the  Work.  When  it  was  finifhed,  there  appear'd  in  all  a 
conflant  Harmony  in  Devotion.  The  Child  was  much  taken 
with  St.  BuENo's  Preaching;  and,  by  his  Perfuafions,  having 
won  her  to  embrace  a  Life  of  Virginity,  the  Confent  of  her 
tender  Parents  was  obtain'd,  altho'  they  had  defign'd  to  have 
given  her  in  Marriage  to  fome  worthy  Perfonage  in  that 
Country.  After  this,  no  Creature  could  be  more  devout  than 
the  young  Virgin.  She  became  inflam'd  with  the  Love  of 
JESUS.      Prayers  iffued  from  her  Heart,      She  wept  with 

thofe 


[155] 

thofe  that  mourn'd,  was  liberal  in  her  Alms  to  the  Poor ; 
and  never  a  Word  proceeded  from  her  Lips  but  what  was 
ang-elically  divine. 

One  Sunday,  while  the  Family  was  at  Church,  her  being" 
not  well  occafion'd  her  to  llay  at  home.  She  was  fuddenly 
furpriz'd  at  the  unfeafonable  Vifit  of  Prince  Caradoc.  When 
(he  modeflly  afked  him,  What  his  Pleafure  was  ?  He  begun 
to  boaft  of  his  being  Son  to  King"  Alan  ;  and  of  his  vafl 
Riches,  which  fliould  be  at  her  Service,  if  (lie  would  but  con- 
form to  his  Embraces.  Struck  to  the  Quick  with  jufl  Anger 
and  Difdain,  fhe  blufli'd,  and  held  down  her  Head  :  But,  re- 
covering her  fainting  Spirits,  flie  told  him.  That  he  might 
efpoufe  a  far  more  noble  Lady  than  flie  was ;  and  that,  un- 
doubtedly, he  was  able  to  perform  thofe  great  Endowments 
he  had  promifed,  in  Cafe  he  did  her  the  Honour  of  mutually 
entering  into  a  connubial  State  :  Yet  befought  him  to  wait 
the  Return  of  her  dear  Parents,  which  would  be  to  all  their 
Satisfa6lion,  when  Things  were  a6ted  in  a  lawful  Manner. 
But  the  haughty  Prince,  accounting  his  Will  to  be  a  Law, 
fuppofed  himfelf  like  another  Caligula,  who  was  accuflom'd 
to  ufe  this  infamous  Expreffion  :  Memento  omnia  ?niht,  &  in 
omnes  licere.  So,  faid  he,  Reme??iber,  that  'tis  lawful  for  me  to 
life  all  Women,  in  Love-AfFairs,  yV^/?  as  I  pleafe  ;  and  now,  fair 
Lady,  I  will  enjoy  you.  Thus  the  Villain,  burning  with  Lufl, 
and  impatient  of  Delay,  began  to  be  violently  rude ;  fo  that 
fhe  was  oblig'd  to  have  Regard  to  a  pious  Strategem.  She 
wept,  and  conjur'd  him,  by  all  the  Tyes  of  Honour  and 
Generofity ;  by  his  Veneration  to  the  Heathen  Gods,  if  he 
had  no  Regard  to  the  bleffed  JESUS,  to  whom  fhe  was 
efpoufed  in  the  Spirit,  through  her  Vow  of  perpetual  Vir- 
ginity ;  that  he  would  not  further  attempt  to  violate  her 
Chaflity,  which  was  dearer  to  her  than  Life  itfelf.  But  the 
wicked  Prince,  who  was  deaf  to  all  pious  Intreaty,  and,  like 
an  untam'd  Brute,  profecuting  his  falacious  Intention  ;  fhe 
then  feem'd  to  comply  with  his  Defires ;    but  befought  him, 

fmce 


[  156  ] 

fince  he  appear'd  unwilling-  to  tarry  for  the  coming-  home  of 
her  dear  Parents,  that,  at  leaft,  he  would  permit  her  to  enter 
into  her  Clofet,  the  better  to  adorn  herfelf  for  his  princely 
Enjoyment ;  and  that  fhe  would  make  all  the  halle  poffible  to 
anfwer  his  defired  and  fervent  Expe6tations. 

No  fooner  was  flie  parted,   but  as  it  were  a  Gleam  of 
Lig-htning-  {he   foftly   attain'd  to  a  private   Portal ;     out   of 
which,  as  faft  as  her  tender  Feet  would  permit  her,  fhe  ran 
towards  the  Church :  But  the  Prince,  fearing-  her  Delay  might 
fruftrate   his   Defign,    quickly   burfl   open   the  Door  of  her 
Chamber,  which  he  thought  a  more  proper  Place  for  his 
Fruition.    Finding-  her  gone,  the  Fire  of  Indignation  became 
added  to  that  of  his  Luft.    Has  fhe  deceiv'd  me  ?    Never  will 
I  forgive  this  Affront !  cry'd  the  foolifh,  vain  Prince  ;  and,  like 
a  Coward,  who  would  affault  an  innocent  Lady,  he  drew  his 
Sword,  as  he  efpy'd  her  from  the  Window.     Down  the  Stairs 
he  leapt  with  Fury ;  and,  as  a  Wolf  of  Prey,  with  greater 
Strength  and  Speed  than  the  harmlefs  Virgin  was  endow'd 
with,  he  overtook  the  weeping  Lady  jufl  as  fhe  was  defcending 
the  Hill.     Then,  brandifhing  his  Weapon  like  a  fimple  Tra- 
gedian, and  as  fuch  ufmg  the  moft  illiterate  Expreffions,  as 
tho'  Life  and  Reputation  were  in  his  wilful  Power,  or  to  be 
adjudg'd  fafe  and  unRrain'd  according  to  the  ridiculous  Sen- 
tence of  a  moft  arbitrary  Villain,  he  thus  fooliflily  roar'd  out: 
Doft  thou  fcorn  me,  falfe  and  deceitful  Creature  !  thus  vainly 
to  fly  from  the  fuperlative  Happinefs  of  being  embraced  in 
my  princely  Arms  !    What  do'ft  thou  deferve  for  this  moft 
heinous  Contempt  of  my  Perfon,  honoured  by  every  charming 
Lady,  excepting  thee.?  Be  obfequiouHy  quick,  thou  treacherous 
Damfel,  in  yielding  to  my  Defires;  or,  hy  Jupiter,  (who  enjoy'd 
his  beloved  lo,  the  charming   Princefs  Alcmena,  and  other 
terreftrial   Beauties)    I'll   foon    prevent   thy  fecond  running 
from    me,   by   feparating   thy   deceitful  Head   from   off  thy 
fair  Shoulders  }     Don't  you  fee  my  Dagger  is  unfheath'd  for 
the  fame  Purpofe  ?     Be  wife,  therefore,  while  you  may  ;  and 

do 


[157] 

do  not  thro'  Perverfenefs,  give  me  any  further  troublefome 
Provocation.  But  the  noble  Virgin,  wiping-  off  her  pearly 
Tears,  prefently  appear'd  as  if  flie  was  in  no  manner  in- 
timidated, altho'  the  Blade  almofl  touched  her  milk-white 
Neck,  which  he  held  there  by  way  of  Terror.  "  Prince,  faid 
"J^ie,  I  moft  humbly  befeech  your  Pardon  that  I  cannot  pre- 
"  tend  to  accept  you  as  my  Husband ;  which,  perhaps,  with 
"other  Ufage  I  might  have  done,  had  I  not,  as  I  told  you 
"  before,  been  confecrated,  by  way  of  Efpoufal,  entirely  to  be 
"  devoted  to  the  fupernal  Embraces  of  my  Bleffed  Saviour- 
"  From  my  Infancy,  as  foon  as  I  had  the  leaft  Senfe  to  difcern 
"  how  amiable  He  was  ;  and  with  what  Meeknefs  he  fuffer'd 
"  his  mofl  precious  Blood  to  be  fhed  for  my  Salvation  ;  which 
"He  has  alfo  done  for  You,  my  Lord,  if  you  pleafe  but  to 
"  repent,  and  be  converted ;  indeed,  I  became  fo  enamour'd 
"with  his  divine  Sweetnefs,  (for  who  could  be  otherwife  that 
"truly  confiders  the  wonderful  Series  of  his  heav'nly  Life,  in 
"  which  he  was  often  deny'd  a  Place  even  to  lay  down  his 
"  facred  Head  with  Safety !)  that  I  was  eafily  perfuaded  to 
"  enter  into  that  Contra6l,  which,  in  my  ferious  Opinion,  no 
"  Power  upon  Earth  can,  or  at  leafl  ought,  to  diffolve.  Did  you 
"  but  know  what  a  Comfort  He  has  been  to  my  languifhing 
"  Soul,  how  He  has  preferved  me  from  the  Snares  of  Tempta- 
"  tion,  fupported  me  under  the  mofl  grievous  Pains  thro'  In- 
"  difpofitions  I  am  fometimes  fubje6t  to,  and  even  now  raifes 
"  my  Soul,  tho'  perhaps  you  think  I  may  tremble  under  your 
"  heavy  Difpleafure ;  fure  I  am,  you  would  be  of  my  Mind  in 
"  placing  your  Love  on  Him  alfo,  who  would  lead  you  by  the 
"right  Hand,  keep  your  Feet  from  falling,  dry  up  your 
"  penitential  Tears,  and  condu6l  you  to  Glory.  O  may  thefe 
"  pious  Arguments  of  mine,  mofl  noble  Prince !  have  far 
"greater  Power  over  you  to  embrace  a  Life  of  Chaflity,  than 
"your  fad  Threatnings  to  affright  me  from  my  profeffed  Vir- 
"tue!  But  if  Heaven,  to  try  my  Conflancy,  thinks  not  fit  to 
"  grant  me  this  Petition  for  your  Converfion  ;  and  that,  as  I 

fear 


[  158] 

"  fear  by  your  Countenance,  your  Heart,  like  Pharoah's,  will 
"prove  fo  harden'd  as  to  have  no  Regard  to  the  Laws  of 
"  Heaven,  or  the  Innocency  of  a  diftreffed  Maiden,  which  every 
"  worthy  Knight  is  obliged,  by  their  foverign  Order,  inftead  of 
"  violating,  to  defend ;  here,  behold,  I  (land  as  a  prepared 
"Victim,  willing  to  be  facrificed  at  your  Pleafure,  rather 
"than,  by  Menaces,  be  compell'd  to  hazard,  indeed,  both 
"  our  Salvation.  Believe  me,  O  Prince  !  the  Lofs  of  Life 
"  is  of  very  little  Value  to  that  of  my  Virginity.  I  neither 
"can,  or  will,  forfeit  my  Title  to  the  Love  of  my  deareft 
"  Saviour :  And  if  I  prefently  am  to  exift  no  more  on  Earth 
"  through  the  Eflfe6ls  of  your  cruel  Paflion  here ;  I  know 
"that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  who  has  promifed  again  to 
"raife  me  with  his  Saints,  and  will  be  a  mofl  merciful 
"Judge,  and  kind  Lord,  to  my  precious  happy  Soul  here- 
"  after." 

What  a  pious  and  heroic  Example  is  here  recorded 
to  eftablifh  the  Conftancy  of  blooming  innocent  Virgins  to 
future  Ages,  as  long  as  this  World  fhall  endure  ! 

The  cruel  Youth  by  her  pathetick  Speech  was  quite 
prevented  from  making  any  Reply  to  the  injur'd  Lady. 
She  guefs'd  his  fatal  Refolution ;  and,  in  refigned  Humality 
to  GOD,  funk  gently  on  her  tender  Knees,  with  her  fmall 
white  Fingers  prettily  infolded;  the  Tears  gliding  down  her 
beautiful  Cheeks;  whilfl  her  foft  melodious  Voice,  in  the 
mofl  moving  Accents,  was  imploring  Heaven  to  look  upon 
her ! — What  Tyrant  could  have  beheld  fuch  an  affe6ling 
Sight,  and  not  have  relented  .?  But  raging  Pride  had  got 
an  abfolute  Dominion  over  all  the  tender  Emotions  that 
are  fufceptible  to  human  Nature.  For  a  while  he  trembled, 
and  vainly  urged  her  to  comply;  but  flie  did  not  regard 
him:  And  whilfl  flie  was  repeating,  JESU!  have  Mercy — 
the  mercilefs  villain  ftruck  her  fo  forcibly  on  her  beautiful 
Neck,  that  feparated  her  lovely  Head  from  her  well-fhap'd 

Body: 


[159] 

Body:  Which,  tho'  they  mutually  fell  bleeding-  to  the 
Ground;  yet  quickly  became,  for  a  while,  as  it  were  by  a 
particular  Providence,  a  confiderable  Way,  parted  afunder ! 

Whilfl  the  horrid  Prince  was  wiping  his  Sword  on  the 

Grafs,  he  found  the  late  glittering  Steel  had  receiv'd  fuch 

a  fanguinary  Tin6lure  as  was  out  of  his  Power  to  remove. 

Immediately,    while   the   Blood   furrounded   him  in  circling 

Streamlets,  as  tho'  confining-  him   to   a   certain    Space   'till 

condign    Punifhment    fhould    be    infli6led    on    him,    he    lofl 

all  Motion  to  go  off  undifcover'd :  And  when  he  had  leapt 

over  the  sanguine  Rivulet,  he  could  move  not  much  farther 

than  the  Margin  thereof.      Then,   as  if  the  Earth  wept  at 

the  Horror  of  the  A6lion,  a  Spring  burfl  forth  as  it  were 

from  its  opening  Veins ;  the   mingling   Streams   of  which, 

flowing   down   the    Hill,    never   appear'd   a   more  beautiful 

Conjun6lion  !    In  the  mean  while,  the  Head,  no  way  unlovely 

thro'  the  ufual  ghaflly   Form   of    Death,    rowl'd   gently   on 

the  defcending  Glebe  'till  it  reached  the  very  Church  Door, 

and  fo  proceeded  to   the    Font,    as   if    to    declare,    that    It 

was  now  baptiz'd  with  Blood  as  well  as   by   Water.      The 

People    were    flruck   with    Amazement !     The    holy   Priefl, 

defcending   from   the   Altar,    took   up   the    precious    Head, 

and  accompany'd  the  mournful  Parents  with  Tears.     After 

which,    they    afcended    the    Hill,    and    found    the    princely 

Murderer    Handing    fome    little    disflance    from    the    holy 

Virgin's  bleeding  Body,  as  tho'  without  Power,  or  Concern. 

Villain !  faid  Bu'no,  could  neither  thy  Birth,  her  Innocency, 

or  the  fear  of  Judgment,    keep   thee    from   this   nefandous 

Crime.     Haft  thou  polluted  the  Sabbath,  and  offended   thy 

Maker,    without    fhewing    the    leaft   Sign  of    Repentance .? 

I   pray   GOD   immediately   to   punifli  with  Vengeance  thy 

great  Cruelty,  moft  deteftable  to  Heaven  and   Earth.      He 

had   fcarce   faid   thefe   Words,    but   the  Wretch  fell  down, 

quickly  difappeared,  and  was  fnatch'd   away   into   a   woful 

Eternity. 

The 


[  i6o  ] 

The  holy  Priefl,  taking-  Notice  of  the  miraculous 
Fountain,  placed  the  Head  near  to  the  Body;  and,  cover- 
ing both  with  his  Mantle,  return'd  into  the  Church,  to  end 
divine  Service.  This  done,  they  all  went  again  to  the 
Place  where  fhe  lay:  And  after  he  had  told  them  of  her 
angelical  Virtues,  he  earneflly  befought  Heav'n  to  reflore 
her  to  Life.  Accordingly,  GOD  was  pleafed  to  work  a 
Miracle,  by  a  wonderful  Re-union  :  She  arofe  on  her  Feet, 
and  faluted  the  weeping  Spe6lators ;  who  obferving  a  white 
Circle    round    her    Neck,    they    chang'd    her    Name    from 

BrUENA     to     WiNEFRED. 

Her  Well  became  in  great  Eflimation  for  mofl  wonderful 
Cures  :  The  Stones  at  the  Bottom  were  tin6lur'd  with  her 
Blood ;  from  which  a  pretty  cemented  Mofs  emitted  a 
charming  Smell   like  Incenfe,   or  fweetefl  Perfume. 

After  her  Refufcitation  from  Death,  fhe  took  upon  her  a 
religious  Habit ;  and  her  Parents,  thro'  St.  Buends  Advice, 
building  fair  Habitations  round  the  Church,  they  foon  became 
the  Dwellings  of  young,  noble  and  religious  Virgins,  who 
fubmitted  themfelves  to  the  eafy  Yoke  of  CHRIST,  under 
the  Dire6tions  of  their  pious  Daughter,  whofe  Fame  was 
fpread  to  diflant  Nations. 

In  the  meantime  Bueno  had  founded  a  Monaflery  near  the 
Sea  Shore ;  and  dy'd  about  the  feventh  Year  of  her  being 
Abbefs  near  Finhon.  The  Priefl,  Deifer,  who  was  her  Con- 
feffor,  had  a  Vifion  that  commanded  him  to  tell  Winefred  to 
go  to  an  holy  Hermit,  named  Saturn,  who  fhould  dire6l  her 
where  to  refide.  She  having  a  fore-knowledge  of  what  was 
reveal'd,  anticipated  the  good  Man's  Journey  by  travelling  to 
his  Cell,  8  Miles  from  Holy  Well ;  and  accordingly,  as  he 
told  her,  flie  hafted  to  holy  Saturn.  That  Hermit,  having 
met  her  with  great  Refpe6l,  condu6ted  her  to  his  Chapel, 
and  then  accompany'd  her  fome  Part  of  the  Way  to  the 
Valley  of  CliUina.     At    parting,  he  told  her  of  the  famous 

Abbey 


[  i6i  ] 

Abbey  built  by  St.  Elerius,  who  would  place  her  over  pious 
Virgins,  among^  whom  (lie  fhould  fpend  the  Remainder  of 
her  Days.  Thither  {he  bent  her  Courfe ;  and  was  in  Pro- 
ceffion  met  by  the  Saint,  condu6led  to  the  Convent,  and  on 
the  Death  of  the  Abbefs  Theonea  was  befought  to  take  the 
holy  Office  upon  her.  Thro'  GOD'S  Affiflance  fhe  cured  the 
Bodies  of  fick  Perfons ;  and  by  her  Wifdom  comforted 
afifii6led  Minds.  At  length,  as  one  Night  flie  was  ardently 
praying,  flie  faw  our  Bleffed  Saviour,  who  told  her,  that  her 
Diffolution  was  drawing  near ;  and  bid  her  prepare  for  an 
happy  Change.  She  received  the  Summons  with  Refignation, 
acquainted  St.  Elerius  of  the  Vifion,  which  he  did  to  the 
Virgins,  who  appear'd  in  melting  Tears :  But  having  com- 
forted them  with  Hopes  of  a  happy  Meeting,  flie  meekly 
refign'd  her  precious  Soul  to  Him  that  made  and  preferv'd  it. 
With  great  Lamentations  of  the  Inhabitants  fhe  was  interr'd 
at  Gutherine  ;  after  which  feveral  devout  Perfons  were  mira- 
culoufly  cur'd  at  her  Tomb,  thro'  faithful  and  ardent  Prayers; 
which  fliew'd  how  dear  flie  was  to  Almighty  God,  in  ac- 
cepting their  Devotion  perform'd  in  Honour  of  the  bleffed 
Martyr  :  And  in  her  Office  of  nine  Leffons  was  this  Prayer  : 

0  Almighty  atid  Everlajling  GOD,  who  hajl  honoured  the 
bleffed  Virgin  Sai?tt  Winefred  with  the  Reward  of  Virginity  ; 
grant  to  us,  we  befeech  Thee,  by  f  her  hiterceffLon,  that  we  jnay 
defpife  the  Allurc7?ients  of  this  World,  and  together  with  her  obtain 
the  Seat  of  evcrlafing   Glory.     Amen. 

To  conclude  :  We  may  remember  to  have  read,  that  St. 
BuENO  told  the  lovely  Sufferer,  If  the  Well  did  not  anfwer 
Expe^tatioJis  in  a  firft.  and  fecond  Pilgrimage  ;  the  Third  Vifit, 
as  if  to  try  the  perfevering  Virtue  of  devout  affliHed  Perfons,  would 
infallibly  cure  all  their  Grievances.  I  wifli  my  kind  Readers, 
when  they  have  carefully  perufed  this  little  Book  twice 
thorough  at  their  leifure  Hours,  that  They  would  be  pleafed 

to 

t  Angelos  preces  noflras  offerre  Deo. 


[    I62  ]      ^ 

to  allow  it  the  Honour  of  a  third  Reading :  Not  only  to 
weigh  more  maturely  the  Effe6ts  of  what  has  proceeded 
from  ferious  Contemplation,  join'd  with  laborious  Study, 
in  order  to  delight  Them ;  but  that  they  might  the  more 
efleem  the  Merits  of  the  fair  Sufferer,  and  admire  at  the 
wonderful  Eflfufion  of  her  Spring,  which  have  in  pall  Times 
demanded  Tributes  of  deferv'd  Praife  from  the  Pens  of 
feveral  Authors,  as  now  they  have  done  from  this  of 
mine,  and  Prefs  too.  And,  thus,  humbly  taking  my  Leave, 
permit  me  to  pray,  That  from  the  Tri-une  Source  of  Highefl 
Divinity  may  flow  down  on  our  precious  Souls  fuch  clear 
coeleflial  Streams  that  may  wafli  off  every  polluted  Stain, 
and  make  them  whiter  than  Mountain  Snow  !  May  they  pafs 
with  Safety,  guarded  by  tutelar  Angels,  thro'  this  forrowful 
Vale  of  Tears !  May  they  be  accepted  in  their  proper 
Manfions  amongst  the  bleffed  Company  of  Spirits,  thro' 
the  mofl  glorious  Merits  of  a  crucify'd  Saviour !  And 
when,  finally,  He  fliall  fit  on  the  Throne  of  Judgment, 
attended  by  the  heavenly  Hierarchy  of  Saints  and  Angels ; 
may  We  receive  that  blifsful  Sentence,  foretold  us  in 
holy  Scripture,  to  be  mofl  happy  in  His  Prefence  to  all 
Eternity ;  for  which  End  his  mofl  precious  Blood  was  fhed 
upon  the  Crofs.  . 


[  i63] 


An    INDEX    0/  the   Chief  Paffag-es,    &c. 

A. 

-v-v-:|:-  POOR  lame  Youth,  named  Cornelius  Nicholas,  (Son  of  John, 
J*  A  '}*  of  Tremaine  Parish,  Cardiganshire,  about  2  Miles  off  the  County 
-v"$-:|:-  Town)  having,  on  Dec.  21,  1673,  been  struck  so  by  a  sudden 
Blast ;  was  cut,  lanc'd,  anointed,  &.c.  But  all  in  vain,  'till,  being 
put  in  the  Well,  Friday,  June  12,  1674,  he  quickly  recovered  ;  to 
the  Admiration  of  the  Beholders,  who  praised  Almighty  GOD  for 
His  Love  to  the  Saints.     Part  IV.  Pa.g.  125. 

Afflictions,  Part  I.  page  50. ;  Part  III.  pages  94.  96.  98.  99. 

Alan,  King,  Father  to  Prince  Caradoc.     Part  I.  p.  41. 

Ambrosius,  a  most  famous  King.    Fart  I.  page  41. 

Anger,  how  allay'd  in  others,  as  well  as  ourselves,  thro'  Vertue  of  that 
great  Humility  taught  by  the  Example  of  the  Ever-blessed  JESUS, 

Part  /.  49.  That   no   Provocations   should   move    us   to   sinful 

Wrath  ;    which,   like   tempestous   Winds  to  floating  Vessels,   might 
destroy  our  present  and  eternal  Happiness,  Part  III.  94. 

Anglia,  Preface,  pag.  40. 

Anthony,  Hermit.    Part  II.  page  73.  and  V.  pag.  140. 

Antigonus,  King,  offends  Heaven.    Fart  V.  pag.  136. 

Apparitions,  Part  II.  71.     Part  IV.  pag.  112.  119.  and  V.  139. 

Aquisgrane,  Part  IV.  page  124.  and  Part  V.  pag.  143. 

Arthur,    A    famous   King,    Part    IV.  109.     See  a  full   Account  in  my 
English  History,  from  Pag.  37  to  54. 

Arwaker,  (Edm.)  translates  Pia  Desideria,  Pref.  p.  40. 

Atalantis,  by  Lord  Bacon,  delightful  to  peruse,    Pref.  p.  39. 

Aurora,  Titan's  Daughter,  her  Beauty  compared,  I.  42.     Her  Morning's 

Splendor  seen  before  Sun-Rise,  II.  75. 

Author 


164  INDEX    /o   //le  fevcral   Parts. 

Author  of  this  Book,  who  writ  the  Original  by  a  Sort  of  Inspiration  on 
Recovery  from  Sickness,  his  Desire  it  may  be  acceptable  to  the 
Publick,  considering  his  Misfortunes,  (One  of  which  was  the  loss  of 
an  Estate  thro'  \  repeated, — Death — which  is  generally  more  kind 
than  to  cause  the  sudden  Destruction  of  whole  Families,  and  for  the 
most  part  mercifully  proves  to  the  Gain  of  the  Living)  Pref.  40. 
His  Love  to  the  People  of  York,  amongst  whom  he  has  dwelt 
many  Years,  Part  V.  141.  His  Remembrance  of  a  kind  Friend, 
who  has  much  encouraged  him  in  his  pious  Undertakings,  ib.  And 
his  just  Charafter  of  Wales,  for  the  great  Humanity  and  Civility 
shewn  to  him  by  the  Inhabitants.     Pag.  152. 

Aywgi,  or  BiNsi.     Part  I.  page  44.  and  Part  IV.  pag.  log. 


B. 

Basingwerke,  a  Cistercian  Abbey,  situated  about  half  a  Mile  from  Holy- 
Well,  of  which  Miracle  some  only  suppose  the  Monks  to  have  been 
Inventors ;  and  wretchedly  mistake  about  the  Foundation  of  the 
Monastery,  It  was  begun  in  1131.  Ranulph  Earl  of  Chester  and 
his  Barons,  King  HENRY  II.,  the  Princes  Llewellin  and  David 
of  North-Wales,  were  Benefactors.     Part  V.  p.  133. 

Base  Adions  always  to  be  exposed  with  Safety  ;  tho'  not  the  Committers 
of  them,  'till  offended  Heaven  and  Justice  more  visibly  bring  them 
to  Shame,  &c.     Part   III.  94. 

BoDENHAM,  Sir  Roger,  wonderfully  cured,  when  given  over  for  in- 
cureable  by  learned  Physicians.     Part  IV.  120. 

Bridges,  Esq.,  High-Sheriff,  records  a  Miracle.     Part  IV.  123. 

Bruena,  Lord  Thewith's  Daughter,  Part  I.  45.  How  her  Name  came 
to  be  called  Wine/red,  Part  II.  71. 

BUENO 


t  To  the  Manes  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  R.  HITCH ;  a  Gentleman  when  living  who 
proved  himself  such  by  his  kind  Letters  to  the  Author,  in  regard  to  his  Family  and 
Station. 

TAMENTED  SHADE  1     Thy  Kindness  done  to  Me; 
But,  what  was  dearer!  Pity  shewn  to  MINE! 
The'  new  amongst  the  shining  Saints  You  be. 

Thy  Fate  We'll  mourn,  and  venerate  Your  Shrine! 
'Till  Heav'n,  like  Yoti,  who  stopt  our  streaming  Tears, 
Shall  (thro'  Death's  Summons)  free  our  Souls  from  Cares. 


INDEX    to  the  feveral   Parts.  165 

BuENO,  St.,  his  Birth,  and  Parentage,  Part  I.  p.  44.,  IV.  log.,  becomes 
an  itinerary  Priest,  Part  I.  44.  In  the  Reign  of  King  Eluith  II. 
he  applies  to  Lord  Thewith  for  Land  to  ereft  a  Church,  which 
was  granted,  ih.  p.  45.  has  the  spiritual  tuition  of  that  Nobleman's 
Daughter,  and  obtains  her  Parents'  Consent  to  live  a  sanftimonial 
Life,  Pag.  47.  Excellent  Instrudions  that  he  gave  her,  Pag.  48 
to  51.  Whilst  preparing  to  offer  the  Unbloody  Sacrifice,  is  sur- 
priz'd,  and  takes  up  the  bleeding  Head  of  the  martyr'd  Virgin, 
Part  II.  65.  Reprehends  the  Heathen  Prince,  and  foretells  the 
*  Punishment,  which  happen'd,  66.  Works  a  great  Miracle  thro' 
Prayer,  67  to  70.  Sails  to  Hibernia,  71.  Returns  to  Finhon,  gives 
Charge  to  Wine/red  there  to  instruft  young  Virgins,  foretells  her 
Call  to  Guitherine,  takes  his  final  Farewell,  and  orders  her  annual 
Tokens  to  be  sent  after  a  wonderful  Manner,  Part  III.  loi. 
Obtains  Favour  of  King  Cadvan  to  ereft  a  Monastery,  104.  But 
happens  to  disagree  with  Prince  Cadwallon,  'till  the  Breach  was 
made  up  by  the  noble  Gwiddant,  Part  IV.  pages  108.  log.  He 
builds  a  Church,  and  dies,  no. 

C. 

Cadoc,  a  most  pious  Bishop,  and  Martyr,  Part  I.  44. 

Cadvan,  a  good  Christian  King,  Part  III.  104. 

Cadwallin,  a  most  wise  aud  valiant  King,  Part  I.  41. 

Cadwallon,  Prince,  very  bountiful.  Part  IV.  108. 

Cambria,  or  Wales,  the  British  Settlement,  Part  I.  41. 

Carpenter's  Daughter,  near  Holy-Well,  having  been  born  blind,  is  led  to 
the  Well,  and  prays.  Part  IV.  116.  She  miraculously  obtains 
her  long'd-for  Sight,  ib.  117. 

Charity,  its  Benefit,  Part  I.  48,  and  Part  III.  97  and  99. 
Christopher,  St.,  remarkably  describ'd.  Part  III.  gi. 
Clunock  Vaur,  a  most  stately  Monastery  there.  Part  IV.  no. 
Chitina's  Vale,  pleasantly  describ'd.  Part  II.  78. 
Conscience,  a  most  terrible  Accuser,  Part  I.  page  59. 
Contemplation,  how  it  raises  the  Mind,  Part  III.  97. 
Contempt  of  the  Simple  to  be  unregarded.  Part  III.  95. 

Content,  the  great  Happiness  of  it.  Part  III.  page  96. 

Cradoc 


l66  INDEX    to  the  feveral    Parts. 

Cradoc,  Prince,  his  strange  Visit  to  5.  Wine/red,  Part  I.  52.  Is  more 
enflam'd  by  her  innocent  Answer,  53.  Rudely  attempts  to  ravish 
the  beautiful  Virgin,  who  prays  for  deliverance,  54.  Pursues  her 
whilst  endeavouring  to  escape,  and  kills  her,  57  to  60.  He  insults 
the  Priest  who  advised  him  to  Repentance,  and  is  swallovv'd  in  the 
Bowels  of  the  Earth,  Part  II.  66. 

D. 

Demons  banished  through  divine  Power,  Part  V.  144. 

Death,  what  it  is,  and  as  we  make  it.  Part  I.  50. 

Deifer,  a  Priest  of  eminent  Godliness,  Part  II.  72. 

Denbigh,  a  fruitful  Province  in  Wales,  Part  II.  72.  79. 

Derider  of  the  Saint  and  Pilgrims,  a  Judgment  upon  him,  and  such 
wicked  Persons  like  him.  Part  IV.  122. 

Dreams,  &c.  often  prove  real  Warnings,  Part  V.  140. 

Dry  Vale,  or  Barren-Bottom,  water'd  with  the  Streams  of  Fountain,  or 
Finhon,  as  it  is  in  the  Welsh,  Part  II.  67. 

E. 

Edmund,  a  famous  King  and  Martyr,  Part  I.  Pref.  39. 

Elerius,  St.,  meets  g.  Wine/red,  and  on  the  decease  of  the  Abbess 
Theonia  prevails  with  her  to  accept  of  the  Office,  Part  II.  81.  He 
administers  the  last  Holy  Sacraments,  and  buries  her,  IV.  114.  115. 
And  dies  soon  after,  ibid.  115. 

Equinox,  what  it  signifies,  and  when.     Part  II.  73. 

Eternity,  A  Subject  of  the  greatest  Consideration,  I.  51. 

F. 

Fear,  A  special  Mark  or  Stamp  of  Divinity,  Part  V.  135. 
Finhon,  or  Fountain,  called  Holy-Well,  &c..  Part  III.  100.  104. 
Fountains,  various  in  their  Causes  and  Effedts,  Part  V.  144.  145. 
Friendship,  A  most  Heavenly  Comparison,  Part  V.  137. 

G. 

GEORGE,  St.  tutelar  Guardian  of  England,  Part  V.  152. 

Genesius,  a  Comedian,  converted  from  a  ridiculous  Buffoon,  becomes 
a  glorious  Martyr,  Part  IV.  page  119. 

'  GiRALDUS 


INDEX    to  the  fever al    Parts.  167 

GiRALDUS  Cambrensis,  who  he  was,  Part  V.  page  132. 
Glyceria,  a  martyr'd  Virgin,  Part  IV.  page  iig. 

GOD  ALMIGHTY,  His  Wonders;  and  the  stupendous  Anions  of 
Apostles,  Martyrs,  &c.  Part  I.  49.  11.66;  73  to  76.  III.  102,  &c. 
IV.  117.     V.  138,  &c. 

GuiDDANT,  His  pious  and  noble  Generosity,  Part  IV.  log. 

Guitherine,  Part  II.  page  81.  Part  IV.  page  116. 

H. 

Heaven,  the  Joys  thereof,  Part  I.  47  II.  64.  &c.  III.  99.  IV.  113. 
How  favourable  to  the  Sick  and  Oppressed,  when  human  Assistances 
quite  fail  us.  III.  98. 

Herbert,  Abbot,  sends  for  Holy  Relicks,  Part  IV.  118. 

Hermit's  Cell,  near  Henthlant,  described.  Part  II.  77. 

Holy-Well,  its  powerful  Vertues,  Part  III.  loi.     IV.  12S. 

House  of  HospitaHty  to  entertain  Pilgrims,  Part  II.  80. 

Hugo,  Hermannus,  a  learned  and  pious  Writer,  Pref.  40. 

Humility,  its  powerful  Charms,  Part  I.  page  49. 

Hymn,  Litanies  and  Pray'rs,  used  at  Holy-Well,  V.  146  to  150. 

J- 

JESUS,  His  Sufferings  most  pathetically  described.  Part  III.  88. 
He  is  said  to  appear  to  Wine/red,  and  to  warn  her  of  her  approaching 
Dissolution,  IV.  112. 

Jews,  their  Respeft  for  the  Prophet  Isaiah,  V.  139.  But  their  amazing 
Cruelty  towards  our  Saviour,  III.  89. 

Impatiettce  in  Afflidtion  much  to  be  avoided.  Part  V.   149. 

Joseph  of  Arimathea,  an  excellent  Personage,  III.  90. 

Juan,  Bishop  of  Osma,  an  excellent  Writer,  Pref.  40. 

Judgments,  Part  I.  page  51.    And  Part  II.  page  68. 

K. 
Kentigern,  Bishop  of  Glascotv  and  St.  Asaph,  Part  I.  44. 
Kenn,  an  excellent  Bishop,  and  seraphical  Poet,  Pref.  39. 

L. 

Labour,  how  profitable  to  Body  and  Soul,  I.  50.     III.  97. 

Landatus,  Abbot,  related  to  St.  Bueno,  Part  I.  44. 

Life, 


1 68  I  N  D  E  X    /(?  M(?  feveral    Parts. 

Life,  A  Shadow,  Vapour,  &c..  Part  I.  page  50. 
Lysimachus,  His  great  Disappointment,  Part  V.  136. 

M. 

Mary,  Blessed  Virgin,  Her  Grief  compar'd.  Part  IH.  90. 

Marriage  State,  when  a  Blessing,  &c..  Part  HI.  95. 

Martyrs,  their  Sufferings  represented.  Part  II.  84,  &c. 

Merlin,  a  Prophet,  Part  I.  41.  See  an  Account  of  his  Prophecies  in 
my  History  of  Englayid,  page  35. 

Minerals,  from  whence  they  do  proceed.  Part  V.  132. 

Miracles,  Part  II.  page  69.     Likewise  Part  V.  page  136. 

Musick,  its  wonderful  Power,  Part  III.  98.  99. 

N. 

Nature,  represented  in  most  curious  Work,  Part  II.  83. 

Nemesis,  who  she  was,  and  why  mentioned,  I.  59. 

NuMAN,  Miss  Mary,  surprizingly  cured.  Witnessed  by  John  Hughes 
de  Combe,  Robert  Price  de  Aelwyducha,  Mrs.  Degg,  Mrs,  Paling,  Ac- 
Part  IV.  124. 

o. 

Obedience,  How  necessary  to  Happiness,  Part  III.  93.    IV.  iii. 

Oppressors,  who  unmercifully  seize  the  Effefts  of  their  innocent  Fellow- 
Creatures  dying  without  Restitution  and  Repentance,  are  in  great 
danger  of  being  absorb'd  in  the  Jaws  of  Destrudion,  Part  III.  94. 
Compar'd  to  beguiling  Foes,  deceitful  in  supporting  the  Distressed 
like  crooked,  weak,  untuneable  or  silly  Reeds,  Part  V.  137.  Oppressors 
worse  than  the  Dragon  slain  by  St.  George,  or  that  of  Moor  of 
Moor-Hall ;  because  Death  generally  ended  the  Miseries  of  those 
swallow'd  up,  along  with  Virgins,  Pigs,  Geese,  Houses,  Churches, 
&c.  But  these  slow,  grinding  Vermin  [plurally  and  ludicrously 
styl'd  in  the  Canting  Dictionary  Nickunis  and  Nockys,  signifying  the 
Compounds  of  Sharpness  and  Dulness]  suffer  the  highly  Injur'd  and 
Oppressed  long  to  languish  between  their  racking  and  devouring 
Teeth,  impurely  to  feed  their  insatiable  Avarice  and  Cruelty,  when 
they  wou'd  hinder  honest,  well-meaning  People  from  renewing  their 
Rights,  or  by  defending  Villany,  V.  152. 


INDEX    to  the  feveral    Parts.  169 

P. 

Passing-Bell,  its  Tolling  of  great  Antiquity,  Part  IV.  114. 

Persecution,  An  Encouragement  to  bear  it,  Part  III.  96. 

Philosophy,  according  to  the  Dodrine  of  Zoroaster,  II.  74. 

Physicians,  Sec.  worthy  of  great  Respeft,  Part  V.  134. 

Pilgrims,  their  Admiration  at  St.  Wine/red,  Part  III.  102. 

Plants,  the  various  Kinds  they  produce,  Part  II.  73. 

Pools  of  Bethesda  and  Siloam,  Part  II.  67.     Part  V.   139. 

Poor  People,  how  we  ought  to  comfort  them.  Part  I.  51.  Taken  great 
Care  of  by  the  pious  Clergy,  Part  IV.  no. 

Poverty,  How  good  People  reduc'd  to  that  state  through  Misfortune  or 
Oppression,  ought  to  be  treated  with  great  Tenderness,  in  Imitation 
of  the  Saint,  Part  I.  43. 

Prayer,  How  uttered  with  Resignation,  Part  I.  48.  50. 

Presumption  and  Despair  to  be  avoided'  Part  III.  98. 

Priest,  cured  of  complicated  Distempers,  Part  IV.  116. 

Queen  Rowena  miserably  burnt  in  a  Turret,  Part  I.  41. 

R. 
Roger,  Earl,  of  his  Monastery,  near  Severn,  IV.  120. 

S. 

Saints  and  Angels,  their  Knowledge  of  what  is  done  on  Earth  agreeable 
to  St.  Luke's  Gospel,  xv.  7.  who  writes  of  coelestial  Joy  over  one 
that  repenteth,  V.  140,  &c. 

Saturn,  A  venerable  Hermit,  Part  II.  72.  His  Knowledge  of  Nature, 
and  Piety  to  GOD,  73.  74.  75.  The  Situation  of  his  Hermitage, 
Chapel,  &c.,  77.  Description  of  his  Person,  ib.  He  hastes  to  meet 
S.  Wine/red,  condudts  her  towards  the  Valley  of  Clntina,  gives  proper 
Directions,  blesses  her,  and  bids  farewell,  78,  &c. 

Scarborongh,  on  its  past  Loss  thro'  the  falling  of  the  Cliff,  and  present 
Happiness  in  Recovery  of   the  Spaiv,  V.  143. 

Seasons  of  the  Year  pleasantly  described.  Part  II.  83. 

Senan,  a  most  religious  Confessor,  Part  II.  71. 

Shrewsbury,  A  remarkable  Town,  &c.,  Part  IV.  120. 

Sighs 


170  I  N  B  E  X    U   f/ie  feveral    Parts. 

S/g'/js  from  the  Soul  for  an  happy  Eternity,  IV.  127. 
Sinners  for  their  Sacrilege  brought  to  Repentance,  IV.  116. 
Soul,  how  preciously  it  ought  to  be  regarded,  I.  50. 
Sufferings  of  the  Saints  and  Martyrs  represented,  II.  84. 

T. 
Taylor,  Bishop,  His  three  remarkable  Instances,  V.  136. 
Theonia,  Abbess,  dying,  is  succeeded  by  S.  Wine/red,  II,  81.  82. 
Thewith,  or  Tivy,  a  Lord,  Part  I.  42.  45.     III.  100. 

V. 

VoRTiGERN,  a  most  unfortunate  King,  Part  I.  41. 

W. 

Whetstone,  Roger,  a  Quaker,  miraculously  cur'd.  Part  IV.  125.  His 
grateful  Acknowledgement  and  Behaviour  on  the  Banks  of  the 
Streams,  ibid.  His  Cure  was  affirm'd  by  Roger  Hill,  another 
Quaker  in  Worcestershire,  Overseer  of  the  Poor  of  Bromesgrove 
Parish,  whose  Daughter  was  also  cured  by  the  Water  in  August  the 
same  Year  when  the  amazing  Cure  was  wrought  upon  Roger 
Whetstone,  the  Taylor. 

Winefred,  g..  Her  noble  Birth  and  Education,  Part  I.  42.     Her  early 
Charity,  and  panting  Desires  toward  Heaven,  43.     Her  incomparable 
Beauty,  46.     She  desires  to  be  espoused  to  the  blessed  JESUS,  47. 
Receives  holy  Instrudlions  from  St.  Bueno,  48  to  51.     Is  surprized 
thro'  an  unwelcome  Visit  from  an  Heathen  Prince,  52.     Her  prudent 
Answer  to  his  Demands,  53.     Resists  his  Embraces,  54.      Prays  to 
be  deliver'd,  55.     Evades  his  Intentions,  56.     Her  pious  Resolution, 
heavenly  Arguments,  and  cruel  Murder,  59,  &c.       Her  Soul  in  the 
outward  Courts  of  Heaven,    Part   II.  63.  64.      Miraculously   is   re- 
instated with  the  Body,    and  is  called    by  the   aforesaid  Name,  69. 
Her  Confessors,  71.      Goes  to  venerable   Saturn,  72.      Entertain'd 
in  his  Cell,  78.      Lodges  in  an   Hospital   of    Virgins,  80.      Met   by 
the  Convent  of   Witheriacus,  and  on  the  Death  of  Theonia  becomes 
Abbess,  81.      The  beautiful   Works   of    the   Virgins,  82,  &c.      Her 
Chapel    describ'd,    Part    III.  87  to  91.     Tenderness    shewn    to   the 
Distressed,  &c.,  ibid.      Her   Exhortations,  93  to  99.      She   is   much 
visited  by  Pilgrims,  102.,  &c.        Her   continu'd  Goodness,  Part  IV. 
III.        Receives  Warning  of  her  Death,  112.        Is   comforted,   tells 
Elerius   of    the   Vision,    her    dying    Request,    Death    and    Burial 
amongst  the  Bodies  of  glorious  Saints,  113  to  115. 


[171] 


i     PETER-Gate,  YORK. 
MDCCXLIII. 


To   all   Ingem'ous   Lovers  of  Art    and   Induflry. 

TTAVING,  in  the  Year  1724,  removed  my  Printing--Prefs 
and  Letters  from  London  to  this  ancient  City,  On  the 
Occafion  of  efpoufing  the  Widow  of  Mr.  Charles  Bourne, 
Printer,  Grandfon  to  the  memorable  Mr,  John  White  ;  and 
fmce  then  follow'd  my  lawful  Profeffion,  for  the  Prefervation 
of  my  Family,  with  uncommon  Care  and  Induflry,  to  the 
prefent  Time :  I  take  this  happy  Opportunity  in  giving- 
Notice,  That  I  am  now  removed  into  PETER-Gdle,  (that 
which  is  called  the  Lower  Part  of  it)  but  a  little  Way  from 
Stone-Gate. — I  humbly  hope,  thro'  Divine  Affiflance,  that  the 
favourable  Munificence  of  my  Friends,  confidering  the  Con- 
ting-encies  in  Life,  will  generoufly  extend  to  the  Place  of  my 
new  Settlement,  repair  d  to  withfland  the  Inclemency  of  the 
Weather,  freed  from  all  filthy  Incumbrances,  and  by  credible 
Apartments  fit  to  entertain  the  better  Sort  of  well-bred 
Lodgers,  or  Cuflomers  that  rightly  encourage  the  true  typo- 
graphical Artifls  ;  thofe  only  that  become  fuch  by  Vertue  of 
laivftd  Indentures,  &c.,  and  not  by  interloping,  furreptitioics 
Methods,  to  the  Ruin  of  honed  Pradlitioners  :  Which  Houfe 
in  Peter-Gate  is  made  as  neceffary  for  a  Printing  Office,  as  tho' 
it  had  been  contrived  Two  Hundred  Years  ago :  Where 
Books  in  Greek,  Latin,  and  EngliJJi ;  alfo  Mathematical  Work ; 

Warrants, 


1 72  The  Author's    Advertisement. 

Warrants,  Hand-Bills,  &c.  may  be  printed  in  a  neat  and  cor- 
re6t  Manner.  Likewife  all  Sorts  of  curious  Printing-- Work, 
that  Gentlemen  and  Others  (hall  have  Occafion  to  ufe,  can 
artfully  be  done  to  Satisfa6lion  ;  Travellers  furnifh'd  with 
various  Sorts  of  Chapmens  Books;  Paper,  Pens  and  Ink  to 
be  fold ;  as  alfo  the  celebrated  Daffey's  Elixir,  writh  Pi6tures, 
and  various  other  Sorts  of  Goods. 

And  as  I  have,  with  great  Expence,  ufed  my  Endeavours 
to  fet  forth  whatever  might  be  of  Ufe  or  Ornament  to  this 
famous  City,  its  beautiful  Aynfly,  and  extenfive  County ;  I 
have  fome  Reafon  flill  to  hope  for  further  Encouragement,  by 
exhibiting  the  following  Books,  colle6led  and  written  by  me, 
either  thro'  Knowledge  obtain'd  in  painful  Travel,  or  Com- 
munication of  kind  Friends,  and  wrought  by  careful  Servants 
at  my  Prefs  :    Viz. 

I.  The  Antient  and  Modern  Hiflory  of  the  famous  City 
of  YORK;  and  in  a  particular  Manner  of  its  Magnificent 
Cathedral,  commonly  called  Yoi'k  Minfler.  As  alfo  an 
Account  of  St.  Marys  Abbey,  and  other  antient  Religious 
Houfes  and  Churches ;  the  Places  whereon  they  flood,  what 
Orders  belong'd  to  them,  and  the  Remains  of  thofe  ancient 
Buildings  that  are  yet  to  be  feen  :  With  a  Defcription  of 
thofe  Churches  now  in  Ufe,  of  their  curioufly  painted  Win- 
dows, the  Infcriptions  carefully  collected,  and  many  of  them 
tranflated  :  The  Lives  of  the  Archbifhops  of  this  See  :  The 
Government  of  the  Northern  Parts  under  the  Romans,  efpe- 
cially  by  the  Emperors  Severus  and  CojiJIantius,  who  both  dy'd 
in  this  City  :  Of  the  Kings  of  England,  and  other  illuftrious 
Perfonages,  who  have  honour'd  Fork  with  their  Prefence  : 
An  Account  of  the  Mayors  and  Bayliffs,  Lord-Mayors  and 
Sheriffs,  (with  feveral  remarkable  Tranfa6lions,  not  publifh'd 
before)  from  different  Manufcripts,  down  to  the  Third  Year 
of  His  prefent  Majefly.    Publiflied  in  the  Year  of  our  Bleffed 

Lord    1730.     Price  4s. 

n.  The 


BOOKS  ptihlijlied  by  T.  Gent,  of  YORK.        173 

II.  The  Hiflory  of  the  Loyal  Town  of  Rippon  :  Intro- 
duc'd  by  a  Poem  on  the  furprizing-  Beauties  of  Shidlcy  Park, 
with  a  Defcription  of  the  venerable  Ruins  of  Fountains- Abbey ; 
and  another  of  the  Pleafures  of  a  Country  Life,  by  a  Reverend 
Young  Gentleman.  With  particular  Accounts  of  Three 
of  the  Northern  Saints  in  the  Seventh  Century,  Viz.  St. 
CuTHBERT,  who  lics  Interr'd  in  the  Cathedral  at  Durham ; 
St.  Wilfrid  of  Rippon;  and  St.  John  of  Beverley.  The 
famous  Charters  of  King  Athelstane,  and  other  great 
Monarchs,  (given  by  Them  to  the  Church  of  Rippon)  tranf- 
lated :  The  various  Times  of  rebuilding  that  Minfler,  fince 
its  firfl  Foundation  :  Its  prefent  happy  State ;  with  the  Arms, 
Monuments,  and  Infcriptions,  alphabetically  digefled.  An 
exa6t  Lift  of  the  Wakcmen  and  Mayors  of  the  Town  to  the 
Year  1733,  interfperfed  with  feveral  remarkable  Accidents  : 
The  Death  of  feveral  eminent  Perfons :  In  particular,  fome 
of  the  venerable  Archbifliops  of  this  See,  whofe  Tombs  are 
partly  defcrib'd,  with  proper  References  to  the  Hiflory  of 
YORK,  for  their  Infcriptions  and  Epitaphs,  to  which  This 
is  very  fupplemental.  Adorn'd  with  many  Cuts,  preceded  by 
a  South-Wefl  Profpe6l  (and  a  new  Plan)  of  Rippoji.  Befides 
are  added,  Travels  into  other  Parts  of  YorkJJiire.  i.  Beverley, 
an  Account  of  its  Minfler:  The  Seal  of  St.  John:  The  Beauty 
of  St.  Marys :  And  a  Lift  of  the  Mayors  of  the  Town,  fmce 
incorporated.  2.  Remarks  on  Pontefra6l.  3.  Of  the  Church 
at  Wakefield.  4.  Thofe  of  Leeds :  With  a  Vifit  to  Kirkjlal,  and 
Kirkha7n.  5.  An  Account  of  Keighley.  6.  State  of  Skipton 
Caftle,  &c.  7.  Knaresborough.  Of  the  Church  and  its  Monu- 
ments ;  St.  Robert's  Chapel,  &c.  8.  Towns  near  to  YORK  : 
As,  Tadcajier,  Bilbrough,  Bolton-  Percy ;  Howlden ;  Selby, 
Wijlow,  Caivood  Chwrch.  and  Caftle;  Acajler  and  BiJJiopJlhorpe ; 
Aco?7ib,  Nun-Monkton  and  Skelton,  &c.  with  their  Antiquity  and 
Infcriptions  :  Alfo  the  Delights  of  a  rural  State.  Publiflied 
in  1733.     Price  4s.  6d. 

IIL    A?males 


174     BOOKS  fold  by  T.  Gent,  in  Peter-Gate,  YORK. 

III.  Annales  Regiodimi  Hidlhii :  Or,  The  Hiflory  of  the 
Royal  and  Beautiful  Town  of  Kmgfton-upon-Hull,  from  the 
Original  of  it,  through  the  Means  of  its  illuflrious  Founder, 
King  Edward  the  Firfl :  Who  (being  pleas'd  with  its  beauti- 
ful Situation  whilfl  hunting  with  his  Nobles  on  the  pleafant 
Banks  of  the  River)  ere6led  the  Town,  Ajuio  Dom.  I2g6. 
And  from  that  remarkable  .^ra,  the  Viciflitudes  of  it  are 
difplay'd,  'till  the  Year  1735.  In  which  are  included.  All 
the  mod  remarkable  Tranfa6lions,  Ecclefiaflical,  Civil  and 
Military.  The  Ere6lion  of  Churches,  Convents,  and  Mon- 
afteries :  with  the  Names  of  their  Founders  and  Bene- 
fa6lors  :  Alfo  a  fuccin6l  Relation  of  the  De  la  Pole's  Family, 
from  the  firfl  Mayor  of  that  Name,  to  his  Succeffors,  who 
were  advanc'd  to  be  Earls  and  Dukes  of  Stiffolk.  The  Monu- 
ments, Infcriptions,  &c.  of  the  Churches  of  Holy  Trt?iily  and 
St.  Jl/ary.  The  Names  of  the  Mayors,  Sheriffs,  and  Cham- 
berlains; with  what  remarkable  Accidents  have  befallen 
fome  of  them  in  the  Courfe  of  their  Lives  :  Interfpers'd  with 
a  Compendium  of  BritiJJi  Hiflory,  efpecially  what  alludes  to 
the  Civil  Wars,  (for  the  better  Illuflration  of  fuch  Things  as 
mofl  particularly  concern'd  the  Town  in  thofe  troublefome 
Times;)  and  fmce  then,  with  Regard  to  the  Revolution.  Set 
forth  in  1735.     Price  5s. 

Xatels  IPublisbeD, 

IV.     Hijloria     Compendiosa     ANGLICANA: 
Or,  A   Compendious  and  Delightful 

Wherein     is    contained, 

An  Account  of  its  Rulers,  or  Kings,  from  about  the  Year  of  the 
Creation  2851,  in  the  Time  of  the  Prophet  Samuel,  to  the  Year  of 
Salvation,  1741.  Adorn'd  with  Portraitures,  at  length,  of  thofe 
Monarchs,  who  have  fway'd  the  Britiih  Sceptre  fmce  the  Conquefl: 
The  Hiflory  of  the  Kings  of  France  and  Scotland :    Particularly  of    the 

latter 


BOOKS  publijlicd  by   T.    Gent,    of  YORK.        175 

latter  Kingdom,  from  the  Reign  of  the  famous  King  Fergus,  Anno 
Mundi  3618,  'till  King  James  the  Firft  united  that  Crown  to  the  Englifli 
Diadem  :  And  an  impartial  Account  of  the  Roman  Pontiffs,  from  St. 
Peter's  Crucifixion,  to  the  prefent  Pope  Benedict  XIV. 

As      LIKEWISE 

V.  A  fuccind  History  of  ROME,  from  its  Foundation  by  Romulus 
'till  the  Fall  of  K.  Tarqicin,  occafion'd  by  the  Rape  of  the  chafle 
LUCRETIA  :  An  Account  of  the  Confulate,  Triumvirate,  Higher  and 
Lower  Empires;  the  Removal  of  the  Imperial  Seat  to  Constantinople: 
Divifion  of  the  Eaftern  and  Weflern  Empires ;  Diffolution  of  the  former 
by  the  Turks ;  with  the  Rife  of  the  Mahometans,  and  the  Lives  of  their 
mighty  Emperors,  to  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1742. 

To    which    is    annex'd, 

An  Appendix,  relating  to  the  City  of  YORK,  and  of  thofe  illuflrious 
Perfonages  that  have  proved  ineflimable  Bleffmgs  to  this  extenfive  County: 
Particularly  a  mournful  Tribute  due  to  the  ever-beloved  Memory  of  the 
late  Right  Hon.  Charles  Howard  Earl  of  Carlisle  ;  and  likewise  to  the 
precious  Remembrance  of  the  most  incomparable  Lady  Elizabeth 
Hastings.  A  Review  of  the  Churches  in  YORK,  fliewing  their 
Dimenfions ;  with  modern  Infcriptions  and  Epitaphs  over  the  Graves  of 
eminent  Perfons  of  both  Sexes,  who  in  Life  have  been  juflly  celebrated 
for  Learning,  Hofpitality,  Virtue,  Temper,  Beauty  and  Piety.  A  further 
hiflorical  Account  of  Pontefract,  and  its  once  flupendous  Caftle,  adorn 'd 
with  lofty  Towers,  more  than  ever  yet  has  been  exhibited ;  with  the 
various  Revolutions  of  its  ancient  Glory,  and  the  furprizing  Valour  of 
its  laft  mofl  remarkable  Defenders.  A  new  Hiflory,  divided  into  Chapters, 
of  the  ancient  St.  Robert  of  Knaresborough ;  with  the  exaft  Dimenfions 
of  his  Chapel  within  a  Rock  near  the  pleafant  Streams  of  the  River 
Nid.  The  Lamentation  over  Adonis  from  the  Original  Greek  of  BION 
of  Smyrna,  which  is  exhibited  beneath  the  Englifli  Tranflation.  With 
Indexes  to  the  Whole,  illuflrated  with  explanatory  Notes,  defcribing 
remote  Parts  of  the  Earth ;  Kings  famous  in  ancient  Mythology ; 
Founders  of  States  and  Monarchies ;  and  many  curious  Obfervations 
proper  to  entertain  the  ingenious  Reader.     In  Two  Volumes.     6s. 

SmS  Sto?  J^St  2mS  ^^otC?  cWl?  5^^  5i^S  3a3^  ^^h  <'^i  ?^^  «@S  ?S^ 
3^   3^    3Wt   3^   3^   3^   3^   sWS   3W^   3^   3Wt   SW^   3WS    3^ 

Soli    DEO     Honor    et    Gloria. 


Names    of   the    SUBSCRIBERS,    who,    generously,    by    their 
Encouragement,  set  this  Work  to  the  Press. 


M 


R.  Chas.  Alexander,  of  Colne. 
B. 


Mifs  Nancy  Banks. 
Mr.  Francis  Bell. 
Mrs.  Mary  Binns. 
Mr.  Marmaduke  Bullock. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bullock. 
Mrs.  Ruth  Burton. 
Mr.  Benjamin  Burton. 
Mr.  John  Bonfor,  2  Books. 
Mrs.  Frances  Brookes. 

C. 

Mr.  Richard  Chandler. 
Mr.  Stephen  Clarke. 
Mrs.  Mary  Clarke. 
Mr.  William  Cook. 
Mrs.  Mary  Conyers. 
Mr.  James  Coats. 
Mrs.  Mary  Curtis. 

D. 

Mr.  Francis  Drake. 
Mr.  William  Dickinfon. 
Mrs.  Mary  Dickinfon. 
Mifs  Frances  Dowbiggin. 
Mifs  Jenny  Dowbiggin. 

E. 

Mr.  J.  Elflone. 
Mr.  John  Evans. 

F. 
Mr.  Thomas  Fawcett. 
Mr.  Peter  Fawcett. 
Mrs.  Ann  Fawcett. 
Mrs.  Alice  Fawcett. 

G. 

Mr.  George  Gray. 

H. 

Mr.  William  Hall. 
Mr.  John  Hamilton. 
Mrs.   Anne  Harling. 
Mr.  George  Harrifon. 
Mr.  Francis  Haffelgrave. 
Mr.  George  Heartley. 
Mr.  Edward  Hill. 
Mr.  H.  Hindley,  3  Books. 
Mr.  Richard  Howworth. 
Mr.  John  Hopkins. 
Mr.  Thomas  Houlden. 
Mr.  Robert  Humphreys. 
Mrs.  Anne  Hunt. 

Mr.  John  Jackfon. 
Mrs.  Magdalen  Jackfon. 
Mr.  Francis  Jackfon. 


Mr.  John  Jefferfon. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Juflice. 

K. 

Mr.  Thomas  Kayley. 
Mrs.  Mary  Kiddfon. 
Mr.  Knowlton,  21  Books. 
Mr.  Charles  Knowlton. 

L. 

Mr.  Thomas  Lafliley. 
Mr.  John  Lambert. 
Miss  Jenny  Lambert. 
Mr.  John  Lofthoufe. 
Mr.  William  Long. 

M. 
Mrs.  Ifabell  Mitchel. 
Mr.  Robert  Moon. 

N. 
Mr.  Jofliua  Nickfon. 

O. 

Mr.  Thomas  Oliver. 
Mr.  Marmaduke  Oliver. 


Mr.  William  Paul. 
Mr.  William  Potter. 
Mrs.  Anne  Potter. 

R. 

Mifs  Polly  Ralph. 
Mr.  Thomas  Riley. 
Mr.  George  Reynoldfon. 
Mr.  John  Roberts. 
Mr.  John  Ruffel. 

S. 
Mr.  John  Seynor. 
Mr.  George  Skelton. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Skinner. 

T. 
Mr.  James  Taylor. 
Mr.  John  Tate. 
Mr.  Thomas  Tredwell. 

V. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Vanner. 
Mafter  Richard  Vevers. 

W. 

Mr.  Caefar  Ward. 
Mr.  William  Warrin. 
Mr.  John  Webfter. 
Mr.  David  Wood,  Jun. 
Mr.  John  Wood. 
Mr.  William  Wood. 
Mr.  George  Wright. 

Y. 
Mr.  Jofeph  Yarrow. 


-os: 


MAiMMAMAM^MAMiAAMMAMAiMMA^ 


THE 


HISTORY 


O     F 


THE 


^S( 


LIFE       and       MIRACLES 

Of  our   Bleffed    Saviour, 

JESUS  CHRIST; 

^rom  afCis   ^irth  to  ^is   Grucijixion. 


A    S 


ALSO,  THE 


LIVES,      SUFFERINGS      and      DEATH 

OF    THE 

Evangelists  and  Apostles. 


>^ 


^*:— •'*.-*^j»'*--'*^v»,^»v.*v.y»,jv j«vy-.  •%«y»,j»'»,y-»..«v.  •'*.  •'•,  •*»./•  y-.  *'t.yt.y»,  •'»,  •••  y*,y-  y-.  >'-  ^C^ 

V   V   V    •(•   V   V   V   V   'i*    V   V   V    V    '»■•   V  \'   'i*    V    V   *t*    'i*^  V    V   V  V   V   V   V    V"  V   V"    (StS— 

Taken  fr 0771  the  Holy  Sc7-tptu7-es,  and  the  Learned  Wniings 

;        of  E77U7ient  Divines  of  the   CHURCH  to  thefe  Ti77ies. 

With  explattato/y  Notes,  7-elating  to  thofe  P7-ophcts,  who 

foretold  of  our  Blejfed  Savioti7-'s  Co7nitig  up07i  the  Earth. 

:       By  T.   G. 

Alfo  the  RefpeHi  even  of  Heathens,  fteivn  to  our  Bleffed 
Saviour :  As  a  Letter  of  l7ivitatio7i  fc7it  to  CHRL ST  ^ 
by  King  Agbarus  ;  with  our  Saviour's  Anfwer.  Arid 
a7iother  Letter  fetit  by  Publius  Lentulus  to  the  Senate 
of  Rome  conce7-ni7ig  our  Redeemer'' s  Pe7fo7i,  DoHrine, 
Miracles,  a7id  Behaviour. 

Do7ie  into  VERSE,  for  the  Delight  and  L7iprove77ie7it  of 

the  weakeji  Capacity,  a7id  not  imworthy  the  Perufal  of 

the  moji  knowing.      The  like  never  comprehended  in  fo 

fviall  a  Volu77ie  before,  and  is  particularly  adapted  to  the 

Memo7y  of  Children. 
•V,  "V,  j»  •*#  «*•  •'•  •*#  j'^.  •'•  y#  -•  J0  jp  «'»  »'#  »'•  j#  •'»  •'•  •*•  *v  ji**,  •'•  •*#  y*t,y^  '^K.^K,  •'^jV.jV, 

YORK:    Prifited   and    Sold   by    Tho.    Gent 


y^ 


[  178] 


To   the    Eternal    Fountain    of  Goodnefs, 
JESUS        CHRIST, 

^he  Saviour  of  Jianloind. 

T7OUNTAIN  of  Fountains  !  Id  thy  Streams 

Dijlil  into  my  thirjly  Soul  : 
O  Stin  of  Heav'71,  impart  thy  Beams, 

To  which  SOL'S  radiant  Beams  are  foul ; 
That  fo,  while  I  prefume  to  fing, 

Thy  qicick'ning  Spirit  may  infpire, 
With  rapturous  Joy ;    and  with    the     Wing 

Of  five  et  Devotiofi  mowit  me  higher. 

Thy  Life  a?id  Death's  too  too  divine 

For  any  mortal  Man  to  write  : 
Yet,  Blejfed  Lord!  1  accept  each  Line, 

Which  L.ove  and  Duty  do  excite ; 
Draivn  from  the  Pens  of  Holy  Men, 

Who  did  with   Thee  o?i  Earth  converfe  ; 
Who  con'd  thy  ABio7is,  where,  and  when, 

And  thy   Original  rehearfe. 

Yet,  farther.  Lord,  I  thee  befeech. 

To  help  vie  through  this  falling  Life ; 
Humble,  like   Thee,  to  be  in  Speech  ; 

Like   Thee,  behave  through   Cares  and  Strife; 
That,  when  Death  comes,  to  eafe  our    Woes, 

We  may  enjoy  thy  Heavenly  Sight ; 
With  Pleafure  fee  this    Veil  difclofe. 

And  live  with   Thee,  our  Soul's  Delight. 


1  179  ] 


The    LIVES    of    the    Bleffed    JESUS, 
and    His    Apostles,    &c. 

CHAP.       I. 

A  LMOST  Four  Thoufand  Years  had  paft, 
Whilft  Sin  had  fpread  invenom'd  Wing-s, 
'Till  in  Augustus'  Reig-n,  at  lad, 
Appear'd  the  Glorious  KING  of  Kings, 

Like  to  the  Dawn,  -=  AURORA  fair, 
The  Bleffed  f  VIRGIN  may  be  Ryl'd  ; 

But,  as  the  DAY,  more  bright  and  clear, 
Such  was  the  Heavenly  INFANT  mild. 

Thus  GOD  His  Promife  did  fulfill, 

What  X  Prophets  long-  of  CHRIST  foretold  : 

MARF  obey'd  the  Heavenly  Will,  Luk.  I.  38. 

Which  Joseph's  Vifion  did  unfold.  Mai.  I.  20,  ^c. 

When    Great  AUGUSTUS   rul'd   in   Rome, 
The    Thirty   Seventh   of  Herod's    Reig-n, 

Joseph    and    Mary,    to    the    Town 

Of  Bethlem,  in  Judea,  came.  Luk.  II.  4. 

The 

*  Qua  est  ista  qua pvogreditiiv  quasi  Aurora  consurgetis.  i.e.  What  is  flie 
that  goeth  forth  as  a  rifing  Morning  ?      Serm.  of  John  Bishop  of  Rochefter. 

t  When  the  Virgin  Mary  conceived,  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  she  was  but 
fifteen  Years  of  Age. 

\  Isaiah,  who  is  call'd  the  Evangelical  Prophet.  Hofea,  0/  his  flying  into 
.^gypt.  Micah,  0/ his  Birth.  Jeremiah,  0/ his  springing  from  Jacob.  Daniel, 
that  he  should  put  a  Period  to  the  Oblations  of  the  Levitical  Priests.  Hagai,  ani- 
mating the  People  with  the  Desire  of  all  Nations.  MaX^chi,  the  Restoration  of 
Jerusalem.  John  Baptift,  (So7i  of  Zechariah  the  Priest  and  his  Wife  Elizabeth) 
that  he  should  turn  the  Hearts  of  the  Fathers  to  the  Children.  Zachary, 
Vifitavit  nos  Oriens  ex  Alto :  Illuminare  his  qui  in  Tenebris  &  in  Umbra 
Mortis  fedent.  i.e.  To  give  Light  unto  them  that  sit  in  Darkness,  and  in  the 
Shadow  of  Death. 


[  i8o] 

The  Inns  were  fill'd,  fo  they  conflrain'd 

To  Stables,  cut  from  harden'd  Rocks; 
One  of  them  chofe,  a  Manger  gain'd,  ver.  7. 

Where,  feeding  near  them,  was  the  Ox. 

Here,  without  Pain,  as  without  Sin, 

The  Holy  Virgin's  brought  to  Bed ! 
The  Infant  fair,  without,  within. 

In  fwadling  Clothes  reclines  its  Head. 

Alas  !    fweet  Child !    was  there  no  other. 

No  better  Place  to  lay  thy  Head  .? 
No  fofter  Bed  for  thy  dear  Mother, 

But  both  obfcurely  here  be  laid  .? 

Yet,  what  to  Great  Ones  were  conceal'd, 

To  Shepherds,  near  where  David  kept  ver.  8. 

His  Sheep ;    to  thefe  Heaven  firfl  reveal'd 
Glad  Tydings,  whilft  all  others  flept. 

An   ANGEL   bright,  encircled  round 

With  Glories  tranfparently  clear: 
"  Shepherds,  (  faid  He  )  Let  Joys  abound ; 

"  Let  now  attentive  be  your  Ear. 

"A    SAVIOUR  to  the  World  is  born, 

"  A  Babe  to  Humane  Eyes  difplay'd, 
"  All  poorly  wrapt  in  fwathing  Bands, 

"And  in  a  Manner  laid." 


*&" 


'  Thus  fpake  the  Angel,  and  forthwith 

'  Appear'd  a  fhining  Throng 
'Of  ANGELS,   praifmg  GOD,    and  thus 

'Began  their  joyful  SONG. 

"All  Glory  be  to  GOD  on  High, 

"  And  to  the  Earth  be  Peace : 
"  Good  Will  from  Heaven  to  mortal  Men 

"  Begin,  and  never  ceafe." 


Thrice 


[  i8i] 

Thrice  happy,  happy  Shepherds  then, 

To  hear,  fuch  as  the  Ang-els  fung 
When  GOD  created  Heaven  and  Men,   Job  XXXVIII.  7. 

Such  their  Redemption  loudly  rung. 

When  to  the  higher  Heavens  they  flew. 

And   Shadows   fill'd   their   lightfome    Space ; 

With  Joy   the   watchful    Shepherds   knew, 
By   Angel's   Guide,    to   find   the    Place. 

Thro'    every   Village,    which   they   pafs'd, 

Proclaim'd   the  Joyful    happy   Sound. 
Words   upon   Words,    like    Echoes   grac'd, 

When   they   'gainfl   Rocks   and    Hills   rebound. 

Kings   ofCHALDEA,    Persian   Lands, 

And   of  Arabia's   Defarts   wild, 
A   Bright   Cseleflial    STAR   demands 

Their  Journey  to   the   Heavenly  Child. 

Unwearied   Steps  their  Travels   blefs. 

They   come   to    fair  Jerufalem ; 
King   of   the  Jews,    they   CHRIST   exprefs, 

Who   ought  to   wear  the    Diadem. 

Thence   paffing   unto   Bethlehem   Town, 

The    Star,    obfequious,    flopt   above : 
Proflrate   the    Eaflern    Kings   fell    down, 

And   fhew'd   their   Loyalty   and   Love. 

Thofe    Produ6ls,    which   their  Countries   yield, 
Bright   fhining   Gold,    and   Odours   fweet ; 

What   grac'd   their   Perfons,    or  the   Field,  Mat. 

They   laid   'em   at   our   Saviour's    Feet.  II.  11. 

Herod   enrag'd,   when   well   he   knew 

His    Sanhedrim's   prognoflick   Tale  ; 
In   Blood   he   would   his   Hands   imbrue, 

That   over   Christ  he   might   prevail.  ver.   16. 

Alas! 


[    182] 

♦'"Alas !   what  horrid   dread  Alarms, 

What   mournful    Sigfhts   did   fill   the    Plain ! 

The   Children,    dragg'd   from    Mothers   Arms, 
Were   {luck   on    Spears,    or   cut   in    twain ! 

But   all   in   vain,    the    Heav'nly   Power 

Doth   fhield   the    Son    of  Heav'n    from    111 ; 

And   after.    Worms   did   him    devour,  Josephus. 

Who   would    our   Blefl    Redeemer   kill 


CHAP.  II.       Of  our  Redeemer's  Life  and  Miracles. 

\  T   Twelve   Years   old,    mofl   flrang-e   to   hear, 

He   in   the   Temple    plainly   Ihow'd, 
To  Jewifh   Do6lors   fitting-  there,  Luke  II.  46.  47. 

Such  Knowledg-e  like  the  Son  of  God. 

When  in  Judea's  Defart  brought,       Mai/.  IV.  Luke  IV. 

Enabled  forty  Days  to    fail,  and   Mark  I. 

In   vain   the   Tempter   did   accofl, 

And  X  loft   his   Labour   to   the   laft.  |  Milton. 

Not   the    fair   Temple's  higheft   Spire,  » 

Nor   Pifgah's    Mountain   could   him   charm ; 

Christ   forc'd   the   Tempter   to   retire. 
And   of  his   Weapons   did   difarm. 

Soon   after   he   Difciples   gain'd. 

And   ftill   to   make   himfelf  divine, 
At   Cana's   Feaft,    his    Power   maintain'd. 

He   turn'd   their  §  Water   into   Wine. 

Thofe,   who   would   buy,    and   who   wou'd    fell. 

He  drove  from  off  the  Temple's  Floor,    fo/ifi  II.  15. 

With   Woman,    at    Samaria's   Well,  foAn  IV.  7. 

Difcours'd   of  living  Water's    Store. 

The 


*  In   this  Massacre,   a  Son  of   King  HEROD'S,   then   at  Nurse,   was 
slain  with  the  rest. 

§  John  ii.  7,  &c.  Sotne  say  the  six  Water-Pots  held  eighteen  hundred  Quarts. 


[  183] 

The    Son   of  Chuza,    Herod's    Steward,         ver.  46,  &c. 

Our   Saviour   uith    a   Word   did   heal: 
That,    and   the    Father's    Faith,    reflor'd 

What   the   Youth's    Safety   did   reveal. 

Peter   and   Andrew,   James   and  John,  Luk.  V. 

To   thefe   while   on   the    Silver   Main, 
His    Power   commands   the   finny   Throng-, 

When   as  before  they  fifli'd   in  vain. 

A   poor   Man   by   a  Daemon   griev'd,  Ltik.  IV.  33. 

With    Sin,    and    Satan's    Power   Stung; 
He   from   convulfive    Pains   reliev'd. 

For  which   Chrill's    Fame   was   loudly   rung. 

Peter's   Wife's   Mother   he   reftor'd  AlaL  VIII.  15. 

From   fcorching   Fever's   burning   Heat ; 
The   laying   of  his    Hand,    or   Word, 

Heal'd   all    Infirmities   compleat. 

*  Bethefda's   Pool,   could   not   do   more, 

In   curing   thofe,   who    enter'd   in  ; 
Chrifl   did   the    Impotent  reflore, 

And  heal'd  the  believing  Soul  from  Sin.   Lnk.  VII.  50. 

He  cur'd  the  lame  Man's  wither'd  Hand ;    Mark  III.  5. 

Numbers,  who    touch'd   him,  found    Relief;     ver.  10. 
Spirits   impure,    at   his   Command, 

Were   difpoffefs'd  to   Satan's   Grief.     Mali.  VIII.  16. 

Near   Galilee,    a  Widow's    Son,  Ltik.  VII.   12. 

Deceas'd,   was   borne   upon    a   Byer ; 
Chrifl   fpoke   the   Word,    the   Work   was   done, 

The   Youth   arofe,    whilfl   all    admire.  v.   14,   15. 

A  poor 

*  A  famous  Pool,  S.E.  Part  of  Jerusalem,  which  washing  the  Sacrifices, 
'twas  thought  a  descending  Angel  gave  it  a  healing  Quality. 


[i84] 

A  poor  Demoniac,   blind   and   dumb,       Mat.  XII.  22. 

Reflor'd   to    Ufe   of  Speech   and    Sight, 
Declares   him   to   be   David's    Son, 

Ag-ainfl   blafpheming-  Jewifh    Spite. 

Embark'd   upon   the   raging   Sea,  Mat.  VIII.  ver. 

While   his   Difciples   were   afraid,  23  to  27. 

Both   Winds   and   Waves   our   Lord    obey, 

In   CliflFs   and    Mountains   hide   their   Head. 

Two    Creatures    poor,    poffefs'd    in    Mind,  ver.  28 

One   with   a   Legion   wounded   fore ;  to  32. 

Chrifl   made   thofe   Devils    enter   Swine, 
And   trouble   thefe   two   Men    no    more. 

JAIRUS'S   Daughter   he   reftor'd,  Mark  V.  42. 

Altho'    embrac'd   by   Death's   cold    Hand : 
Two   blind    Men   but   implor'd   the   Lord,         Mat.  IX. 

And   they   by   Faith   their   Sight   regain'd.       29,  30. 

A  Multitude  by  ChriR  was  fed,       Mat.  XV.  36.  37,  ^c. 

With   two   fmall    Fifhes,    Loaves   but   feven ; 
He   on   the    Sea,  as   Brafs,    did   tread ;        J  oh.  VI.  19. 

A  Daemon  was  from  Virgin  driven.    Mark  VII.  29.  30. 

He  cur'd  a  Man  both  deaf  and  dumb.     Mark  VII.  33. 

His    Fingers   put   into    his    Ears,  34.  35. 

With    Spittle   laid   upon    his  Tongue, 

The   wond'ring   Patient   fpeaks   and   hears. 

On   Tabor's   lofty   Mountain   bleak,  Luk.  IX.  ver. 

Our   Saviour  was   intent   in    Prayer;  28  to  31. 

There   MOSES   and   ELIAS   fpeak, 

There   cloath'd   in    Glory   did   appear. 

The   Apoflles   heard   a   Voice   from    Heaven, 

"  Hear   him,    my   pleas'd   beloved    Son  !"         ver.  35. 
No   greater   Sign   could   fure   be   given, 


Nor  more   amazing  Wonders   done. 


A  poor 


[  185] 

A   poor  Man's   Child,   by   Spirit   vile,     Mat.  XVII.  15. 

Alternate   thrown    in    Streams   and    Fire ; 
JESUS!    He    took   him    but   a   while, 

And    Hell's   infernal   Troops    retire. 

A   wicked    Spirit,    of  evil    Kind,      Lnk.  XIII.,  v.  12,  13. 

Abus'd   a   Woman    eig^hteen   Years : 
A   Man   too,    who   had   been    born    blind,      Joh.  IX.  7. 

Chrift   eafes    them    of  both    their   Cares. 

Four  Days   was   LAZARUS    in    his   Tomb,       /oh.  XI. 

'Till  Jefus   call'd   him    out   from   thence.        17. /044. 
This   prov'd   the   Great   Meffiah    come, 

And   fhew'd   divine    Omnipotence. 

Many   the    Scriptures   do   declare 

Of  Wonders   great   beyond    my   Verfe ; 

Which    not   the    Books   that    written    are, 

Or  fhould  be  writ,  could  full  rehearfe.      Joh.  XXI.  25. 

CHAP.  III.        Containing    our    Saviour's    Sufferings 

and  Afcenfion. 

"W'E   Priefls   and    Scribes,    mofl   unbelov'd, 

As    much    as   falfe   Thing-s    are   to   true : 

The   Earth    felt   Earthquakes ;    how   unmov'd, 

How   could   you,    Monflers,    how   could   you } 

King-  AGBARUS   a   Letter  fent 

Unto    our   Bleffed    Saviour   dear : 
Words   that   are   holy,    permanent, 

And   do   require    attentive    Ear. 

hJ»      •((►      it      -> 

King     AGBARUS' S    Letter. 
"  /~^F   thee    I've    heard,    and   of  thy   Fame, 
^-^      "  Beyond   all    Natural,    Human    Skill ; 
"  Thou   cur'fl   the    Leprous,    Blind   and   Lame, 
"And   calls   out   Devils,   thro'   thy  Will. 

"  I  hearing- 


[  186  ] 

"I    hearing-   thefe,    my   Belief  is   this, 

"Thou    mufl   be    God,    or   elfe    His    Son: 

"For  in  this  World,  none  fure  there  is, 
"  Can   do  thofe  Wonders   thou   hafl  done. 

"Wherefore   fince   I   do   underfLand 

"  The  Jews   do   flrive   to   work   thee    Hate : 

"  Come,    come,    thou    Bleffed !    out   of  Hand, 
"  Come   to   my   City,    fmall,    but   neat. 

"  Twill  ferve  us  both ;  you  welcome  are, 
"And   glad    I'll   be   to   fee   thy    Sight."  » 

Pleas'd  with  the  King-,  our  Saviour  dear 
This   kindly   Anfwer   did    indite : 

Our  Saviou?-'s  Anfwer  to  Kmg   AGBARUS. 

"  OLEST  are   thou,   O   AGBARUS,    King-, 

"  In   whofe    Heart   Faith    divinely   reig-ns ; 
"  And   me,    thy    Saviour,   yet   unfeen, 
"  My   Honour   undefil'd    maintains. 

"Tis  writ  of  me,  They  which  have  feen, 
"  Should    never   on    me   fledfafl   believe ; 

"That   thofe,    who    have    not   happy   been 
"  In   feeing-   me,    fhould   believe,    and   live. 

"But   as   to   what   thou   feem'fl   intent, 

"  Thefe    are   to   intimate   to   thee, 
"  I    mull   return    to    Him    that   fent, 

"When    all   Things    are    fulfiU'd   of  me. 

"  Yet   after   my   Afcent   to    Heaven, 
"A   Blefl   DISCIPLE   thee    fhall   cure  ; 

"  Thy   fad    Diflemper    quite   be   driven, 
"  New   Life   be   given,    found   and   pure. 


•And 


*  This  Letter,  and,  the  Answer  to  it,  was  translated  by  EUSEBWS,  out 
of  the  Records  of  EDESSA ,  written  in  the  Syrian  Tongue. 


[i87] 

"And   not  to    thee,    O   King-,    alone, 
"  But   unto    all   who    round   thee   wait  ; 

"Knowledge   thro'   Me   fhall   blefs   thy   Throne, 
"And   bring   Thee   to   my   Father's   Gate." 

Thus   Lentulus,    in   Tiberius    Time,  Josephtis. 

Governour   of  JUDEA   fair, 
A   Letter  wrote  to   thofe   of    Rome, 

Concerning   Chrift   our   Saviour   dear. 

■*■■+-■+■•♦• 
Publius  Lentulus  s  Letter. 

"  TN  our  Days  a  Man  appear'd, 
-'-     "  Still  living,  JESUS  call'd  by  Name  ; 

"  Who  as  a  Prophet  is  rever'd, 

"  Nay,  call'd  God's  Son,  of  Heavenly  Frame. 

"The  Dead  he  raifes,  Sicknefs  heals, 

"A  Man  of  Stature,  comely,  tall  ! 
"  Rev'rence  his  Countenance   reveals, 

"Which  caufes  Fear,  yet  Love  withall. 

"His  Hair  of  Chefnut  Colour  ripe, 

"And  plain  down  almofl  to  his  Ears: 
"  From  thence  'tis  fomewhat  curl'd,  more  bright, 

"  O'er  Shoulders,  waving,  it  appears. 

"  Mid'fl  of  his  Head,  a  Seam  of  Hair, 

"  Goes  parting  like  a  Nazarite  : 
"  Smooth  doth  his  lovely  Face  appear, 

"Which,  mix'd  with  Red,  attra6ls  the  Sight. 

"  His  Nofe  and   Mouth  fo  comely,  fair, 

"  Nothing  can  reprehended  be  ; 
"  His  Beard  thick,  colour'd  like  his  Hair, 

"  Eyes  grey,  and  quick  with  Majefly. 

"  When 


[  188  ] 

"  When  he  reproves,  he's  then  fevere, 

"  Counfelling,  you'd  think  an  Angel  fpeaks ; 

"  Tho'  grave  his  Speech,  yet  charms  the  Ear 
"  Of  him,  who  his  lov'd  Do6lnne  feeks. 

"  No  one  has  feen  this  good  Man  laugh, 
"  But  weeping,  fearing  others'  Harms  ; 

"  His  Body  flrait,  of  beauteous  Shape: 
"  Dele6lable  his  Hands  and  Arms 

"  In  Speaking,  temp'rate,  modefl,  wife  ; 

"A  Man  for  fmg'lar  Beauty;  when 
"We  look,  we  find  him,  with  Surprize, 

"  Exceeding  far  the  *  Sons  of  Men." 

Thus  Heathens,  of  our  Bleffed  Lord, 

Wrote  with  refpe6live  Eloquence, 
Whilft  cruel  JEWS,  to  be  abhorr'd, 

Blafphem'd  divine  Omnipotence. 

If  we  now  mark  his  Life  and  Death, 

Our  Tears  fhould  prove  like  falling  Show'rs, 

For  his  dear  Sake,  who,  when  on  Earth, 
Shed  melting  heaven-like  Tears  for  our's. 

PALM    SUNDAY. 
The  JEWS,  now  mad,  our   Lord  to  fee. 

And  People's  Hands  with  Palms  replete. 
To  vote  his  Death  they  all  agree, 

Whofe  Power  they  view'd  fublime  and  great. 

MONDAY. 
The  Fig-Tree  falls  a  Sacrifice, 

Becaufe  no  Old   Fruit  grew  thereon  : 
The  Money-Changers  out  he  drives, 

Who  in  the  Temple  were  a  Throng. 


TUES. 


*  Psalm  45.  2.      Fairer  than   the   Children   of  Men.      Besides    this, 
jfosephtis  gives  a  great  Character  of  our  Blessed  Saviour, 


[  189  3 

TUESDAY. 

JESUS  difputes  his  Power  there, 

Defeats  the  Scribes  and  learned  Men  ; 

To  Mountain  Olivet  doth  repair, 

And  tells  of  Wonders  how,  and  when. 

After  doth  wafli  th'  Apoftles'  Feet, 
Declares  the  Traytor  JUDAS  vile ; 

To  him  he  gives  the  Sop  to  eat, 

That  treach'rous  Wretch,  who  fhould  begfuile. 


't>' 


WEDNESDAY. 

The  Priefls  affemble,  JUDAS  goes, 
Betrays  his  Lord  for  wretched  Gold  : 

For  *  thirty  Pieces  heap'd  on  Woes, 
When  he  his  Bleft  Redeemer  fold. 

THURSDAY. 

At  Night  the  Supper  forth  was  fet. 

When  Bread  was  given,  Wine  it  flow'd  : 

To  Gethfemane  Chrifl   went,  and  wept, 
And  pray'd  'till  he  fweat  Drops  of  Blood. 

Near  which,  the  JEWS  did  apprehend 
Our  Lord,  betray'd  by  JUDAS  Kifs ; 

The  Apoftles  fly,  and  PETER  then 
Deny'd  his  Bleffed  Mafter  thrice. 

Good  FRIDAY. 

Next  Morning,  Pilate  would  releafe. 
But  all  the  cruel  JEWS  faid,  No  1 

Then  mock'd,  they  robe  him  in  Difgrace, 
And  fend  to  Herod  too  and  fro. 


That 


•  They   were   called   Staders,   or   Shekles   of   the  Sanduary,  which 
amount  to  Three  Pounds  Fifteen  Shil.  of  our  Money. 


1 190] 


That  Chria,  (O  ftrange  it  is  to  tell !) 
Should  Subflitute  his  Heav'nly  Frame, 

With  Mocks  and  Scourges  here  fhould  dwell, 
And  on  the  Crofs  expofed  in  Shame  ! 


Between  two  Thieves  be  crucify'd,  Luk.  XXIII.  33. 

Pierce'd  thro'  his    Side,  his  Hands,  and  Feet ! 
Bleeding-,  whilfl  curfed  Jews  deride,  ver.  35. 

Could  Cruelty  be  more  compleat  ? 

Yet, 


i:  191 1 

Yet,  far  from  calling-  Veng-eance  due, 

Chrifl  prays  for  them,  whofe  Sins  were  moft. 

Forgive they  know  not  what  they  do!  vcr.  34. 

Then  bowing-,  yielded  up  the  Ghofl. 

The  Temple  rends,  the  Rocks  are  fplit,  Mat.  XXVII.  51. 

While  different  Orders  chang^e  their  Place  : 
The  f  bright  Sun,  as  with  Horror  fmit. 

In  Deteflation,  veil'd  its  Face. 

O  who  can  tell  the  Virgin's  Grief! 

A  Sword  feem'd  piercing  to  her  Heart :         Auk.  II. 
Her  Son,  the  Lord  o'er  Heaven  and  Earth,  35. 

To  feel  for  us  fuch  bitter  Smart ! 

Cruel  Longinus  !  could'fl  thou  bore 

Thy  Saviour's  Side,  with  fliarpen'd  Spear  .? 

'Tis  well  thou  didfl ;  'tis  one  Wound  more. 
In  which  our  Sins  immerged  are. 

Thrice  happy  *  Jofeph,  then  to  greet. 

With  melting  Eye,  thy  Saviour  dear  ! 
In  Linnen  wrapt,  with  Spices  fweet, 

To  lay  him  in  thy  Sepulcher  ! 

SATURDAY. 

On  this  Day  Pilate  fent  a  Guard 

To  watch  our  Saviour's  filent  Tomb, 
Becaufe  that  JESUS  had  declar'd 

The  Third  Day  he  from  thence  would  come. 

EASTER 


t  When  Dioniosius  the  Areopagite,  was  at  Athens,  and  perceived 
the  wonderful  Eclipse,  he  cryed  out,  Aut  Deus  naturae  paritur,  aut 
Mundi  machina  dissolvetur.  That  is.  Either  the  God  of  Nature  suffers, 
or  the  Frame  of  this  World  is  dissolved. 

*  This  Joseph  was  the  Son  of  one  Matthias,  at  Arimathea,  and 
was  a  Pharisee,  'till  our  Saviour  preach'd  his  Doftrine.  The  Sepulchre 
was  made  for  himself,  8  Foot  long,  situated  about  180  Foot  from  Mount 

Calvary 


[    192] 

EASTER     SUNDAY. 

When  Mary  Mag-dalen,  with  more, 
Went  the  next  Morn,  to  pay  their  lafl 

To  Him,  whom  they  in  Life  adore. 
Were  at  th'  amazing  Sight  aghall. 

The  Guards  lay  proflrate,  tho'  as  dead. 
No  Stone  was  found  againfl  the  Door ! 

The  Napkin  left,  which   bound  Chrifl's  Head, 
And  Shroud  that  vail'd  his  Body  o'er. 

Inflead  of  which,  they  (Irait  beheld 

Two  Angels  fliine  with  Glory  bright ;  Luk.  XXIV.  4. 
Back,  fent  to  Peter,  they  reveal'd 

Chrift's  Refurre6lion,  and  their  Sight. 

Peter  and  John  did  thither  go ;  Joh.  XX.  3. 

Return'd  again  :  Mary  behind, 

Lamenting,  JESUS  let  her  know,  ver.   16. 

'Twas  Him  fhe  fought,  and  footh'd  her  Mind. 

To  two  Difciples  he  appears,  Luk.  XXIV.  15, 

As  they  walk'd  to  Emaus  Town  ; 

Who  knew  him  not,  'till  his  Difcourfe  ver.  31. 

Clear'd  up  their  Eyes ;  then  Him  they  own. 

Back, 


Calvary,  and  distant  1000  Paces  from  Mount  Sion  :  It  was  cut  out  of 
a  Rock :  Our  Saviour's  Head  was  placed  towards  the  West,  with  his 
Face  to  the  East ;  a  Custom  to  this  Day  in  Use  among  the  Christians. 
After  Christ's  Death,  Joseph  hved  a  soHtary  Life,  'till  being  adopted 
one  of  the  72  Disciples  by  St.  Peter,  after  many  Tribulations,  he  was 
ordain'd  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  England  ;  where  landing  at  Barrow- 
Bay  in  Somersetshire,  he  came  from  thence  to  Glastenbury,  3  Years 
after  Christ's  Death,  aged  54,  where  he  having  set  his  Staff  in  the 
Earth,  it  turned  into  a  blossoming  Thorn,  which  to  late  Times  was 
noted  for  budding  Yearly  on  Christmas  Day  in  the  Morning,  blossoming 
at  Noon,  and  fading  at  Night.  Joseph  had  with  him  twelve  Companions, 
by  whom  the  Abbey  of  Glastenbury  was  built ;  which  in  succeeding 
Ages  was  amply  endow'd  with  Revenues,  ornamented  and  honour'd  by 
Princes  and  Kings. 


[  193  ] 

Back  to  Jerufalem  they  hade, 

Where  Peter  did  his  Saviour  fee  : 
JESUS  to  all  appears,  and  afks  Luk.  XXIV. 

For  Meat,  and  eats,  to  fliew  'twas  He.        v.  a,\.  &c. 

Bids  them,  The  Holy  Ghofl.  receive.  Joh.  XX.  22. 

But  faithlefs  Thomas  was  not  there  : 
Who  told  of  this,  could  not  yet  believe 

'Till  JESUS  did  again  appear. 

Reach  here  thy  Fingers,  faith  our  Lord,  v.  27. 

And  thrufl  thy  Hands  into  my  Side, 
Thomas  his  Unbelief  abhorr'd  : 

My  Lord  !  My  God !   he  then    reply'd.  v.  28. 

Seven   of   the   Apoflles   fifli'd   at   Sea, 

And    nothing   all   the   Night   they   caught; 

But   at   the   Dawn   of    following   Day, 

Our  Lord  did  help  them  to  a  Draught.  Joh.  XXL  6. 

Peter   with   hafle   did   fwim   therefore, 
And   with   the   refl   did   hafle   to   Land : 

Chrifl   dines   with   them   upon   the    Shore, 

And   gave   to  Peter  flri6l  Command,     ver.  15,  16,  17. 

Another  Time,  our  Lord  appear'd    Mat.  XXVIII.  16,  &c. 

Upon  a  Galilean  Mount; 
Five    Hundred   Brethren   there   rever'd, 

Which   all   their   Scruples   did   furmount. 

There  Power  was  given  for  to  baptize, 
■  And  preach  the  Gofpel  every  where; 
That   Devils   eje6led   be   likewife,  Mark  III.   15. 

The    Sick   recover'd   by   their   Care. 

St.  James  too  had  our  Lord's  blefl  Sight,      I  Cor.  XV.  7. 

When  forty  Days  were  almofl  fpent; 

O   inexpreffed   fweet   Delight, 

Extatick  Joy,   and   fweet   Content ! 

The 


[  194  ] 

The   Apoftles   privately   being-   met, 

With    others   at  Jerufalem, 
On   the   laft   Day,    as   They   were   fet, 

Chrifl   fuddenly   appear'd   to   them. 

Promis'd   the    Holy   Ghofl   with    Speed, 
Them   leads   to    Olivet's   high    Head, 

Where   more   his    Glory   did    exceed, 

He  fliew'd  thofe  Wounds,  which  for  us  bled. 

His    Benedi6lion   then    he   gave, 

Whilft   they   ador'd,    with    bended    Knees ; 
With   wifhful    Eyes   they   took   their    Leave, 

And   faw   him    mounting   by   Degrees. 

A   Cloud   enfolds   the    Heavenly   God, 
Triumphantly   he    rides   to    Heaven ; 

And   there    He    makes    His    Blest   Abode, 
By  whom   Alone   we   are    forgiven. 


Mr.  Eachard  says,  in  his  Ecclesiastical  History,  Vol.  I.  p.  217 : 
"  That  our  Lord  ascended  on  the  14th  Day  of  our  Month  May,  the 
"  gth  Month  of  the  19th  Year  of  the  Emperor  Tiberius,  and  in  the 
"  36th  Year  of  his  Age.  And  that  if  he  was  born  (as  Christians  mostly 
"concur)  on  the  25th  of  December,  the  full  Time  of  his  Continuance 
"on  Earth  was  precisely  36  Years  and  5  Months;  almost  a  Year  more 
"than  his  Fore-runner  John  Baptist,  who  is  commemorated  the  24th 
"of  June." 


[  195] 

The    LIVES    of  the    Evangelijls    and    ApoJIles. 

St.  MATTHEW,  Evatigehjl  and  Apojlle. 

n^HRO'  Perfia,  and  throug-hout  the  Parthian  Lands, 

He  preach'd  the  Gofpel  of  our  Bleffed  Lord ; 
At   Nuddabar,    near   Ethiopian    Strands, 

He    fell    a   Martyr   for   the    Holy   Word. 
The   horrid    People    cafl   him    in    a   Flame, 

Which    not   confuming   his    mofl    precious   Life, 
Quite   thro'    his   bleeding-   Heart   a   Halbert   came. 

And  thus  he  left  this  World  of  Care  and  Strife. 

This  Evangelist  was  an  Hebrew,  Son  of  Aipheus,  a  Galilean,  and  of  Mary, 
Kinswoman  of  the  Blessed  Virgin;  and  was  also  Collector  of  the  Jews,  'till 
our  Saviour  call'd  him  at  Capertiaum.  His  Festival  is  on  the  21st  September. 

St.  MARK,  the  Evajigelt/i. 
TN    Egypt,    and    in   Africk's   Countries    wild. 

This  Saint  Chrifl's  Doctrine  boldly  did  maintain, 
'Till,    in    fair   Alexandria,    beguil'd, 

By   Pagans   this   Evangelift   was    flain. 
With   binding   Cords   thofe   bloody  Wretches   ty'd 

His   tender   Feet,    then   dragg'd    him    on   the    Stones; 
Thus   bruis'd   and    bleeding,    in   that    Cafe    he    dy'd. 
And   yielded   up   his    Soul   with   bitter   Groans. 
His  Festival  is  on  the  25th  of  April. 

St.    LUKE,    the    Evangelijl. 

'T^HIS   flvilful    Painter   unto   Chrift   did   turn. 

Taught   by  St.  Paul    thofe    Things    that   are    divine : 

And   while    his    Heart   with    glowing   Zeal   did   burn. 

He   wrote    his    Gofpel,   fam'd    in    ev'ry   Line  : 

Then    preach'd   in    Egypt,    Lybia,    and    in    Greece, 

Until    Barbarians    hung   him    on    a   Tree ; 

Whofe    happy   Soul   did   mount   to    Heavenly   Blifs, 

And   with   his   Mafler   lives   eternally. 

His  Festival  is  on  the  i8th  of  October. 

St. 


[196] 

Si.  JOHN,    the    Evangelijl   and   Apojlle. 

"D  Y  our  dear  Lord  he  was  moll  lov'd,  'tis  plain, 
^~^     Chrifl  calls  him  Boanerges,  Son  of   Thunder. 
Some  thought  he  fhould  live  'till  he  came  again, 

Yet  tho'  he  did  not,  here  appears  a  Wonder. 
Domitian,  Emperor,  cafl  him  into  *  Oyl, 

In  horrid  Caldron  over  burning  Fire ; 
Cool  turns  the  fame,  and  back  the  Flames  recoil. 

As,  lo  !  this  Sight  averts  the  Tyrant's  Ire. 
Howe'er  to  Patmos  Ille  he's  fent  a  Slave  : 

But,  lo  !  what  Angels  feek  him  in  the  Mine  ! 
What  wond'rous  Truths  he  wrote.  Sights  which  Heav'n  gave. 

And  which,  while  e'er  the  World  do's  lafl,  will  fhine, 
'Till  rolling  Ages  fhall  the  fame  declare. 

At  Ephefus  this  blell  Beloved  dy'd. 
To  Him  our  Lord  bequeath'd  his  Mother  dear. 

When  He  upon  the  Crofs  was  crucify'd. 

His  Festival  is  December  27. 

*  The  Hiftory  of  this  holy  Saint's  being  caft  into  Oyl,  with  what 
was  reveal'd  to  him,  is  excellently  defcribed  in  the  painted  Glafs  of  the 
Eafl  Window  in  York  Minfter,  which  equals  (if  not  exceeds)  any  Church 
Window  in  this  Kingdom  ;  the  Defcription  of  which  has  been  pubHfhed  in 
the  History  of  York,  compil'd  by  the  Author  of  this  little  Book. 

SL   peter,   the  Apq/ile. 

■pETER    by    Herod    was    confin'd    in    Chains, 

■*■       But  after,  at  Conftantinople  great, 

He  preach'd  the  Gofpel  with  pure  Zeal  and  Pains, 

Converting  Thoufands  to  a  Bleffed   State. 
But  when  to  Rome  this  Saint  again  was  come, 

The  bloody  Emperor  Nero,  in  his  Ire, 
Did  caufe  him  for  to  fuffer  Martyrdom, 

And  crucify'd  he  was  to  his  f  Defire. 

His  Festival  is  June  29. 

t  He  was  first  scourged,  and  then  crucify'd  with  his  Head  downwards,  in 
Humility  to  his  Blessed  Master  Christ  Jesus. 

St. 


[  197] 
S/.   ANDREW,   the  ApoJIle. 
OCYTHIA,    Gallatia,    Nice,    Chalcedon   too, 
*^     There  preach'd  the  Gofpel  with  a  fervent  Heart; 
But  Petrseus,  Conful,  unto    Heav'n  ne'er  true, 

He  would  convert,  which  caus'd  his  bitter  Smart : 
For  which  condemn'd,  he  to  a  Crofs  was  nail'd, 

Whereon,  tho'  painful,  flill  he  preach'd  the  Word, 
Two  Days  in  fuff'ring-,   yet  his  Voice  prevail'd, 

And  then  expiring-  went  unto  the  Lord. 

His  Festival  is  November  30. 

St.  JAMES  the  Great,  ApoJlle. 
T  TE   was   a   fervent    Preacher   of    the   Word, 

And  for  the  fame  by  Herod  lofl  his  Head  : 
But  Time  will  everlaflingly  record, 

Jerufalem,  the  Place  he  fuffered. 

His  Festival  is  July  25. 

^V.  PHILIP,  the  Apq/lle. 

TN  Phrygian  Land  this  Saint  did  much  exclaim 

Againfl  Idolatry;    and  Truth  did  preach 

To  Heathens,  who  on  Pillar  (to  their  Shame) 

Did  hang-  him  for  the  Do6trine  he  did  teach. 

His  Festival  is  May  i. 


St.    BARTHOLOMEW,    the    ApoJlle. 
TN  the  Armenian  Climes  this  Saint  he  fell, 
■^     B'ing  flay'd  alive  by  Tyrant  King-'s  Command, 
Becaufe  he  preach'd  againfl  thofe  Sons  of  Hell, 
Whofe  Superftition  would  the  Truth  withlland. 
His  Festival  is  August  24. 


St.    THOMAS,  the   ApoJlle. 
T  ^  NBELIEVING  Thomas,  once  he  was  a  Jew, 
^      But  when  converted,  for  his    Saviour  flood ; 
And  tho'  a  while  he  doubted  what  was  true. 
Yet  foon  convinc'd,  for  Chriil  would  lofe  his  Blood. 

To 


[  198] 

To  Perfians,  Medes,  Hyrcanians  did  he  preach 

The  Word  of  Truth  mod  faithful,  without  Art, 
'Till  Indian  Priefls  with  cruel  Spears  did  reach, 

And  pierc'd  the  blefl  Apoflle  to  the  Heart. 

His  Festival  is  December  21. 


SL  JAMES  the  Lefs,  Apojlle. 

A  FTER  our  Lord's  Afenfion  he  was  chofe 

"^     By  the  Apoftles  Bifliop  of  the  Church ; 

The  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  his  mortal  Foes, 

Contriv'd  to  bring  this  good  Man  in  the  Lurch. 

Unto  the  Pinacle  of  Temple  fair. 

They  went  up  with  him,  and  thence  threw  him  down ; 

Yet  living,  Men  below  with  Clubs  fevere 

His  Brains  did  fcatter  on  the  Stoney  Ground, 

His  Festival  is  May  i. 

St.   SIMON,    the   Apojlle. 

A     GALILEAN,  of  a  fervent  Zeal, 

■^  ^     In  Egypt,  Africk,  Lybia,  and  Syrene, 

In  Mauritania,  too,  he  did  reveal 

The  Word  of  God,  which  Tyrants  did  difdain. 

Some  write,  to  Britain  at  the  laft  he  came. 

Where,  like  his  Saviour,  he  was  crucify'd  : 

Ah  !  pity  that  our  Land  his  Blood  fhould  llain. 

Where  now  the  Word  of  Truth  is  glorify'd. 
His  Festival  is  October  28,  mith  St.  Jude's. 

St.  JUDE,  the  Apojlle. 
'HP WAS  in  Judea,  Galilee,  fo  fair, 

Samaria,  Idume,  Mefopotame  ; 
The  Word  of  Chrifl  he  would  have  Men  revere, 
'Till  at  the  length  to  Perfian  Lands  he  came ; 
Then  ty'd  to  Stake,  fwift  Arrows  they  let  fly, 

So  thick  as  cover'd  all  his  Body  o'er  : 
Thus  in  a  painful  Manner  did  he  die. 

For  Chrifl  his  fake,  whom  all  the  World  adore, 

St. 


[  199] 

Si.  MATTHIAS,  the   Apojlle. 

TN  fair  Judea  he  the  Gofpel  preach'd, 

In  Macedonia,  Ethiopia  too  ; 

But  while  that  in  Jertifalcm  he  teach'd, 

The  Jews,  accurfl,  with  Stones  this  g-ood  Man  flew. 
His  Festival  is  February  24. 


S/.  PAUL,  the  Apojlle. 
\  T  Tarfus  born,  was  noble  and  well  taught, 
-'^     And  firft  a  Perfecutor  of  the  Word ; 
'Till  {Iruck  by  Heav'n,  by  Light  exceeding  Thought, 

Became  a  Preacher  for  his  bleffed  Lord. 
Then  fent  to  Rome,  by  Nero  lofl  his  Head, 

Faithful  to  Death  this  good  Saint  did  remain  : 
And  tho'  his  Perils  were  unnumbered ; 

Now,  pafl  them  all,  with  Jefus  Chrifl  doth  reign. 
His  Festival  is  June  29. 

St.    BARNABUS. 
C\^  Levi's  Tribe,  and  born  in  Cyprus  Ifle, 
^■"^     Antioch  City  he  did  foon  convert ; 
Some  fay,  that  Fortune  more  did  on  him  fmile 

Than  others,  who  had  felt  mofl  bitter  Smart. 
Yet  learn'd  Men  unanimous  declare 

That  at  Salmatia  he  was   crucify'd, 
Or  llon'd ;  but  either  Way  it  doth  appear, 

That  for  the  bleffed  Word  of  Truth  he  dy'd. 
His  Festival  is  June  11. 

The  Soul's  Expostulatio7t  with  our  Blessed  Saviour  JESUS  CHRIST. 

A  LAS !  my  Lord !  when  I  consider  of  that  wonderful  Charity  of 
■^~*  thine,  that  thou,  a  God  of  eternal  Majesty,  should  not  disdain  to 
be  born  and  suffer  for  my  sake ;  it  melts  my  Heart  to  think  how  much 
I  have  offended  thee.  Aly  dearest  Redeemer,  I  acknov/ledge  my 
Unworthiness,  not  fit  to  be  called  thy  Son,  ungratefully  repaying  thy 
Love,  who  for  me  and  all  Mankind  passed  thro'  troublesome  Seas  of 
Calamities,  Labours,  and  Persecutions.  How  didst  thou  pray  to  thy 
Father,  insomuch  that  thy  Tears  congealed  to  Drops  of  Blood  !  How 
patiently  didst  thou  offer  thyself  to  Reproaches,  Blasphemies  and  the 

vilest 


[  200  ] 

vilest  Usage  from  the  most  ignominious  among  Mankind ;  led  from 
Pilate  to  Herod,  and  from  Herod  to  Pilate  again ;  cloathed  with  a 
ridiculous  Garment ;  bound  to  a  Pillar,  and  scourg'd  'till  a  Torrent  of 
Purple  Blood  ran  trickling  down  thy  Body ;  then  adorn'd  in  Purple 
with  a  ludicrous  Sceptre,  and  scornfully  saluted  ;  compell'd  to  bear  the 
Burden  of  thy  Cross  ;  and  last  of  all,  crucify'd  with  exceeding  Torment 
between  Thieves;  nailed  thro'  thy  Hands  and  Feet,  the  Joints  of  thy 
Members  dissolv'd,  and  all  thy  Body  hanging  upon  four  bleeding 
Wounds  ! 

Oh !  my  Saviour !  who  can  think  of  this,  and  not  be  wounded ; 
but  who  can  think  of  their  Sins,  and  not  be  smitten,  for  causing  thy 
Wounds  to  bleed  again !  I  am  sorry  for  my  Offences,  and  for  not 
making  a  right  Use  of  thy  Satisfadlion.  But  thou,  who  art  my  Father, 
the  inexhaustible  Fountain  of  Mercies,  behold  me  prostrate ;  and, 
according  to  my  Belief,  that  no  Crimes  can  exceed  the  Effeds  of  thy* 
bitter  Passion,  shew  Pity  upon  me.  I  cast  my  inordinate  Affedtions 
and  Transgressions  into  the  Furnace  of  thy  divine  Love.  I  am  ready 
to  dye  rather  than  to  offend  thee  again  ;  and  my  purpose  is  through 
thy  Grace  to  avoid  whatever  is  displeasing  to  thee  for  the  future. 
Inspire  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  love  thee  with  a  fervent  Love,  and  deep 
Compassion ;  to  make  Thee  the  Objecft  of  my  Affedtions ;  to  resign  my 
self  to  thy  Holy  Will ;  and  to  be  ready  to  suffer  for  thy  sake  any 
Injury  and  Contempt,  any  Tribulation  and  Misfortune  whatever,  even 
to  be  deprived  of  any  sensible   Consolation. 

And  if  such  should  happen  to  me,  as  Persecution  did  happen  to 
thy  Apostles  and  Followers ;  amidst  all  such  Troubles,  adorn  my  Soul 
with  thy  Merits  and  Graces,  as  true  Humility,  Meekness,  Patience  and 
Charity,  that  my  Senses  may  be  restrain'd  and  the  Nakedness  of  my 
Spirit  be  adorn'd  with  a  perfedt  Purity. 

O  my  God  !  in  all  the  Adversites  I  have  been  subjedl  to,  whether 
in  Poverty,  Sickness,  Temptation,  or  any  other  Extremity,  I  never  found 
so  effedtual  a  Remedy,  as  in  the  Merits  of  thy  Sufferings.  My  Life 
and  Hope  is  in  thy  Death  ;  and  thy  Death  is  my  Health,  Refuge  and 
Resurredlion.  My  Soul,  which  is  espoused  by  Faith,  and  endowed  with 
Spirit,  thou,  O  JESUS!  who  hast  dignified  with  thy  Image,  and 
redeemed  by  thy  Blood,  must  surely  inspire  her  to  love  thee,  by  whom 
she  is  so  much  beloved.  With  exceeding  great  Devotion,  most  ardent 
Affecftion  and  Fervour  she  desires  to  receive  thee.  How  may  she  obtain 
a  Union  with  Thee,  O  Lord,  to  find  thee  alone,  to  open  her  whole 
Heart  to  thee  as  she  desires?  Truly,  thou  art  her  Beloved,  the  choice 
among  Thousands,  in  whom  she  taketh  Pleasure  to  dwell  all  the  Days 
of  her  Life.  How  do's  she  love  to  remember  Thee  in  that  Blessed 
Sacrament,  thou  thyself  hast  instituted.  Thou  art  her  only  Peace- 
maker, in  whom  the  truest  Rest  is  to  be  found.  You  refresh  all  those 
that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  infusing  much  Comfort  against  sundry 
Tribulations,  and  lifting  them  from  the  Depth  of  Self-Deje6tion  to  the 
Hope  of  thy  Protection.  Thou  art  a  Fountain  always  sweet  and  over- 
flowing, never  failing  to  satisfy  the  thirsty  Soul.  So  that  tho'  I  labour 
in  the  Sweat  of  my  Brow,  vexed  with  Grief  of  Heart,  burthen'd  with 
Sins,  troubled  with  Temptations,  oppressed,  intangled  and  enslaved  with 
many  evil  Passions,  and  there  seems  none  to  deliver  me  ;  yet  in  Thee, 
my  Saviour,  I  put  my  whole  Trust,  committing  myself,  and  all  that  is 
mine,  into  thy  Tuition,  that  thou  may'st  keep  me  and  them  safe  ;  and, 
thro'  thy  abundant  Mercy,  bring  us  all  to  Life  everlasting.     Amen. 

FINIS. 


divine  justice'  and   Jtercy  displayed. 


Set  forth  in  the  unhappy  Birth,  wicked  Life,  and  miferable 
End  of  that  deceitful  Apoflle, 

JUDAS     ISCARIOT; 

Who,    for   thirty    Pieces    of   Silver,  betrayed   and    fold    his 
LORD   and   MASTER, 

JESUS     CHRIST. 

SHEWING, 

I.  His  Mother's  Dream  after  Conception  ;  the  Manner  of  his  Birth  ;  and 

the  evident  Marks  of  his  future  Shame. 

II.  How  his  Parents,  inclofmg  him  in  a  little  Chefl,  threw  him  into  the 

Sea  ;  where  he  was  found  by  a  King  on  the  Coafl  of  Iscariot,  who 
called  him  by  that  Name. 

III.  His  Advancement  to  be  a  Privy-Counfellor  ;  and  how  he  unfortunately 
killed  the  King's  Son. 

IV.  He  flies  to  Joppa ;  and,  unknowingly,  flew  his  own  Father  ;  for  which 
he  was  forced  to  abfcond  a  fecond  Time. 

V.  Returning  a  Year  after,  he  married  his  Mother ;  who  knew  him  to  be 

her  Child  by  the  particular  Marks  he  had,  and  by  his  Declaration. 

VI.  And,  laflly,  feeming  to  repent  of  his  wicked  Actions,  he  followed  our 
bleffed  Saviour,  and  became  one  of  his  Apoflles  ;  but  after  betray'd 
him  into  the  Hands  of  the  chief  Priefts ;  and  then,  miferably  hanging 
himfelf,  his  Bowels  dropt  out  of  his  Belly. 

With  Meditations  on  the  Life  and  Death  of  our  B.  Saviour. 

Quis  talia  fando 

Tcmperet  a  lacrymis  P  Virg.  Lib.  H. 

But    who    the    Sufferings    of   jfESU  hears, 
Can  ceafe  from  Sighs,  or  flop  his  falling'  Tears  ? 

By  Mr.  THOMAS  GENT,  Atcthor  of  the  History  of  YORK, 
in  1730;  thofe  of  the  fine  Scriptural  Great  Eajlern  WINDOW 
of  the  Magnificent  Cathedral  of  -SV. Peter ;  Rippon,  a7id  Hull ; 
a  Pajioral  Poem  on  the  Death  of  the  Earl  of  Carlifle  ;  and  of 
Caftle-Howard,  St.  WINEFRED'S  Well,  &c.  Originally 
written  in  London  at  the  Age  of  18;  and  late  improved  in  80. 

Y  O  R  K: 

Printed    at    the    New   Printing  -  Office,    in    Fofgate,    1772. 
[     Price    Twopence.     ] 


[  202] 

To     the     READER. 

T  T  THAT  here  is  writ,  pathetically,  Jhows 

Young  ]vT)hs''  Jlrange  and  V10JI  Jliipe7idoiis  Birth. 
It  tells  his  Parents  Sorrows,    Grief,  and   Woes, 

For  (what  they  knew)  his  fad  untimely  Death. 
With  Projects  vain,  they  f  rive  f  anticipate 
The  Thing,  which  was  decreed  by  certain  Fate. 

Inclos'd  in    Wood,  amidf  impetuous    Waves, 

Where  rolling  Billows  boi/l'roufly  do  roam; 
Where  many   Thoufands  find  unfathovid  Graves; 
Ah!  there  the  Infant's  banifi!d from  his  home. 
But,  lo  !  a  royal  K.  I  N  G  the   Child  did  find ; 
Endearing  prov'd,  like  tend'rejl  Parent,  kind. 

Yet,  when  at  Age,  the  Sov'reign's  Son  he  kill'd. 

And  then  efcaped  to  a  Land  unknown. 
Here,  by  his  Hands,  his  Father' s  Blood  was  fpilVd, 

And  wed  his  Mother  ivhen  thefe  Crimes  were  done  ! 
Next  turtid  Difciple ;  Jlrange  to  think  of  this; 
At  lajl  betray" d  our  SAVIOUR  with  a   Kifs ! 

This  is  the  Argument  of  what  I  write ; 

Concluding  with  the  Manner  of  his  End : 
The  various   Griefs  and  Pafions  I  indite 

O/"  JESUS   CHRIST,  our  bejl  and  fur  est  Friend. 
May  none,  like  Judas,  ever  inter pofe. 
To  fell  {as  He  was  fold)  the  Church,  His  Spoufe. 

Accept  the  darling   Offspring  of  my  Mind, 

When  Ardour  Jlrove  to  help  my  Judgment  weak : 
For,  now,  you'll  truer  SatisfaHion  find ; 

And  I  more  Life  in   Things  I  write,  or  fpeak ; 
Sitice  whatever  Scriptures  do  afford  I  bring ; 
How  foul  a  Traitor  looks,  how  faik  a  KING. 

CHAP 


[203    ] 

CHAP.       I  . 

Of  his  Birth ;  the  Dream  of  his  Mother ;  and  how  he  was  tmnaturally 
committed  to   the   raging  Ocean. 

npHAT,  by  the  Means  of  JUDAS,  CHRIST  was  flain, 
^      The  Sacred   WRITINGS  tell  us  very  plain ;  <> 
But  no  where  fhews  his  ill  fore-boding-  Birth, 
Who  prov'd  the  faddeR  Wretch  upon  the  Earth  !  f 

My  prefent  Tafl<,  far  as  TRADITION'S  Truth, 
Shall  be  improving-  Lines,  begun  in  YOUTH ; 
From  various  Authors  ;  ||  who  the  Mind  engag-e, 
By  Heaven  infpir'd,  and  known  from  Age  to  Ag-e. 

Coeleflial  Sense  is  bed,  rig-ht  underflood  ; 
But,  next,  undoubted  TESTIMONY'S  good; 
From  whence  bright  Knowledg-e,  like  fair  Rivers  flow; 
Or  Dews,  from  HIGH,  refrefhing  All  below. 

So  'twas    of  old,    the    SACRIFICE  divine; 
The   EUCHARIST,    in   Holy  Bread  and    Wine, 
Was    fair   difplay'd,    as   what   the   Church    fhould   deck, 
By   San6tion's    Pow'r,    thro'    King   Melchizedek.  | 

An    INSTITUTION,    laftingly   remember' d, 
CHRIST' S  nat'ral    Body   on   the   Crofs   fo    render'd ; 
Held,  by  the  Learned,  conflantly  to  prove, 
Appeafmg  Anger,  and  obtaining  LOVE!    ff 

But  Judas'  Name,    that   bears   the  fad   Tranfgreffion,  f* 

Derived  is  from  Praife,  and  true  ConfeJJion. 

Persons,  fo  ftyl'd,  gave  Rife  to   HISTORY: 

From  whom  I'll  mention  which  of  them  was  He.*'-' 

The 

*  Mat.  xxvi.  46. xxvii.  3,  4,  5.       Acts  i.  to  21.      Mark  xiv.   10. 

Luke  xxii.  3.     John  xviii.  2. 

t  Mat.  xxvi.  23,  24,  25.  Mark  xiv.  18,  19,  20,  21.  42  to  46. 
Luke  xxii.  21,  22,  23,  47,  48.     John  xiii.  18,  21  to  32. — xviii.  i,  2,  3,  4. 

II  EusEBius,  JosEPHUs,  Okosius,  Sozomenes,  &c. 

\  Gen.  xiv.  18. 

tt  See  Dr.  Marfhall,  ^t.  Cyprian  ;  and  the  Sacrifice  at  the  Altar. 

t*  See  Jehuda,  Juda,  &c.,  in  Table  the  First  of  the  Ancient  Holy  Bible. 

**  Mat.  xxvi.  14.  xxvii.  3.  Yet  our  Lord  admitted  him  to  taste  of  the 
Bread  and  Wifie,  ver.  26.     Mahomet  wrote,  that  one  of  the  Name  suffered  on 

the 


[  204  ] 

The  firft,  call'd  Macchab^us,  once  did  fliine, 
For  Deeds  of  Valour,  thro'  all  Palejline  ; 
Priefl  of  Medine,  his  Father,  of  hig-h  Note, 
As  from  JO  SEPH US  various  Authors  quote. 

The  fecond,  fam'd ;  a  Carpenter  by  Trade  ; 
Efleem'd  as  Husband  by  a  Bleffed  MAID: 
From  Him,  difling-uifh'd  plain,  in  Holy  Writ, 
Far  from  Deception,    TREASON  to  commit !  * 

But  that  ISCARIOTX,  of  ill-fated  Style; 
The  grudging-  Mifer,  prompted  to  beguile  ; 
He  feems  decreed  the  Pattern  of  worfl  Vice  ; 
His  God,  the  Purfe;    the  World,  his  Paradife. 

Had  SENECA  then  flourilh'd,  but  to  tell 
How  Poverty  cou'd  not  with  bright  Souls  dwell,  || 

'Twould  be  in  vain for,  fure,  'twas  pre-ordain'd, 

His  Crime  in  this  Globe  fliould   be  ever  flain'd. 

Indeed,  if  we  a  folemn  Record  mind, 
The  SON  of  GOD  as  doom'd  to  Death  we  find  ! 
Jufl,  as  a  Parent  would,  lamenting,  fland,  f 
To  fee  th'  up-lifted  Sword  in  Murd'rer's  Hand  ! 

But  here  a  while,  until  the  Sequel  brings, 
By  riper  Thoughts,  to  judge  of  facred  Things ; 
Let  gradual  Fate,  portentive,  bear  the  Sway, 
Jufl  as  the  Twilight  ufhers  in  the  Day. 

This  Judas,  thirdly,  born  to  Earth's  Difgrace, 
That  fawning  Traitor,  Shame  to  human  Race ; 
Who  was  his  Father  ?     I  come  to  explore. 
A  Tanner  rich,  who  lived  on  Joppas  Shore. 

Beauteous 

the  Cross  instead  of  Christ.    Even  that  Impostov  honoicr'd  the  Son  of  GOD  as  an 

holy  Prophet ;  biit  Tacitus  exhibited  very  zinivorthily  of  Christians  in  general, 
because  their  holy  Tenets  mere  contrary  and  averse  to  Heatlienism. 

*  See  St.  Mat.  as  above. And  Ver.  14,  15.     Likewise  John  xiv.  22. 

\  John  xiii.  27. 

II  Si  ad  fiaturam  vixeris,  niinqnam  eris  pauper :  si  ad  opinionem,  nunquam 
dives.     Ad  Lucil.  Ep.  XVI. 

t  II.  EsDRAS,  vii,  28,  29. 


[  205] 

Beauteous  the  Country,  blefs'd  with  aereal  Gleams, 
O'er  Jordan's  River,  like  Kilkenny  Streams  ; 
Limpid  as  Cryllal ;  fmoaklefs  Flames  arife ; 
Nor   Mifls  annoy  the  ambient  facred  Skies. 

No  gloomy  Fog-,  oifenfive  Smoak,  or  Mud, 
Diflurb  the  Air,  the  Fire,  or  the  Flood; 
Infpiring-  POETS  with  delig-htful  Themes  ; 
So,  like  the  clearefl,  were  fair  Jordan  s  Streams. 

But  uncongeneal  to  parental  Race, 
And  to  the  Nature  of  the  holy  Place, 
He  feem'd ;  where  now  the   TurkiJJi  Crefcents  (hine, 
With  Worfhips  flain'd,  that  blemifh  Palejline. 

Howe'er,  his  Mother  was  a  noble  Dame, 
Styl'd  in  fome  Books  fair  BERENICE  by  Name.- 
What  will  not  Riches  do.?     Who  S I M  O  N  ^r\z'^; 
And  wed,  becaufe  he  alfo  merchandiz'd. 

In  foft  Addrefs  this  tanning  Vent'rer  woo'd; 
With  mutual  Love  her  fweet  Careffes  flow'd. 
Nor  then  deem'd  vain  ;  when,  blefs'd  by  nuptial  Rites, 
New  Joys  increas'd ;  more  fervent  their  Delights  ! 

But  lafled  fhort for  near,  when  Ilie  conceiv'd, 

By  nightly  Vifions  fhe  was  forely  griev'd. 
Sleep,  dear  Repofe  !  that  lulls  all  Cares  to  Reft, 
Had  not  one  Charm  to  calm  her  troubled  Breaft. 

While,  gradual,  waking,  follow'd  Sighs  and  Groans, 
As  tho'  diflblving  with  her  piteous  Moans  : 
To  that  Extent  fo  pungent  were  her  Dreams, 
Her  fcreeching  Voice  did  found  like  Bedlam's  Screams  ! 

The  Husband,  often  ftung ;  but  more,  one  Night : 
"What  is't,"  faid  he,  "that   doth   my   Dear   aflFright .?" 
She  anfwer'd,  "Jewel,  were  you  but  to  feel 
"My  Grief;  I'm  fure,  you'd  foon  the  like  reveal. 

"My 

*  ^ome  write,  She  was  the  Daughter  of  Macchab.eus,  of  the  Tribe  of 
ISSACHAR;  and  that  he  employ'd  Ships  in  trading  from  one  Country  to 
another ;  residing  alternately,  in  pleasant  populous  ISea-Ports  of  the  Holy-Land, 
or  Palestine;  that  small  Part,  yet  whose  spreading  Fame  would  prove  by 
Decree  sonorous  over  all  the  world,  thro'  the  Birth  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  and 
for  the  inestimable  Blessing  of  our  Salvation. 


[  2o6] 

"  My  tender  Child,  that  moves  now  in  the  Womb  ! 
"  Oh  !  that  he  were  but  in  the  filent  Tomb  ! 
*'  But  he'll  fpring-  forth,   on  purpofe  to  betray 
"The  Lord  of  LIFE,  whom  cruel /ezus  will  flay. 

"  For  this  ungrateful  A6t,  fo  black,  fo  foul, 
"  I'm  'fraid  jufl  Vengeance  will  fall  on  his  Soul. 
"  Howe'er,  I'm  fure,  fhou'd  he  make  J  ESU  bleed, 
"  His  Body,  pendent,  muft,  attone  the  Deed. 

"  No  Peace  on  Earth  to  eafe  a  wicked  Mind. 

"  They  fly are  lofl to  hang,  or  drown,  inclin'd. 

"His  Lot  the  former,  like  Ah  i  thoph  el.'-'-' 

"  When   Confcience  Wounds,  Life  foon  becomes  an  Hell. 

"  What  mull  we  do  ?     How  from  our  Sorrows  fever ! 
"As  foon  as  born,  (better  that  it  were  never!) 
"  Let   gulphing   Seas    prevent   fuch   direful    End, 
"  And    drown    thofe   Woes   that   you    and    me    attend." 

This  faid,  the    Lady  burfl.ed  into  Tears, 
(Employ   enough    for   him   to   eafe    her   Cares!) 
'Till   both   agreed   to   make   the   Child   away, 
And   caufe   his   Birth   to   prove    its    fun'ral    Day. 

Not   done  for   why,    it   fcarce   had   feen    the    Light, 

But,    like   an   Angel,    charming   Mortal's    Sight ; 

Symmetrious,    in    Parts    extern,    it   feem'd ; 

So   fweet,    fo    fair,    a    Seraph    might   be   deem'd. 

Pity   return'd 'till   on   the    Breafl   they  view'd 

Sign  of  the  Crofs ;  predi6ling,  fure,  the  Rood! 
Near  that  fad  Mark,  a  Gibbet,  ty'd  with  Band, 
Amaz'd   their   Eyes,    as,    trembling,    they   did   fland ! 

Tho'    thefe   confirm'd   the    Mother's    frightful    Dream  ; 
Yet   Fondnefs   turn'd    her   Mind   from   Death's    Extreme. 
"  My   Love,"  Jhe  cry'd,    "  a   Thought    has   flricken    me, 
"  To   lofe   the   Infant not   its   Exit  fee. 

"  Tho'   this   be    Sin,    fure    it   is   better   far 

"  Than    fhed   the    Blood   of  fuch    a   blooming    Star. 

"  My 

*    II.  Sam.  xxvii.  23. 


[   207   ] 

"  My   Counfel    is,    Commit    it   to    the   Deep  !  " 

Thus   fpoke,    their   Eyes   bewell'd,    and   both    did   weep. 

But   that   indulg-ent    Providence    might    fave  ; 
Nor   piercing-   Cold   afFe6l   each   threat'ning   Wave ; 
A   little   Ark,    or   Chefl,    they   did   provide, 
With    Happing  warm,   to   keep    out   Wind   and   Tide. 

In   this   the   thoughtlefs    Sailor   they   inclofe. 
But   where's   the   Tongue   can   tell   the    Parent's   Woes  ? 
The    fweet   Child,    fmiling   in    its    Mammy's    Face, 
Frefli    Drops    inforce,    affliSling   her   Embrace. 

"  O   cruel    Mother  !    am    I    not  ?"  /aid  JJie. 
"  Foolifli,    to  judge    my   Dream   was    Heav'n's   Decree ; 
"  And   were    I    afcertain'd,    how   finful    I, 
"To   doom   my   Child   to   FATE'S  Uncertainty.? 

"  Strange !    I   fhould   have   a   Notion   of   my   own. 
"  What   is   this    Lord   of  Life,    this    Pow'r   unknown  } 
"  Not    Greece,    nor   Rome,    as   yet,    can    full   declare : 
"  And   yet   I'm    mov'd    my    Infant    not   to    fpare. 

"  GOD  might  reverfe  what  in  my  Sleep  appear'd ; 
"  And   turn    to  Joys   thofe    Sorrows   which    I    fear'd. 
"  My   Pray'rs    and    Tears,    like   Nineveh's   Defence,* 
"  Would   more   become,    than    doubt   kind   Providence. 

"  Am    I   an    Huldah  ?     Or,    as    Hannah,    bright .? 
"  Have    I    prophetick   Gifts,    or    Second  Sight  ? 
"Shall    I   prove   like   Cassandra,    fad,    for    Troy  P 
"  Or   change   Decree   in    parting   from   my   Boy } 

"  Some   vult'rous   Bird   may  pick  out  thefe  bright  Eyes ; 
"Thy   tender   Body   bear   thro'   vaulted    Skies! 
"Like   PHAETON,    or   Icarus,    o'erpower'd ; 
"  Thy   Cries   regardlefs,    by   dread    Fifli    devour'd ! 

"  O   Heav'ns !    suppofe   that   fafe   to   Land    it   gains, 
"  Unlefs   it   haps   amongfl   young   Nymphs   and    Swains  ; 
"What   may   I   think   of  dreary    Rocks,    and    Sands.? 

"  Or   Monfters,    fierce,    if  falling   in   their   Hands ! 

"  Nay, 


Jonah  iii.  5,  6,  &c. 


[   208  ] 

"  Nay,    Paws   of  Wolves,    or   Tygers   feeking   Prey ; 
"  Grim,    and   more   horrid,    than   the   raging-   Sea ! 
"  That   nothing   fpare,    unlefs   it   be   a  Wonder ; 
"  And   foon   would    rend   this    Offering   afunder ! 

"  Or  favage   Wretches,    who    near   Shores   beguile ; 
"  That   grin    for   Murders,    and    at    Shipwrecks   fmile ; 
"  How    may   fuch   Villains   fnatch    thee ;    laugh,    and   fkip, 
"  Whiia   Life   they   take,    and   rob   thy   little    Ship ! 

"  O   whither   mull   my   pretty   Lamb   now   go  ! 

"  See   how   it    looks. Alas  !    it   does   not   know. 

"  Burfl,    Heart   of  Grief,    fmce   true   Affe6lion's   vain ; 
"  So   flrong   the    Impulfe,    and   fo   great   my   Pain ! 

"  My   Soul's   dillrefl Yet   fomething   bodes    I    may, 

"  If  Fate   proves   kind,    fee   him    another   Day. 

"  Diflra6lion    fure   doth    feize   on    every   Side. 

"  I   wifh    I'd    ne'er   been    born,    or   Young    had    dy'd. 

"  It    mufl,    it    mull   depart fome    Spirit   tells, 

"  That   tunes   my   breezing   Sighs    like    Paffmg-Bells ! 

"Ye    Pow'rs,    unfeen !    preferve   the    Gift   I   fend. 

"  Waft   him,    frefli    Gales,    while    my    fond    Pray'rs    afcend. 

"  Farewel,    once   more,    my   Child.  —  Unhappy   me, 
"  With   boundlefs   Griefs !    No    Comforts   can    I   fee. 

"  Adieu farewel  1  "     This   faid,    then    fwoon'd   away  ! 

"  Her   Face   turn'd   pale,    and   Body   feem'd   as    Clay. 

CHAP.       II. 

How  the  Bark,  which  contain'd  the  Infant,  was  laid  upon  the  River,  and  borne 
to  the  Sea  ;  from  thence  taken  and  saved  by  a  KING,  who  put  it  to  Nurse ; 
and  called  him  Iscariot,  because  discover' d  floating  upon  that  Coast. 

"ITTHILST   thus   fuccumb'd   lov'd    Bekenick   thro'    Care, 
'  ^       Let's    turn    our   Thoughts    upon    the    Father   dear. 
Alas !    his   Lamentations   were    not   fmall  : 
For,   with   his    Son,    he    fear'd   her   Funeral  ! 

All    future    Harms,    then,   wifely   to   prevent ; 
No   Way   could   eafe,    but   anfw'ring   her   Intent ; 

Since 


C  209] 

Since   nothing   could   thofe   Marks    eradicate  ; 
Thofe   deep-prefs'd    Stygf)ias  of    Life-lafling   Fate. 

A   trufly   Servant   quick   he    call'd;   to   whom, 
The   Plot   made   known ;   the    fad   determin'd   Doom  ! 
Bids,    Lay   the   Veffel,    fmall,    in   current   Tide, 
Mid'fl   rapid    Streams,    on   ebbing-   Waves   to   glide. 

'Twas   foon    obey'd,    in    his    obfequious   Arms ; 
As   quick   difcharg'd   to   the   wide    Ocean's    Harms. 
Soon    did    the    floating  Judas    difappear ; 
And   Winds,   impetuous,   drove  him   Heav'n   knows  where. 

To   fkreen   his    Fate,    and   to    prevent   their   own  : 
For   'twou'd   be   death   to   them    had    it   been   known ; 
Gave   out,    with   rural    Nurfe   the    Child   did   die ; 
And   forg'd    Epistles   to   conceal   the    Lie. 

More   to   difguife   the   TRUTH,    in    Mourning,   wide ; 
She   cloath'd   herfelf,    and   flalk'd    in    folemn    Pride : 
Both   in    long   fable    Garments   to   the    Heel : 
But   where's   fly   Art,    that   can    from    Heav'n    conceal  ? 

By   this   Device   none    did    miftrufl,   at   all ; 
But   ftill   themfelves   lamented   at   his    Fall  ! 
And   well   they   might   conclude   the    Infant   lofl. 
In   merc'lefs   Waves,    or   perifli'd   on    bleak   Coafl. 

But  let  us  now  tell  what's  become  of  Him  ; 
Who  on  inceffant  moving  Waves  did  fwim. 
He  is  preferv'd  bySuPERNAT'RAL    POW'R, 
That  nothing,  but  Himfelf,    can  Life  devour. 

Tofl.  to  and  fro,  exalted  and  caft  down  ; 
Ungriev'd,  fecur'd,  who  was  not  born  to  drown  : 
Senfelefs  that  circling  Dangers,  dread !  attend ; 
And  innocent  how  HEAV'N  becomes  his  Friend. 

No  Food  he  craves,  nor  melting  Tears  demand 
A  Mother's  BreafL,  or  Nurfe  with  helping    Hand. 
Extenflve   GOODNESS   him  in  Safety  keeps; 
Who,  heav'd  by  changing  aqueal  Pillows,  fleeps. 

From  hardefl.  Rocks,  that  are  mofl.  high  and  fteep. 

Proceed  the  largeft  Rivers,  fmooth  and  deep  : 

Idoneous 


[  210] 

Idoneous  Places  to  mount  PHAROS  high; 
Or  tower'd  Caflles  near  fair  azur'd  Sky. 

On  fam'd  Ifcariofs  Coafl  was  fuch  a  Mount ; 
Blefs'd  with  a  Spring;  a  ufeful,  limpid  Fount; 
Clear  as  Saint  WIN 'FRED'S  falutary  Well;  - 
Still  frefh  in  Virtue,  that  few  can  excell. 

Near  Dales,  and  Rifing-s,  with  falubrious  Air ; 
Where  chirping-  Choireflers  adorn'd  the  Sphere ; 
Nothing-  appear' d  but  Harmony  and  Love, 
Like  what  concentred  in  thick  I D A'  S  Grove. 

To  this  Retreat  of  old  did  Princes  come  ; 
Pleafant  as  that  imperial  Ifle,  near  ROME:  f 
But  far  more  holy,  as  from  Luft  unflain'd  ; 
No  Blemifh  that  an  Afyliim  was  gain'd. 

For   here,    Tradition   tells,    a   KING,    in    Fame, 
(  Pity  more  extant  was  not  fpread  his  Name  ! )  || 
In    SUMMER' S  fweet    Recefs   did   oft   reg-ale ; 
And  took  Delight  to  view  Ships  under  Sail. 

AURORA   fcarce   had   uflier'd   in   the    Morn; 
And  Phoebus,  glitt'ring,  with  fpread  Rays,  adorn  : 
What  fliould  appear  unto  the  Prorex'  Eye, 
But  the  fmall  Bark  with  Freight  come  tott'ring  by  ! 

Concluding-,  then,  fome  Veffel  call  away, 
And  this  but  Part  of  Goods  upon  the  Sea ; 
He  fent  a  Pilot  quick  with  Aid  to  bring ; 
Which,  foon  fecur'd,  was  laid  before  the  KING. 

But  when  the  fame  was  open'd,  what  Surprize 

To  view  an  Infant ! All  lift  up  their  Eyes  ! 

The  Cloth,  well-oil'd  ;   and  tight  with  Pitch  'twas  lin'd ; 
The  Babe  unhurt,  from  Water,  or  the  Wind. 

With  Food  likewife,  that,  fhould  it  reach  the  Land, 

It  might  be  fed  by  fome  kind  Creature's  Hand : 

Upon 

*  A  famous  salutary  Spring  in  Wales,  of  which  there  is  extant  a  religious 
POEM,   inducing  to  Piety  and  Virtue. 

t  Noted  for  Retirevient  in  Justin,  Suetonius,  &c. 

II  Some  have  exhibited,  that  it  was  Valerius,  of  Consular  Dignity, 


[211] 

Upon  its  Bread  a  Parchment  did   proclaim: 
Woti'd  me  yon  know  P       Why,  JUDAS  is  my  Name,  f 

The  KING,  at  this  Adventure,  was  amaz'd ; 
And,  wond'ring  at  the  Navigator,  gfaz'd ! 
Whilfl  he,  inflead  of  weeping-  at  his  Cafe, 
With  Hft-up  Eyes,  fmil'd  in  the  Monarch's  Face. 

Thou JJialt  he  calVd  Ifcariot,   (faid  the  KING) 
Befide  thy  own,  thou  pretty,  little  Thing  ! 
So  all  the    World  ivill  hiow,  that,  when  near  lojl. 
Thou  wert  from  Death  prefervd  on  this  our  Coajl.  \ 

Thus,  as  PILUMNUS,   royally  did  fave 
P  E  R  s  I  u  s ,  and  Parent,  from  a  wat'ry  Grave  : 
So  Pity  mov'd  him  to  preferve  the  Creature; 
But  little  thought  he'd  prove  fo  flrange  in  Nature. 

Go,  feek  a  Nurfe,  he  faid. Quick  fhe  appear'd  ; 

A  blooming,  young  One;  worthy  high  Regard. 
Here,  take  this  Stranger  to  your  tender   Care ; 
And  bring  it  up,  for  no  Expence  Til  /pare. 

'Twas  done and  wond'rous  did  the  Child  improve : 

For  royal  Bounty  much  attra6led  Love. 

Still  more  and  more  his  Charms  allur'd  the  Sight; 

All,  but  the  Marks  ;  and  thofe  were  veiled  quite. 

Thus  having  fhown  his  Birth,   and  firfl  Succefs ; 
From  infant  Scenes  to  future  Wickednefs  ; 
'Tis  jufl,  in  Order,  that  I  hence  proceed, 
In  the  next  Place,  to  tell  what  fudas  did. 

CHAP.       III. 

How,  ripening  into  Years,  he  became  highly  advanced :   But  in  a  Duel 

unfortunately  kill'd  the  King^s  Son. 

WHEN  fit,  the  Youth  to  learned  Schools  was  fent, 
With  Parts,  furprizing- !  foon  to  Letters  bent. 
The  Hebrew  Knowledge;    Things  he  prized  bed, 

That  form  the  Speech;  of  them  became  poffefl. 

Soon 


t  Or  Jehuda.  By  Counsel  of  one  of  the  ancient  Patriarchs,  so  call'd, 
young  Joseph  was  sold.  Gen.  xxxvii.  26,  27.  Yet  by  Repentance  of  another 
Fault,  and  nobly  offering  to  be  Bondsman  for  Benjamin,  xliv.  16  to  34.  he  came 
to  regal  Dignity.  But  of  this  Youngster's  Actions,  King  David  seems  to 
indigitate,  Psal.  xli.  9.  and  Iv.  12,  13,  14. 

\  Or  IsHARiOT,  Distinguished.  Mat.  xxvi.  14.  Mark  xiv.  10,  11.  Luke 
xxii.  3,  4,  5,  6.— 21,  22.-47,  48. 


[212] 

Soon  after  fkill'd  in  Latin,  and  in   Greek, 
So  as,  with  nicefl  Art,  both  Tongues  could  fpeak : 
And   Genius,  mofl  occult,  made  him  defcry 
Invefligation    of    P  HI  L  O  SO  P  HY. 

For  this  the  Mathematicks  he  explor'd  ; 
And,  what  the  wifefl  Men  could  then  afford ; 
What  Skill,  or  Nature,  at  all  Ages,  can 
The  Courtier  form,  or  the  young  Gentleman. 

Thus  by  a  lib'ral  Education  train'd. 
The    Love   of  Princes,    and    of  Nobles,    gain'd. 
The    KING   himfelf,    thro'    bright   Perfe6lions   won, 
Made   him    Companion   with   his   only    Son. 

Still,    to   proceed,    as   Wifdom    did    abound. 
While   call'd   to   Counfel    for   Advice   profound ; 
Nothing   could   more    his    Happinefs    compleat. 
Since   blefs'd   by   Priefls,    and    honour'd   by   the    Great. 

Befides   the   Polls,    that   Riches   brought   immenfe ; 
New  A6ls,    frefli   Deeds,    that   frequent   did   commence ; 
Might   caufe   a  Youth    in    Pleafures   to   abound, 
With    more   Content   than   to   a   Monarch   crown'd. 

But,    ah !    how   oft   are    fliort-liv'd   Favours   great ! 
One   Minute's   Chance   foon    changes    happy'fl   State. 
A   Thoughtlefs   A6lion,    cruel   Wound,    or   Thrufl, 
May   Life   betray,    and   Honour   lay   in  Dicjl ! 

So  'twas  with  Judas,  paffionate,  and  fierce ; 
Who    knew   the    Sword,    and   what   were    cari   and   tierce; 
How   to    recoil;    or,    when    to    fpring   a   Lunge; 
Or,    as   Equejlrian,    fatal    Spear   to    plunge  ! 

One    glitt'ring   Day,    he,   with   the    King's    fair   Son, 
Refolv'd   on    Paftime,    left   the   Court,    and   Town ; 
And,    drinking   hard,    in    Mid'fl   of  Cups,    no    doubt. 
When     Wine   was   in,    thefe   hot-brain'd   Youths  fell   out. 

With    fhining   Weapons,    made    of  fined    Steel, 
Such   Wounds   they   gave    required   Art   to    heal. 
O   curs'd   Encounter !    Ruin   to   impart  : 
For  Judas  flabb'd   the   young   Prince   to   the    Heart ! 

Who 


[213] 

Who,   rallying-,  fpoke :    "  Stay,  Spark !  tho'  late,  attend. 
"  You've  kill'd  no  Foe ;  but  you  have  flain  your  Friend. 
"  Alas  !   your  Woes  more  piercing  are  to  me ; 
"  Becaufe  I  can't  prevent  what  I  forefee. 

"  My  Comfort  is,  retaining-  fome  fmall  Breath, 
"  I    can    forg-ive ;    rejoicing",    at   my   Death, 
"  That   Heav'n   with-held    my   oft-vi(5lorious   Arm, 
"  From    doing-   You,    my   fweet   Companion  !  Harm. 

"  Yet   flay,    and   do    not.    Cruel !    hafly   go ! 

"  One lafl  Embrace for  pafl  Affe6lion  fliow." 

He    foon    comply'd   with   what   the    Prince    requir'd ; 
Who,  fainting-,  thro'  the  lofs  of  Blood,  expir'd  ! 

Imagine,  Reader,  what  the  KING  did  bear. 
When  he  fore  Tydings,  this  fad  JVavs,  did  hear ! 
No  tearlefs  Eye  in  the  fair  Ifle  was  found. 
Which  gen'ral  Grief  had  quickly  fpread  around. 

Now  Jtidas,  Lord  Hig-h  Chancellor,  in  Stealth, 
Flies  from  the  Purfe,  late  State,  and  mighty  Wealth ; 
Prefers  the  Ihortefl  Courfe  that  fafe  reveals, 
Tho'  Death  and  Fury  follow  at  his  Heels. 

In  Ship  embarking,  like  a  Wretch  forlorn. 
To  Joppa  fail'd,  the  Place  where  he  was  born  : 
But  as  a  Servant,  had  no  other  Way, 
To  find  Relief,  or  make  a  conflant    Stay. 

Still  deep  Compun6lion  feiz'd  his  troubled  Breafl. : 
For,  fure,  the  Guilty  never  can  find  Reft. 
Nemefia7i  Vengeance  with  its  Stings  impart, 
Diftra6l  the  Brain,  and  captivate  the  Heart. 

But  ftill  he  had  a  Call  deep  to  repent ; 
And  often  wilh'd  he  had  been  innocent. 

In  vain for  as  it  were  by  Fate  decreed. 

He  turn'd  a  Thief,  and  made  his  Father  bleed. 

CHAP.        IV. 

How  employ' d  in  Service,  and  unlucky  Parricide. 

XTOT  long  ISCARIOT  liv'd  without  a  Place: 
-^^      For  being  tall,  and  of  a  comely  Grace; 
With   winning   Gait,    he   fcarce    for   fuch   requir'd. 
But   he   obtain'd   what   his   fad    Soul   defjr'd, 

And 


[  214] 

And  here  behold  inconflant  Fortune's  Chang-e  ! 
One,  rich  poffefs'd,  forc'd  from  high  Domes  to  range  ! 
He,  who  did  lord  o'er  others,  mud  fubmit 
To  'bate  his  Pride,  and  veil  his  courtly  Wit. 

No  KING  to  ferve,  no  fav'ring-  Prince  to  (how 
What  royal  Youth  to  EDUCATION  owe. 
Do  what  he  will,  there's  none  relieve  him  can  ; 
But  he  mufl  yield  to  ferve  a  Gentleman. 

Nay,  more  to  vex  him,  in  a  low  Degree, 
Of  fkipping   Footman,    poor,    fubmitted   he : 
And   even   then,    a   Life   mofl   unfecure ; 
Becaufe   high   Pride   could   not   mean   Things   endure. 

His   Miflrefs,   walking   forth   to   take   the   Air, 
Efpy'd   fome    Fruit,    mofl   delicately   fair ! 
'Twas  in  a  Garden,  where  wide-fpreading  Trees 
Adorn'd   the   Walls;   regal'd   with    gentle   Breeze. 

She,    longing   much   to   tafle   the   lufcious  Juice ; 
As   right   conceiving  what   they   mufl   produce : 
Here,  take  this  Money ;   go,  faid  fhe,  and  hiy 
So77ie   of  that   FRUIT,  fo  pleafant   to   mine   Eye! 

But   fuch   the   Nature   of    the   greedy   Elf, 
He   thought   to   keep   the    Pieces   to   himfelf: 
Nor   dreamt   the   Place   was   by   his    Parents    own'd; 
Contiguous    Buildings,    with   adjacent   Ground. 

The   Wall   he   climb'd;   the   Trees   began    to   pull, 
Until   his    Father   flruck   him    on    the    Skull. 
Provok'd   to    Rage,    fucceeded   Blow   for   Blow ; 
With    Falls,    contus'd,    alternate,    high   and   low. 

At   length   the   Earth   was   tin6lur'd   with   their   Blood ! 
Both   Combatants   amazing   Valour   fhow'd. 
The   One,    a  young   and   griping   Thief    to   tame : 
The   Other,    to   keep   clear   from    Gaol,    and   Shame. 

And  thus  they  fought,  none  feeing  them  to  part, 
'Till  Judas   ftabb'd   his    Father   to   the    Heart ! 
Behold,    as   tho'   the   flaughter'd   Vi6lim   lies, 
And   feparating    Slumbers   clofe    his    Eyes ! 


Go, 


[215] 

Go,  Parricide  ! Yet,  whither  wilt  thou  fly  ? 

Or    hide   thy   Crimes   from   an   All-feeing-   Eye  ? 

Depart Like   poor   Itenerate    he    roves  : 

Quich,  now,  like  Hart ;   and,  foon,  as  torpor'd,  moves. 

His    Sins,    dy'd    Scarlet !   yet   more,    diff' rent,    he 
Was   to   commit   before    CHRIST'S  Tragedy. 
His    Life   portended    Horrors    for   to    come. 
Beyond   my   Pen   to   trace   impending   Doom. 

CHAP.       V. 

How    Judas,    returning    after    a    Year's    Time,    married    his    Mother; 
who    was    fully    convinced    that    he    was    her    Son. 

TTTHEN  circling  Year  its  annual  Courfe  had  run, 

'  Judas  return'd  where  firfl  his  Life  begun. 

In  /  0  P  F  A  ,   like   a   fubterraneous    Stream, 
Days  heedlefs  pafs'd,  as  tho'   Tme  prov'd  a  Dream. 

Handfome,  and  flraight;  fo  courtly  too  in  Port, 
The  People  judg'd  him  not  of  common  Sort; 
And  were  bright  Riches  helping  to  evince  ; 
'Twas    probable   they'd   thought   difguifed    Prince. 

But   wanting   Wealth,    to   favour   him   unknown, 
Employ'd   his   Wit,    to   fettle    in   the   Town  ; 
Whofe   befl   Perfe6lions,    when   the   People   knew, 
Procurd   him    Love,    and   gain'd   him    Bus'nefs   too. 

His  Father  now  above  Twelve  Months  was  dead  : 
Then  courted  he  his  Mother  dear  to  wed. 
She  lik'd  the  chang'd-name  Spark;  foon  prov'd  his  Bride; 
But  little  thought  by  him  her  Hufband  dy'd  ! 

Some  Time  they  liv'd  together  in  fweet  Love, 
That  from  her  Breafl  pad  Sorrows  did  remove ; 
'Till  that  the  dire  predi6ling  Signs  appear'd ; 
And  flruck  her  Heart  with  what  before  fhe  fear'd  ! 

For  as  one  rofy  Morn,  from  Bed  of  Down, 

Thofe  Marks,  indelible,  SOL'S  Rays  made  known ; 

Parent  and  Spouse,  deep-wounded  with  Surprize, 

Salt,  trickling  Tears,  came  flowing  from  her  Eyes  ! 

"  Tell 


[2I6] 

"  Tell  me,  faid  Jhe,  my  Dearefl,  whence  you  came  ? 
"  Who  were  your  Parents  ?  Tell  me  each  their  Name  : 
''  For  when  that  Crofs,  and   Gibbet,  I  do  fee ; 
"  It  calls  to  Mind  my  Child,  and  that  you're  He." 

Said  Judas,  "  Truly,  Love,  I  cannot  tell, 
"  Who  gave  me  Being ;  if  defun6t,  or  well ; 
"  Much  lefs  Abode :   But  this  I  true  may  fay, 
"  They  feem'd  not  fuch,  who  laid  me  on  the  Sea. 

"  A   KING   preferved   me    from    being   loft ; 
"  Who  'fpy'd  me  failing  near  his  hilly  Coaft : 
"  And  when  deliver'd  from  the  Ocean's  Thrall, 
"Judas  Ifcariot  then  he  did  me  call. 

"  But  I,  grown  up,  the  Prince,  his  Son,  did  kill ; 
"And,  flying,  chanc'd  your  Hufband's  Blood  to  fpill. 
"  Thefe  Crimes  thro'  Paffion  :    But  another  Sort 
"  Made  you  my  Spoufe,  as't  were  thro'  Fortune's  Sport. 

"  Thus,  twice  abfconding,  wilful,  thro'  my  Sins. 
"  What's  to  be  done,  when  Sorrow  frefh  begins  ? 
"  For  now  you've  found,  what  re'terates  fad  Grief, 
"Your  Son,  your  Spoufe,  a  Murderer,  and  Thief! 

"This  is  the  Subftance  of  my  wand'ring  Life. 
"  Weep  not,  my  Dear,  that  you  are  now  my  Wife : 
"  Let  me  bear  all,  fmce  You  are  far  from  Blame  : 
"  For  my  connubial  Love  fhall  be  the  fame." 

At  this  the  Lady,  lifting  up  her  Eyes ! 
"  Ah,  no !  fond  Youth !  her  melting  Tongue   replies. 
"  Since  now  we  know  that  Fortune  does  her  worft, 
"  Let's  not  provoke  the  Pow'rs  to  be  accurft. 

"There  is  one  JESUS,    near   the   Age    of  you; 
"  Saviour   divine !    who   can   great   Wonders   do. 
"Whether   or   no    MESSIAH,    I   can't   tell; 
"  But,    like,    at   prefent,    none    on    Earth   excell. 

"  For  John   the    Baptift,    Hermit,    did    proclaim ; 
"  And  well-pleas" d  Heav'n    pronounc'd  his  fpreading  Fame. 
"  Whofe  Sermons  on  the  Mount  will  guide  you  plain, 
"  To  fhun  the  Gulph  of  Hell,  and  Heav'n  obtain. 

'•'  Hafte 


[   217] 

"Hafte,  hafte,  my  Son;  to  {sar  J  E  R  U  SALEM. 
"  Steer  by  his  Rules ;  of  Prophets,  fure,  the  Helm. 
"Amend  your  Life;  be  mindful  of  yourfelf : 
"Turn  to  the  LORD,  and  flig-ht  all  pompous  Wealth. 

"  He   fpeaks,    I    hear,    as    never   Mortal   fpake  : 
"  His  Perfon,  tall,  and  lovely,  v^ond'rous,  take. 
"  So  beautiful  does  ev'ry  Action  fhine ; 
"  All  pafl  Defcription,  from  thefe  Words  of  mine. 

"  The  heavy-laden  He  invites  to  Reft.  Mat.  xi.  28. 

"Sufficient  GOD  to  all  that  are  oppreft.  Isa.  Ixvi.  13. 

"  Gird  up  with  Speed ;  feek  him,  who'll  welcome  thee. 
"  You'll  find  more  Comfort  than  you  can  with  me. 

" 'Tis  hard  to  Think,  All  is  by  Heav'n  contriv'd ; 
"  Whence  Juftice  flows,  and  Mercies  are  deriv'd ; 
"  Unlefs  it  proves,  for  moft  diftinguifti'd  Good, 
"  Salvation  gain'd  by  fhedding-  precious  Blood. 

"  Alas,    my   Dear,    we   evermore   muft   part ! 
"  At  leaft,  withdraw  a  tender  Comfort's  Heart. 
"  We  cannot,  fure,  but   muft  the  Heav'ns  obey ; 
"  Tho'  Nature  yields,  diviner  Laws  gainfay. 

"  And  now  my  Child,    fee  you  with  Speed  repent ; 
"  The  Fault  is  equal,  tho'  both  innocent : 
"  But  let  our  future  Lives  this  Guilt  attone ; 
"  And  no  more  dwell,  as  tho'  we  had  been  One. 

"  Yet  take  a  Wife  and   Mother's  Kifs  once  more. 
"  Look  not  behind ;  but  mind  what  is  before." 
Embracing-  then,  like  Lovers,  when  they  fever ; 
They  bid  Adieu,  for  ever,  and  for  ever. 

CHAP.       VI. 

How  Judas  Iscariot  became  one  of  our  SAVIOUR'S  Apostles ;  first  betray'd 
him  :  and  then  in  a  miserable  Condition,  departed  from  the  mad  or  trifling 
Members  of  the  Sanhedrim,  and  hang'd  himself,  whilst  his  Bowels  gush'd 
out  of  his  Belly  !      Acts  i.  16.  18.  25. 

OUR   Blefs'd   REDEEMER,   being-  on   the   Earth, 
Proclaim'd,  by  Wonders,  the  MESSIAH'S  Worth. 
Both  Sick,  and  Lame,  that  unto  him  did  come. 
Relief  he  g-ave ;    reftor'd  the  Deaf,  and  Dumb  !  * 

Whofe 

*  Ifa.  XXXV.  6.     Ixi.  2.      Mat.  xii.  13.  22.     xiv.  15  to  21.     xv.  30.  31. 
XX.  30  to  34.     JoH.  ii.  3.  &c. 


[2IS] 

Whofe  Miracles  did  caufe  the  Jews  to  frown ; 
The  Heathens  mad,  their  Idols  fhould  fall  down ; 
That  Perfecutions  follow'd ;    Blood,  and  Fire ; 
When  many  Martyrs  did  for  Truth  expire  !  f 

Accurfed  Jews  !  how  could  ye  thus  defpife 
An  Heav'nly  Extra6t,  Powerful,  and  Wife  ? 
How  ludicrous  to  Him,  who  Earth  adorn'd  ?     Mat.  xii.  34. 
Ye  Race  of  Vipers,  worthy  to  be  fcorn'd.  xxiii.  33, 

Methinks  the  Sweetnefs  of  his  God-like  Sight ; 
That  melting-  Tongue,  which   charm'd  with  foft  Delight; 
Should  make  fo  blefs'd  a  Personage  admir'd  ; 
His  Looks  belov'd,  and  healing  Truths  requir'd. 

No  Wonder  Judas,  three  Times  fore  diflrefl, 
Should  long  for  CHRIST  io  falve  his  wounded   Breafl ; 
Who  pafs'd  that  Way :  And  then  it  was  not  long 
Before  connected  with  th'  Hofa?i?ia  Throng. 

For  num'rous  of  the  changing  People  came ; 
As  Wind,  inconflant,  jufl  as  prov'd  his  Fame  : 
When,  Hypocrite! — nor  backward  than  the  reft, 
Apojlate  prov'd,  tho'  outward  Christ  confeft. 

Thus  feem'd  to  journey  with  our  Saviour  dear. 
Like  Profelyte,  religious  and  fmcere  : 
Zealous  as  PETER  did  he  feem  to  be. 
As  if  none  loved  JESUS  more  than  He! 

As  tho',  like  him,  could  draw  the  frightful  Sword ; 
Smite  any  Champion  that  durft  feize  his  Lord  ; 
Was  paft  Rebuke  from   Canti'cleer's  Abufe  ; 
Nor  valu'd  Hell,  tho'  all  its  Train  broke  loofe. 

Or  tho'  from  Heav'n  he  Mercy  fhould  obtain  ; 
Tho'  blackeft  Traitor,  yet  elude  hot  Pain. 
But,  marvellous,  our  Lord  fhould  wafli  his  Feet ; 
And,  yet  accufe  him  while  he  fat  at  Meat ! 

But  here's  the  Matter :  Greedy  of  bafe  Gain  ; 

No  lefs  than  GOD'S  fweet  Lamb  muft  the  be  flain  ! 

For 

f  See  Master  FOX'S  Afts  and  Monuments. 


[  219] 

For  Thirty  Pieces  his  REDEEMER  fold : 
So  mean  the  Price,  fuch  forry  Silver  told  I 

Abandon'd  Wretch  !  What  Madnefs  feiz'd  thy  Soul  ? 
What  Fears,  what  Horrors,  mufl  your  Thoug-hts  controul  ? 
Deaf  to  Reg-ards,  our  Hig-h-Priefl  to  forfake  ! 
Could  no  Relu6lance  fuch  Intention  fliake  ? 

No,  no ;  'tis  done the  Fiend  has  feiz'd  his  Heart. 

What  will  not  Bribes  ?  From  Heav'n  to  Hell  pervert. 
As  by  the  Sequel,  Reader,  will  appear; 
And  oug-ht  to  make  us  cleave  to  J  E  S  U  S  dear. 

Tho'  great  Afifii6lions  our  dear  Lord  receiv'd, 
For  doing  Good,  tormented  fore,  and  griev'd  ; 
Yet  many  Followers  his  Preaching  gain'd ; 
And  the  Faith  triumph'd  as  they  liv'd,  and  reign'd. 

Now  what  are  Ethnic  Scoffs  and  Scorns  to  us  ? 
Or  worthlefs  Style  of  haughty  Tacitus? 
Or  yet  that  fulfome  Emp'ror  Nerds  Ire, 
Who  laid  on   Chrijlians  fetting  Rome  on  Fire  .? 

Quite  diff'rent  did  the  Holy  JESU  prove ; 
Whofe  Life  was  Beauty,  and  his  Do6lrine  Love  ! 
So  great,  it  can't  be  thought  he  would  bereave 
The  World  of  Bleffings,  which  he  came  to  fave. 

He  heal'd  the  Sick,  reflor'd  the  Blind  to  Sight; 
The  Lame  to  walk ;  the  Bended  fland  upright. 
Nay,  rais'd  the  Dead  with  his  reviving  Breath ; 
And  prov'd  a  fure  Dominion  over  Death. 

It  happen'd  that  our  Lord  to  Joppa  came. 
Where  Judas,  having  heard  before  his  Fame, 
And  by  his  Mother  told   what  Things  were  done, 
To  be  his  Follower  refolv'd  upon. 

Nor  was  he  long ;   but,  leaving  native  Heme, 
To  eafe  his  wounded  Soul,  with  him  did  roam. 
But,  ah  !  his  Faith  prov'd  like  a  tatter'd  Rag : 
For  his  Devotion  center'd  in  the  Bag. 

So  zealous  too,  at  firfl,  made  Christ  admire ; 
Rais'd  him  Apoflle ;    anfwer'd  his  Defire  : 

And 


[  220  ] 

And  yet  he  knew,  when  all  was  finifli'd,  then 
He'd  be  betray'd  into  the  Hands  of  Men. 

What  fhall  we  write  ?     Since  the  Decree  was  made, 
The  Son  of  God  Ihould  be  on  Earth  betray'd  ? 
Who  true  did  know,  tho'  Judas  feem'd  a  Saint, 
He  was  the  forefeen  Devil  that  he  meant.     Joh.  vi.  70,  71. 

For  he  was  one  that  parted  from  the  Lord ; 
Walk'd  not  with  him  ;   unb'lieving-  of  the  Word.  ver.  66,  ^c. 
Eating  his  Flefli,  and  drinking  of  his  Blood, 
Were  Myfleries,  by  them  not  underflood. 

That  Life  eternal  was  here  juftly  meant  ; 
Becaufe  Life-g-iving-  FATHER  had    HIM  fent  : 
And  as  he  liv'd  by  him,  fo  thofe  that  eat  Ver.  54,  &c. 

Should  even  live,  thro'  that  coelefl'al  Meat. 

Thus  Bread  and  Wine  were  fweetly  made  adjun6t; 
Not  like  to  Mamia,  eat  by  Sires  defun6l,  ver.  58. 

But  everlafling  Bread,  that  nought  could  fever 
From  Heav'n's  Enjoyments,  which  fhou'd  lafl  for  ever. 

And  this,  of  Judas,  leads  us  to  fome  Knowledge  ; 
Who  made  a  Vacance  in  the  facred  College  : 
Which  proves,  when  Souls  forfake  GOD'S  Paths  for  Sin, 
They  may  be  lojl  by  Daemons  ent'ring  in. 

Well  might  fuch  believe,  who  faw  the  Deaf,  and  Dumb, 
And  knew  the  Dead,  releafed  from  the  Tomb  ! 
So  J  ejus  did  ;   and  left  Difciples  Pow'r 
To  bind  and  loofe,  to  make  his  Church  fecure.* 

When  thefe  were  finiih'd,  flill  he  thought  of  this, 
How  Judas  fhould  betray  Him  with  a  Kifs  ! 
An  ancient  Sign  of  undiffembled  Love  ; 
But  here  defac'd,  as  much  as  Hell  could  prove. 

Reader,  but  ponder Treafon  to  a  King, 

'Tis  not  flupendous  fhould   Deflru6tion  bring  : 

And  vile  Deceit,  in  order  to  trepan, 

Deferves  Rebuke  from  either  GOD,  or  Man, 

But, 

*  Mat.  xvi.  19. 


[   221    ] 

But,  now,  proceeding-  to  his  ending  Cares; 
Who  well  can  read,  or  write,  without  fait  Tears  ? 
Who,  while  at  his  lall  Supper,  thus  fliould  fay. 
That  an  Apojlle  JJioidd  his  LORD  betray  ? 

They  were  furpriz'd  :  Each,  with  exploring  Eye, 
Look'd  ghaflly  round,  and  afking.  Is  it  IP 
Should  all  forfake  him;  yet  St.  PETER  faid. 
Such  Words,  as  if  he  ne'er  fhould   be  betray'd. 
yudas  fpoke,  pertly,  too  :  Ajid  is  it  IP — 

Fou've  faid  it JESUS,  meekly,  did  reply. 

Quickly  the  Devil  enter'd  in  his  Heart; 

Who  from  our  Saviour,  and  them  all,  did  part. 

Hence,  Villain Traitor,  thirfty  of  vile  Pelf; 

'Till  Vice,  triumphant,  makes  thee  hang  thyfelf! 
Memorial  ne'er  forgot  while  Earth  remains; 
On  high  Record,  as  if  hmtg   up   in    Chains! 

Mean  time  our  Saviour  goes  to  weep,  and  pray. 
The  bitter  Cup  from  him  might  pafs  away  ! 
In   Gethfemene  s  Garden  fair  he  flood ; 
Then  kneel'd,  and  fweat,  'till  trickled  Drops  of  Blood 

And,  coming  to  his  griev'd  Difciples,  found 
Them  fafl  afleep  upon  the  humid  Ground ; 
But  they,  awaken'd  at  his  dear  Return ; 
Their  Afpe6ls  fhow'd  how  deep  their  Souls  did  mourn. 

Peter,  faid  he,  what!  had'Jl  thou  ?iot  the  PowW 
For  Me,  thy  Lord,  to  watch  one  Jingle  Hour  P 
Then  thrice  intenfely  cry'd.  As  I  am  Thine ; 
Thy    Will  be  done,    O  Father,  afid  Jiot  mine. 

And,  now,  departing,  who  fhould  flalk  along. 
But  Traitor    Judas,  with  an  armed  Throng  ? 
Who,  when  approach'd  him,  Majler,  hail!  faid  he. 
The  previous  Token  of  his  Treachery ! 

Do'Jl  thou  betray  me  with  a  Kifs  P     Christ  faid. 
Then,  'flead  of  Dauntnefs,  Majesty   difplay'd  ! 
Afk'd,    Who7n  they  fought  P  with  fuch  an  awful  Sound, 
Some  flarted  back,  and  others  fac'd  the  Ground. 

Yet, 


[   222  ] 

Yet,  like  a  Lamb,  he  did  himfelf  furrender; 
Amid'fl  the  num'rous  Train, —fcarce  one  Defender! 
His  Fortune  chang'd,  the  fad  Difciples  fly; 
Or  hid  themfelves  in  this  Extremity. 

He's  fcourg-'d,  and  mock'd;  tho'  like  a  King-  array'd; 
A  Sceptre,  ludicrous,    by  him  is  fway'd  : 
A  Crown  of  Thorns  that  pierc'd  his  tender  Head  ; 
He's  from  Judge  Pilate  to  King  Herod  led. 

When  flrong  fecur'd,  he's  to  Tribunal  brought ; 
Falfe  Witneffes,  like  JezaheVs,  are  fought :  I.  Kings  xxi,  8  to  15. 
Expos'd,  and  flouted,  as  the  mofl  accurfl ; 
As  if  fcar'd  Hell  confpir'd  to  do  its  worfl. 

But  fee  how  Heav'n  did  force  the  Traitor  back  : 
For  Day  and  Night  his  Soul  was  on  the  Rack. 
'Twas  worfe  than  Death  to  think  what  he  had  done 
Againfl  his  dearefl  Friend,  GOD'S  only  Son. 

No  fooner  he  the  yews  Defigns  did  know  ; 
What  Punifliment  the  LORD  fhould  undergo; 
But  he  reflor'd  the  Silver,  when  he  faid,  Mat.  xxvii. 

That  Blood  viojl  innocent  he  had  betray  d.  4,  5' 

Fve  fcniid,  cry'd  he. See  thoiL  to  that,  faid  they. 

He  threw  the  Money  down,  and  went  away. 
Now  Grief  and  Horror  do  torment  his  Mind ; 
Before  him  Juftice,  and  grim  Death  behind  ! 

Accurfed  Wretch  !  what  Madnefs  feiz'd  thy  Soul  ? 
Could  not  before  Repentance  thee  controul  ? 
And  what  from  flern  Jew   Priefls  could  you  expe6l. 
But  judge  you  vile,   tho'  pleas'd  at  your  Negle6l  ? 

May  this  give  Warning  to  informing  Tribes ; 
To  fliun  with  Scorn  all  falfe  perverting  Bribes  : 
For  mind  the  Villains  that  falfe  Witnefs  bring, 
They  can't  be  good  to  God,  the  Realm,  or  King. 

Heav'n's  Arrows  fluck  clofe  to  his  wounded  Side; 

He  grows  uneafy;  can't  himfelf  abide. 

If  C  H  R I  S  T  he  believed  not   GOD'S  Son  to  be  ; 

Yet  is  affur'd  the  bell  of  M  e  n  was  He. 

Two 


[   223   ] 

Two  fangfuine  Murders  he  before  had  done  ; 
Saw  Blood  of  Parent  dear,  and  King's  fair  Son  ! 
But  now  to  think  what  JESUS  fliould  endure, 
So  deep  prick'd  Confcience,  there  could  be  no  Cure. 

Vifions  and  Dreams  torment  him  Day  and  Night ! 
Impending  Vengeance  drives  away  Delight. 
Thus  Self-condemn'd,  as  tho'  the  vilefl  Elf; 
The  Scriptures  tell,  He  wejit  mid  hajig'd  himfdf. 

And  fo  he  dy'd whofe  low-flretch'd  Body  found, 

The  Bowels  gufli'd ;  and  welt'ring  on  the  Ground, 
As  tho'  Terpentine,  caufe  my  Pen  to  ftiake ; 
Internal  wound  —  my  trembling  Heart  to  ake  ! 

And  here,  my  Judgment,  as  to  future  State, 
Requires  Reft  — 'till  I  CHRIST'S  Death  relate: 
He,  who,  in  Mercy,  thought  it  humbly  meet. 
Without  Exception,  kind  to  wafli  his  Feet, 

This  fhews  he  did  not  Punifhment  extend 
'Yond  Hades  Bounds,  but  'till  this  Life  fhould  end. 
Here  change  the  Scene  to  what  CHRIST  underwent; 
What  pungent  reafon  Jtidas  to  repent. 

While  many  People  did  our  Saviour  hem ; 
How  folemn  rode  he  to  Jerufalem  !  Mat  xxi.  9. 

No  Acclamations  wanting  in  his  Praife ; 
Nor  Palms,  to  grace  the  Roads  or  crowded  Ways. 

This  pompous  Noife  was  but  prefaging  Cry,    Luk.  xxiii. 
To  fudden  Change  our  Lord  to   Crucify  !  2 1  to  24. 

Who  water'd  frefti  the  City  with  his  Tears ; 
Drench'd  in  his  Blood,  like  Prophets  in  paft  Years. 

On   Olivet's  high  Mount,  prime  Scene  of  Thrall, 
He's  feiz'd;  and  hurry'd  to  \}s\q.  Judgment- Hall ; 
Judas,  the  friendlefs  Friend,  in  Triumph  mov'd ; 
And  diff'rent  Voices  various  Traitors  prov'd. 

Far  from  Hofajiiia  to  meek  SIOIV'  S  King, 
Another  Tune,  with  Scorns  and  Mocks,  they  fing. 
Inftead  of  Branches  ftrawed  on  the  Road  : 
Their  Hearts  are  turned  from  the  Lai.ib  of  GOD, 

Weep 


[   224  ] 

Weep  not  for  vie,  ye  CITY'S  Daughters  fair, 
But  for  your  f  elves,  and  for  your  Children  dear  ! 
Thus  cry'd  dear  JESUS,  knowing  of  the  Doom, 
Thro'  Titus,  that  great  Emperor  of  Rome. 

And  when  with  Furrows  fews  had  plow'd  the  Skin ; 
In  purpled  Robe  they  mock'd,  with  envious  Grin  ; 
Which,  when  the  fame  with  precious  Blood  cemented, 
'Twas  quick  torn  off,  and  tender  Flefli  fore  rented  ! 

Then,  previous  to  the  deepefl  Tragedy  ; 
Bleeding,  compell'd  to  bear  the  pond'rous  Tree  ! 
With  which,  to  Mount  of  Calvary  he's  hail'd  ; 
And  foon  on  that  exalted   Crofs  he's  nail'd. 

And  what  faid  he  ?     In  this  tormenting  View,  * 

Father,  forgive they  know  7iot  what  they  do. 

He's  crucify'd  between  two  wretched  Thieves  : 
One,  far  from  Sorrow ;    but  the  other  believes. 

Thus  did  the  Proto-Martyr,  6"  TEPHEN,  dye  ! 
Fill'd  with  the  Holy  GhoR!    Who  did  he  'fpy, 
But  GOD  and  JESUS?     Lay  not  this  to  them.     Aft.  vii. 60. 
From  Mtird'rers  fprung,  of  old  ferufalem,  ver.  52. 

King  CHARLES  the  Firfl,  how  worthily  difplay'd ; 
As  Tranfcript,  fair;  becaufe,  like  Him,  he  pray'd. 

Read  but  the  ICON There  the  Royal  3Iind, 

As  well  as  Perfon,  fet  forth  trtie,  you'll  find. 

To  weep,  and  pray  ( as  for  our  daily  Food  ) 
For  thofe  who'd  rather  do  us  Harm,  than  Good ; 
Is  fuch  a  Love,  as,  fure,  will  upward  foar ; 
And  meet  that  Splendour,  where  it  fliin'd   before. 

Now  view  the  Lamb,  the  holy  Lamb,  in  Pains  ! 
What  precious  Blood  proceeded  from  his  Veins  ! 
Some  of  thofe  Drops  did  pious  Jofcph  bring 
To  Arviragus,  when  (  of   Glafton  )  King,  f 

Thus  to  a  Period  brought,  as  firfl  propos'd. 
The  Birth  of  Judas ;  Life,  and  Death,  difclos'd ; 

Let 

*  Luke  xxiii.  34. 

t  See  my  instmctive  History  of  England,  pag.  20,  S-c. 


[   225] 

Let  Inflance,  fad,  our  Paffions  vile  reftrain  ; 
No  Fame  pervert;  or,  to  feduce,  no  Gain, 

What  profit  they  who  in  wing'd  Riches  roll, 
To  gain  the    World,  if  lojl  a  precious  Soul?  \ 
Nor  u^as  Addition  to  that  Queflion  flrange  : 
Whai  can  by  Man  be  given  in  Exchange  ? 

Let  what  we  feek  be  interceffive    LOVE; 
Salvatiojis   AUTHOR,    from    Heav'n's   Throne    above ;  || 
Who   fent   the   HOLY  SPIRIT  to   infpire, 
That  we,  at  length,  may  join  the  Heav'nly  Choir.  § 

With  fome  Remarks  PR  now  conclude; 
I  hope   'twill   he  for  publick    Good. 

Ag-ainfl   RaJJi    Judgment. 

Tho'   Judas  flaughter'd,    when   he   fcarce   knew   why, 
Had   he    repented   of    each    Tragedy; 
He   might   have    dy'd,    howe'er   by   Grief  opprefl, 
With  Glimpfe  of  Peace,    or   Sight   of  promisd  Reft. 

No   holy   Scripture   of  the   Traitor   tells. 
That   Hell    refounds,    like   Bives,   with   his    Yells ! 
Or   how,    in    Torments,    he   could   fee    Heav'n    fair; 
And   Abraham's  Bofom,   with    poor  Lazrus  there. 

So   none    may  judge   his   Soul,    if  fav'd,    or   loft. 
GOD   only   knows,    who   was   concerned   moft. 
It   would   be   rafh,    too   hard   to   think   upon 
The   regal    Psalmist,    and    King   SOLOMON. 

Of  Pontius   Pilate   we    may   frequent   read, 
And   daily   hear   from   Apoftolick   Creed: 
See,    in   the   AHs,    he    fain   wou'd   fet   him   free : 
But   they   preferr'd  a  Robber   more   than    He.  Joh.  xviii.  40. 

Relu6lant   Chief!    few   Writers   could   upbraid. 

'Twas  not  his  Will  CHRIST  fliould  be    Viaim  made  1 

Or  fcarce   a   Fault,   when    fuch   coercive   Crew 

Forc'd  him   averfe   to   what   he   meant   to   do. 

For 

X  Mat.  xvi.  26.  II  Hebr.  xii.  2. 

§  See  my  History  of  the  Great  Eastern  Window. 


[  226  ] 

For   in    no  Judge   or  Jury   Crime    appears, 
When   the   true    Knave   in    falfeil   Manner   fwears ; 
Who    might,    for   lefs   than   Two-pence,    Life   betray ; 
Or   black   defame,    to   fpunge    a   needful    Prey. 

The   Prefident,    fome   write,    himfelf  had   drown'd ; 
And   in    a   Lake   of   Swiizerland  was    found ;    * 
Whofe    pallid   Ghofl,   judicial   like,    near   Banks, 
Was   dreary   feen,    by   People   of  all   Ranks. 

But  GOD'S  dear  Son,   what  Chara6ler  has  he, 
Read   LENTULU S,    full   fatisfy'd   you'll   be. 
And   tho'   ISAIAH  high    is   in   Efleem, 
The    former   differs,    fweet   in   Words,    from    him. 

Againa    T R  E  A  C  H E  R  F  a.ndi   M  U R  D  E  R. 

How  came  off  Joab,  for  his  trcacKrous  A6ls  ?  II.  Sam. 
Did  he  not  fuffer  for  his  bloody  Fa6ls  ?  iii.  27.  xx.  9.  10. 
And   did   not   the   Avenger,    SOLOMON,  I.Kings 

The   Curfer  punifh,  who  leafl  thought  thereon  ?      ii.  44,  &c. 

What   was   the    End    of   wicked    Jezabcl  ? 
From  Tower  thrown,  as  if  cafl  into  Hell !  II.  Kings 

And,  partly,  found,  by  Jehiis  jufl.   Commands,        ix.  33.  35. 
How   look'd   the    Remnants   of  her   late   fair   Hands ! 
On    righteous  Jicdgments   and   PuniJJiments. 

Elijah's  Fires,  and  EUJJids  Bears,  II.  Kin.  i.  10,  11,  12. 
May  warn  the  Sinner,  if  he  reads,  or  hears,  ii.  23,  24,  25. 
And  Elymas,  exemplary,  flruck  blind,  A6ts  xiii.  8  to  11. 

So  Alexander,  as  his    Works,  confign'd.  II.  Tim.  iv.  14. 

Let's  leave  all  Things,  like  Job,  unto  the  Lord,  i.  21. 
With    Will,  like  Eli,  humbly  to  accord;  I.  Sam.  iii.  iS. 

Or,  as  King  David,  'flead  of  Vengeance  due.     II.  xvi.  5  to  13. 
Examples,  bright,  that  Chrillians  may  purfue. 

'Twas  once  my  Fate  to  be  incarcerate; 

Not   long,    nor   common ;   but   as    One    of  State ; 

And   then    I    flole not   worthlefs   to   impart : 

It  was   not   Mo7icy but   a   VIRGIN'S    Heart ! 

Sweet 

*  See  "  The  Legend   of  Mount   Pilate,"  on   p.  229   of  the   present 
volume.     (Editor). 


[   227  ] 

Sweet   Innocence,    and   Virtue,    L  0  V E  affuag'd. 
My   AD  ELI  Z  A   long-  was   pre-engag-'d  : 
Yet   filver    Thames   can    witncfs   how    I    griev'd, 
From   fweet   Parthenia's   Care    too   foon    reliev'd. 

I   was   the   firfl,   the   World    may   plainly   fee, 
That   wrote,    and   nam'd,    my    Work   YORK   Hiftory. 
Approv'd,  it  fold  :    And  printed  Lines  exprefs, 
My    COMMENDATION,    by   Learn'd   F.  Ji.  SJ^ 

And    as    I   am   a   Printer   of    ;-igki   Strain, 
With   Emendations    I   will   more   explain ; 
If  GOD   but   grants   me    Health;   and   that   I   fee 
Some   kind    Subfcriptions   for   to   flrengthen    me. 

My   PICTURE  drawn,    by   ArtifL's    Hdlful    Hand; 
And   Both   accepted   in   this   famous   Land ; 
Blell   by   PHILANDER,   who   perceiv'd    my   Cafe; 
And,    in    meer   Pity,    kept   me    in    my   Place. 

DEATH,    mofl   inexorable!   to   tranflate. 

From   Me !   my   Spouse    to    fair   St.    MA  R  Y  Gate  : 

Where,    near   King    Olave's  Church,    Ihe   refls   in    Peace,  f 

Beyond   hard  Fate    io  Jockey  from   that    Place. 

Whofe 

*  EBORAC.     Pvef.  p.  8. 

t  "P.  M.S.     Near  are  depofited  the  Remains  of  Mrs.  ADELIZA 

"GENT;     Once    amiable    for   Beauty,    Virtue,    and   Beneficence: 

"Who   died   April   i,    1761.      .lEtat.   78." 

T     Thought   in  the   Arch-Angel's   Ground, 
■'•         Near  my  first   Husband   dear, 
My  CHARLEY   GENT   for  to   have  found; 
But   TOMMY   brought  me  here! 

Who  did,  and  wrought,   what   Spouse  could  do, 

To   guard    ME   from    Distress; 
And  often  told,  what  well  he  knew. 

My  Way  to   Happiness! 

In   Love,   sure,   scarce  was  sweeter   Twain ; 

More  grac'd  the   nuptial   Bed : 
Near  fifty   Years   I   knew   my   Swain ; 

Near  forty  to  him   wed. 
May  HE,  whom   VIRTUE   e'er  cou'd  charm. 

Here  come and   both   arise, 

To  meet,   like   Lovers,   Arm-in-Arm, 

Our   SAVIOUR,  in  the   Skies.  A.  G. 

Lamented  Shade  1   accept  this   Tribute,  due; 
Which,   with   my   Tears,   I   consecrate  to   YOU  I  T.  fa. 

READER,  while  sacred   Monuments  you   see. 
Think  of   Bless'd   Fate,  and   ImmortaUty. 
Rev.  ii.  10.    Esto  fidelis  usque  ad  mortem,  &  dabo  tibi  coronam  vitas. 


[  228  ] 

Whofe   Chara6ter  will    fhine,    tho'    in   her   Grave ; 
Near   lofty  Trees,    which   gentle   Zephirs   wave ; 
And   the   diffolving   Ruins,    being-   nigh. 
Make   People   think   on    FA  T E,    as   well   as    I. 

Of  four   Great   KINGS    I've   either   feen,    or   heard ; 
For   Valour,    grac'd ;    for   Piety,    rever'd  ; 
Lov'd   England's   Friends ;    kept   foreign    Foes   in   Awe ; 
As   fam'd,    and   glorious,    as   the    Great   NASSAU. 

Four   Queen's,    the   Glories   of  the   BritiJJi   Crown, 
Adorn'd   with   Beauty,    Wifdom,    and    Renown  ; 
Who,    when    diftinguilh'd    of  fam'd   AN  G  LI  A,    fair; 
Greater   Perfections   no   where   could   appear. 

And,    here,    to   end — I'd,    humbly,    have    it   known. 
While   good   King    George  the    Third  adorns   the    Throne, 
I    am    alive — And   trufl   in    Heav'n   to   fee 
His   Name,   as   Others,   grace   my   History. 


-?''ty'^y•.y•,y•,ye,y•^y•,y•-JlVye.J^'•.y•,y•,J^'».  •'*.--•'»  *'#y#y»  •*«  «*«  •'»  •*•  •»*  •*•  »*«  •♦•  »v  ,?,  ^i, ,?,  ^t,  ,i, 
V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V  V*  V  V  V"V*  V  \»'V  *v"V""v"*v'*''v"'v''"v''*'v'*v" 

FINIS. 
yt,j?t««i»  y*  y^,  •'*,y*  y*;.  •'*  y^  •'•Ly*  ^K,SK^Km  ^'^.y^  •*•  j^^j^*  y^,  •'»  •*•  •*•  •'»  •*•.  •*•  a  •*•  ^»  **•  •'•  •'•  •*• 


[   229  ] 


The  Legend  of  Mount  Pilate. 

By  the  Editor.     See  second  stanza  on  p.  226. 

VARIOUS  versions  exist  of  this  interesting  legend.  One  relates  that 
Pilate,  convidted  of  peculation,  was  banished  by  the  Emperor 
Tiberius  to  Gaul,  and  that,  being  tormented  by  pangs  of  conscience, 
he  drowned  himself  in  the  gloomy  mountain  tarn,  on  Mons  Fraftus,  or 
Fracmont  (now  Mount  Pilate)  near  Lucerne,  in  Switzerland.  Another 
story  asserts,  that  after  being  re-called  from  Judea,  he  was  made  Go- 
vernor of  the  town  and  district  of  Vienna,  in  Gaul  (Vienna  on  the 
Rhone),  and  both  the  castle  in  which  he  dwelt,  and  the  precipice  down 
which  he  threw  himself,  are  shewn  to  the  credulous  tourist  at  the 
present   day. 

The  legend  current  in  Switzerland,  is  as  follows  : — Pilate,  re-called 
to  Rome  in  consequence  of  his  maladministration  of  the  province  of 
Judea,  was  brought  before  the  Emperor  Tiberius,  who,  to  the  surprise 
of  everybody,  received  him  with  every  mark  of  esteem  and  favour,  and, 
instead  of  calling  him  to  account,  loaded  him  with  presents  and  honours. 
This  occurred  several  times,  until  the  courtiers,  rendered  suspicious, 
began  to  whisper  that  Pilate  must  have  about  him  some  amulet  or 
occult  charm,  by  means  of  which  he  secured  the  emperor's  favour.  The 
ex-governor  was  at  last  seized  and  searched,  and  was  found  to  wear, 
underneath  his  ordinary  garments,  the  seamless  coat  of  our  Saviour. 
This  relic  was  taken  from  him,  and  the  consequence  was,  that  the  next 
time  he  appeared  before  Tiberius,  he  was  immediately  accused  and 
condemned  to  death.  After  execution,  his  body  was  thrown  into  the 
Tiber ;  whereupon  such  dreadful  storms  ensued  that  the  corpse  was  at 
length  recovered  from  the  river  and  sent  to  Vienne  in  Gaul,  to  be  there 
thrown  into  the  Rhone.  Similar  scenes  were  enacted  there:  after  a 
succession  of  direful  storms,  the  body  was  fished  out  of  the  Rhone 
and  taken  to  Lausanne,  in  Helvetia,  to  be  there  sunk  in  the  unfathomed 
depths  of  the  lake.  Upon  the  same  dreadful  natural  phenomena  still 
pursuing  the  accursed  corpse  of  the  governor,  the  inhabitants  of  Lau- 
sanne resolved  to  carry  the  body  to  a  solitary  mountain  lake  in  the 
centre  of  Switzerland,  amidst  the  uninhabited  wilds  of  the  Alpine  region, 
south  of  Lucerne.  This  lake  was  the  now  well-known  tarn  on  Fracmont, 
or  Mount  Pilate   (now  rendered  accessible  by  a  mountain  railway). 

Pilate  s 


[  230] 

Pilate's  body  at  last  found  permanent  rest  in  this  new  abode,  but 
not  without  leaving  it  from  time  to  time,  and  haunting  the  neighbour- 
hood as  a  dreadful  spectre.  Sometimes  he  would  be  seen  wading  in 
the  shallow  part  of  the  lake  ;  at  other  times  he  would  sit  on  some  rocky 
fragment  on  the  shore  ;  at  other  times  again  he  would  be  engaged  in 
conflift  with  another  dire  speftre,  that  of  King  Herod,  who  was  also 
banished  into  those  wilds.  But  at  all  times  he  was  the  same  evil  spirit, 
who  brought  sudden  storms  and  tempests  upon  the  adjoining  country, 
terrified  the  shepherds,  dispersed  their  herds,  drove  their  cattle  over 
precipices,  and  wrought  havoc  of  every  description  within  the  circle  of 
his  influence. 

This  state  of  affairs  becoming  at  length  intolerable,  and  as  no 
other  place  or  country  could  be  found  to  receive  the  accursed  body, 
the  inhabitants  sought  the  help  of  a  powerful  magician,  a  disciple  of 
the  far  famed  university  of  Salamanca,  to  whom  they  promised  a  large 
sum  of  money  if  he  would  lay  the  unquiet  spirit  and  rid  them  of  their 
troublesome  neighbour.  The  magician  entered  upon  the  perilous 
undertaking.  Ascending  the  horrible  mountain,  he  found  the  spectre 
perched  on  a  lofty  summit,  and  immediately  commenced  his  adjurations: 
to  no  effed,  however,  for  Pilate  kept  his  ground.  The  magician  then 
ascended  a  peak  opposite  to  that  on  which  Pilate  was  seated,  and  used 
most  dreadful  formulas  to  exorcise  his  opponent ;  the  struggle  between 
the  two  now  waxed  so  terrific,  that  the  ground  trampled  upon  by  the 
combatants  has  remained  bare  of  all  vegetation  ever  since.  Pilate's 
power  of  resistance  at  last  failed  him,  and  he  so  far  submitted  to  the 
victorious  magician,  as  to  promise  to  keep  quiet  within  his  lake  for  the 
future,  on  condition  that  a  serving  spirit  should  be  given  to  him, 
embodied  under  the  form  of  a  black  mare,  so  that  he  might,  riding 
upon  it,  revisit  once  a  year  the  scenes  of  his  terrestrial  life  in  a  manner 
befitting  a  Roman  Knight.  These  terms  were  granted.  Upon  the 
appearance  of  the  black  mare  on  Fracmont,  Pilate  bestrode  her,  but 
full  of  wrath  at  his  defeat,  he  spurred  the  animal  on  to  such  terrific 
leaps  and  bounds,  that  the  impressions  of  the  hoofs  penetrated  deep 
into  the  rocks  near  his  lake  (which  impressions,  of  course,  also  remain 
to  the  present  day). 

Pilate  has  faithfully  kept  his  bargain  and  his  promise ;  only  every 
Good  Friday,  the  anniversary  of  the  day  when  he  condemned  our 
Saviour,  he  is  seen  to  hover  disconsolately  about  the  shores  of  his  lake, 
dressed  in  his  official  habiliments  as  Roman  proctor.  But  woe  to  the 
human  being  who  beholds  the  spectre  on  those  occasions  (for  he  is 
certain  to  die  before  the  year  is  out) ;  and  if  stones  are  thrown  into 
the  lake,  or  insulting  words  are  shouted  near  the  spirit's  abode,  his 
anger  breaks  forth  in  violent  hurricanes. 


THE 


pattern  of  ^tettj : 


O  R 


Trvals    of    Patience. 


BEING 

The  Moft  Faithful 

I  Spiritual  bongs 


I 
I 


Of  the  Life  and  Death  of  the  once 


Afflicted 


JOB.      I 

&  In     Five     Books.  '^ 

@  '=^'^="^="^^^^^^<^'=^<=^®'=^-=^<=^'=^'=^^^'^'^^^  i^ 

^m  Shewing,  :^^ 

^M  The  abundant  Riches  of  that  Great  and  Good  Man,  :m 
^1  in  his  Family,  Goods,  and  Cattle  :  The  latter  of  im) 
^t  which  were  deflroy'd ;  all  about  him  reduc'd  ;  and  M^ 
^:  he  himfelf,  fmitten  with  Boils,  in  the  mofl  de-  jW^ 
Mil  plorable  Condition ;  In  all  which  Poverty,  and  ;^ 
Miferies,  as  he  never  charg-'d  GOD  fooliflily;  fo  M^ 
it  pleafed  the  Divine  Being-,  not  only  to  reflore  ^ 
him  ag-ain  to  his  Health,  but  to  g^ive  him  a  dou-  .^ 
ble  Portion  of  his  former  Plenty  and   Profperity.   M^ 

l'  Qui feminant  in  Lacryviis,  in  Exultatione  metent,    Ps,  126.  'j^!^ 

W  SCARBOROUGH:  W 

^       Printed    by    THOMAS    GENT,    in    the    Year    of   our      '/@7 

W 


[232] 


To    Mr.    /.    F. 

■\  1  7HEN  /  hegan  to  tell  yoic  my  Design, 

In  my  obsequious  Way,  of  Job,  to  print : 
And  show,  in  Volume  small,  what  he,  divine ! 

Endur'd  in  this  vain  World,  while  he  was  in't  : 
You  was  so  good  to  lend  Assistance  Mnd, 
To  grace  the  Subject,  and  adorn  my  Mind. 

Fine  are  those  Lines;  for  me,  alas!  too  deep, 

As  much  as  what  I  had  before  too  mean  : 
Those  Foicntain  Streams  too  clear,  the  Mount  too  steep 

For  me  to  drink  of,  or  for  me  to  gain  : 
Both  climb  to  Truth  :  yet  diff'rent  Ways  perplext  ; 
Which  made  me  keep  the  middle  Path,  the  Text. 

But  too,  too  copious  is  the  Whole  to  trace; 

And  yet  as  mxich  as  this  small  Book  will  bear ; 
Withall,  the  best,  and  what  suits  ev'ry  Case, 

In  Human  Life,  I  do  exhibit  here  : 
JOB'S  Sighs,  Despair,  and  Griefs,  so  like  our  own. 
With  Tears,  and  Pray'rs,  and  Hope  {above  all !)  shown. 

Heav'n  knows,  there's  none  on  Earth  from  Troicbles  free, 
But  often  moans  within  this  Vale  of  Tears  ! 

Tho',  it  is  true,  7ione  suffers  stick  Degree, 
As  in  this  Book  our  Noble  Hero  bears  : 

For  which,  as  in  this  World  he  did  abide, 

So  GOD  was  pleas'd,  he  should  be  glorify'd. 

But,  suffring  Christians !  seek  not  here  below 
For  just  Rewards ;  first  hence  you  must  depart : 

Christ's  Kingdom  was  not  here  :  Himself,  you  know. 
Was  fill'd  with  Sorrows,  and  pierc'd  to  the  Heart. 

What  Joy's  on  Earth,  to  His  Fair  Church  belofigs. 

In  Pray'rs  divine,  and  sweet  seraphick  Songs. 

There,  there,  my  Friend,  may  you  'till  Age  enjoy 

The  sweetest  Raptures  of  a  peaceful  Life ; 
Free  from  such  Cares,  which  do  our  Peace  destroy, 

Resembling  Heav'n,  that's  void  of  Grief,  or  Strife : 
And  when  like  JOB'S  full  Shock  of  Corn,  you  sever. 
Be  blest  Above,  for  ever,  and  for  ever! 

Thomas    Gent. 


[  233  ] 


The  Pattern  of  Piety. 


BOOK    I.      Job's  Affliaions. 

TN   Idumea's   Land,    or    Uz  by   Name, 

Illuftrious  Job  there   liv'd   in   Wealth    and   Fame; 
Seven    Sons   he   had,    of  comely   Mein    and   Air, 
And   three   fweet   Daughters,    much   like   Angels,    fair. 

Seven  thoufand  Sheep  adorn'd  his  verdant  Plain, 
Three   thoufand   Camels   did    his    Grounds   contain ; 
Five   Hundred   Affes    (  She )    he    had   to   breed, 
And   twice   five   hundred    Oxen   there   did   feed. 

Servants   in   Numbers   were   at   his   Command  ; 
Some   in   the    Houfe ;   others   to   till   the   Land : 
His   Chefls   and   Coffers   flately   to   behold ; 
Some   fill'd   with    Garments,    others,    Store    of  Gold. 

As   'twas   the   Cuflom    of  the   bounteous   Eafl, 
His   beauteous    Sons   and   Daughters   held   a   Feall : 
Mean   time.  Job   ofFer'd   up   to   GOD   his    Pray'rs, 
That   Heav'n    might   blefs   'em :    Such   his   pious   Cares. 

There   was   a   Day,    on   which   the    Sons   of  Light, 
Came   to   prefent   them   to  JEHO  VAN'S  Sight : 
Satan   prefum'd   amongfl   the   Throng   to   break  ; 
But   God   perceived   him,    and   to   him   did   fpeak. 

Whence   comejl  thou?       Said    Satan,    "To    and    fro, 

"  In   Earth    I've   been,    both   up,    and   down   below." 

Hajl  thou,    faid    God,    my    Servant,   Job,    beheld: 

An   upright   Man,    by   none   to   be   excell'dP 

"  Yes, 


[234] 

"  Yes,    I   obferv'd   him,    ( Satan   makes    Reply ) 
"  But  don't   at   all   admire   his   Piety : 
"  His  Subflance  thrives,  and  thou  haft  hedg'd  him  t'ound, 
"  No   Wonder  then   he   Ihould   be   righteous   found. 

But   do,   to   try   him,    draw   thy   Bleffmgs    Store, 
And   g-ive   him    Grief,    for  Joy,    he   had   before ; 
Sure,    as    I'm   here,    he'll   brook   not   thy   Difgrace, 
But   curfe   thee,    Lord,    unto   thy   very    Face. 

Behold,    faid   God,    all   that   he   has   is   Thine : 
With  that,    do   what   thy  Temper   does   incline  : 
But   to   his   Perfon   flretch    not   forth   thy   Hand, 
Then    Satan   vanifli'd,    as   he   had   command. 

Upon   a   Day,  Job's   eldefl   Son   did   make 
A   Feafl   for   his   lov'd    Kindred   to   partake : 
Mean   while   to  Job,    a   Servant   running   in. 
In   Tears   and    Sorrow   thus   he    does   begin. 

Sad   Tydings !   As   th'    Oxen   plowing  were. 
And   Affes   feeding  by   them   very   near; 
The    Sabeans   came,    and   took   them    quite   away. 
When   they   had   flain   thy   Servants   in   the    Fray ! 

They   arm'd   with    Swords,    nothing   we   had   to   quell 
Thofe   savage    Robbers ;   fo   like   Vi6lims   fell ! 
I,    only   I,    efcap'd   to   let   thee   know, 
What   melts   my   Soul,    to   caufe   my   Mafler's   Woe. 

Scarce   had   he   fpoke,    ('tis   very   feldom   known 
That   one   AffliiSlion    vifits   us   alone) 
But   comes   another   Meffenger,    who   faid. 
Thy   Sheep   are   perifh'd,    and   thy   Servants   dead. 

The    Fire   of  G  o  d    from    Heav'n   has    fallen   down. 
And   quite   confum'd   them,    faving   me   alone  : 
Me,   the   diftreffed    Meffenger,    to   tell 
Such   News   to   you,    whom    I   do   love   fo   well. 

A   third   comes   running,    thus   beginneth   he. 

The   fierce    Chaldeans,    form'd   of  Bodies   three. 

Fell   on   the   Camels,    and   thy   Servants   flain. 

To   tell   which    News    I    only   do   remain. 

A   fourth 


[235] 

A   fourth   appears.      Says   he,   Thy  Children   fair, 
As   they   were   feafting"  with   their   Brother   dear, 
The   Houfe   was   blown   down    by   an    Hurricane, 
And   all,    (but   I,   who   bring-s   the   News)   were   flain. 

Then  Job  arose,    and   flraig-ht   his   Mantle   rent, 
Shaved   his   Head;   and,    as   tho'   God   had   lent, 
Fell   to   the   Ground,    did   worfhip,    yet   did   mourn, 
Naked  came   1,    and  naked  mujl  return. 

The  Lord  hath  given,    from   the   very   Womb ; 
He  takes  awajy,    and   brings   us   to   our   Doom. 
Thus    gives,    and   takes,    as   befl   it   feemeth   fit; 
His   Will   be   done;   to    Him    I    do   fubmit. 

BOOK    II. 

JOB    affliHed  with  painful   Boyls. 

'TpHE    Sons   of    God   did   worship   and   adore 
Upon    a   Day,    as   they   had   done   before; 
Satan  then   ventures   to   intrude   agen, 
Perceiv'd   by   God,    tho'    unperceiv'd  ,by   Men. 

Well,   faith   the   Lord,   now,   now  you   plainly  fee 
That   righteous  Job   keeps   his   Integrity: 
Confider'fl   thou,    how   he   obeys   my   Laws  ? 
Why   is   thy   Malice   thus,    without   a   caufe  ? 

Satan   replies,   What   wou'd   Men   give    for   Life .? 
But   Skin    for   Skin :    Put   forth   thy   Hand   in    Strife : 
Touch   but   his   Bone   and    Flefh,    to   pafl,   Difgrace, 
You   then   fhall   find   he'll   curfe   thee   to   thy   Face. 

The   Lord   then   faid.    Go,   tyrannize   thee   o'er 
His   Perfon,    as   thou    didfl   his   Goods   before; 
But   fpare   his   precious    Life :    Prefs   not   in   vain 
For  what  thou   never,   never   fhalt   obtain. 

So 


[236] 

So   then   went   Satan   from   Jehovah's   Sight, 
And   foon   in    Execution   put   his    Spight : 
With   painful   Boyls   poor  Job   was   fmitten    down, 
From   Sole   of  Foot   ev'n   to   his   very  Crown. 

Thus   bare   and   naked,   he   a   Potfherd   took, 
To   do   the   Office   of  the   cryflal   Brook : 
That  was,   to   fcrape,   who   could   not  wafli   his   Sores, 
In   Aihes   laid,    and    open    all   his   Pores. 

To   add   Affli6lion,    thus   his   Wife   did   cry, 
Husband,    exclaim;   cry   out;    curfe   God,    and   die: 
Shall   thy   Integrity   keep   thee   in    Pain : 
But  Job  reply'd.    Thou   foolifli   Woman,   vain. 

Shall   we   receive   Good   at  the   Hand   of  God  ? 
And   fmful    Sinners,    never   feel   his    Rod  ? 
Thus   did  Job   fuflfer,    yet   his   Lips   were    pure. 
He   trufled   flill   that   God   would   grant   a   Cure. 

Now  Eliphaz,   the   noble   Temanite, 
Soon    heard   of  his   poor   Kinfman's   fearful    Plight : 
BiLDAD,    his   valiant   Friend,    who   reigned   o'er 
The    Shuhites,    knew   the   fame,   which   griev'd   him   fore. 

Z  0  p  H  A  R   the   Naamathite,    who   much   did   pry 
In   Nature's   Womb,    and   deep    Philofophy, 
With   Elihu   the   Buzite,    each   would    mourn 
With  Job,    and   give    him    Comfort    in   their   Turn. 

They   came :    But   when   on   him   they   fix'd   their   Eyes, 
They   knew   him    not,   yet   much    did   fympathize : 
No   Words   could   utter,    Cries   did   upward   foar. 
And   Tears   did   flow,    'till   they   could   flow   no   more. 

Seven   Days   bright   Phcebiis   gilt   the   radiant   Eafl, 
And   pafs'd   along,    declining,    to'ards   the   Wefl : 
As    often    Cynthia's   pallid    Face   was    fliown 
To    nightly   Trav'llers,    when   the   Day  was   gone : 

Before   the   Tempefl,    flriving   in   their   Mind, 

Could   thro'   their   Lips    a   doleful   Paffage   find, 

'Till  Job,   unable   longer   to   contain. 

Broke   forth,   and  thus   with  Ardour  did   complain. 

BOOK 


[  237] 

BOOK     III.  Job's   Lamentation. 

T    ET   that   Day   perifli,   when   that   I   was   born ; 
Alfo   the    Nig-ht,    when   faid,    that    I,    forlorn, 
Was   then    conceiv'd.      Let   horrid   Darknefs   move, 
Nor   God    regard   that   Day   from    Heav'n   above. 

Death's   (hady   Stains   and   difmal    Clouds   then   dwell, 
That   Night   be   Darknefs :    Let   no    Number   tell, 
That   it   is  join'd   unto   the   paffmg   Year; 
Nor   Sun,    or   Moon,    or   Stars   fo   bright   appear: 

Becaufe   it    fhut   not   up    my   Mother's   Womb, 
But   gave    me    Paffage   in   this   World   to   come. 
Why   dy'd    not   I .?     Why   did   the    Knees   prevent  ? 
Or   vainly   fuckl'd,    to    feel   Difcontent.? 

Oh !    had    I    periHi'd ;   then,    upon   the   Bread 
Of    balmy   Death,    I    had   enjoy'd   fweet    Reft, 
With    Kings   and   Counfellors,    that    Places   build, 
Or   Princes    Houfes,    with   rich   Metals   fill'd. 

Or,    like   untimely   Birth,    I    had    not   been ; 
As    Infants   dear,    which    never   Light   had   feen : 
But   where   the   Wicked   ceafe    for   to   moleft; 
And   where   the   weary    Souls   enjoy   fweet    Reft. 

The   fetter'd   Prifoners   there   find   fweet   Repofe, 
Hear   no    Oppreffor's   Voice,    and   fear   no    Foes : 
The    Small   and   Great   feem   but   as   one   Degree : 
For   here   the    Servants   are    from    Mafters   free. 

Why   do   the    Beams    of    Life   refplendent   roll 
To   one   in    Grief?     Or   Breath   giv'n   to   the   Soul 
In    Bitternefs,   which   longs   for   Grief,    but   comes   not.? 
And   digs   for   it   as   Treafures,    yet   it   dooms   not? 

What  Joys,    exceeding,    do   poor   Mortals   crave 

From   Death,   when   wifliing   for   their   peaceful   Grave  ? 

Why   is   Light   giv'n   to   one,    whofe   Way   is    hid, 

And   he   fo   hedg'd,    as   God    his    Steps    forbid  ? 

Before 


[238] 

Before    I   eat,    alas !    my   Sighs   appear : 
My   Tears   run   down    my   Cheeks   like   Waters   clear : 
Tho'    Safety,    Rest   or   Quiet   I    ne'er   thought   on ; 
Yet   Trouble   came,    and   all   thefe   Things   has   bro't   on. 

When  Job  had   done,    and   thus   his   Mind   reliev'd. 
Said   Eliphaz,   Wilt   thou,    my   Friend,   be   griev'd. 
If    to   commune   with   thee   we   Freedom   take  ? 
To   hear  you   thus,    who   can   forbear  to   fpeak  ? 

O   thou    Inflru6tor,    Strengthner   of   Men's   Hands, 
Why   fainted   thou,    or   confidently  flands. 
As   tho'    thy   Ways   were  jufl  ?     Whoe'er,    I   pray, 
Was   innocent,    and   brought   to   fad   Decay  ? 

Sure   they  who   plow   Iniquity,    and   fow 
Vile   wicked   A6ls,    pray   what   from   thence    muft   grow. 
But   that   in  Juflice,   they    fhould   reap   the   fame : 
God   blafleth   them,    and   yet   is   not   to   blame. 

The    Roarings,    Voice   and   Teeth   of  Lions   break : 
The   Old   Ones   perifh,    and   the   Whelps   forfake. 
In    fearful   Vifiions   of  the   fleepy   Night, 
Methought   appear'd,    before   my   Eyes,    a   Spright ! 

And   faid,    "  Shall   Man   be   purer   than   his    God, 
"  Who   chargeth   Angels  ?    Shall    Men   fcape   his    Rod  ? 
"  They   die :"   And   Wrath   the   foolifh   Wretch   doth   flay. 
Man's   born   to   Trouble,    as    Sparks   fly   away. 

If,    therefore.  Job,   thou   dofl   to    God    return. 
And   for  thy   Sins,    as   thy   Affli6tions,    mourn : 
Indulgent   Heav'n,    at   lafl,   will   pity   thee. 
And    from   thy   wretched   Torments   fet   thee    free. 

Were   I   like   you,    before   his    Feet   I'd   fall : 
He   fmites,   but   yet   he   heals   us   too   withall : 
In   Famine    feeds   us,    and   in    Battle    guards   us, 
And   from   the    Stabs   of    fpiteful   Tongues   awards   us. 

Tho'    frightful    Ruin    circumjacent   lies. 

Peace   fliall   attend   thee,    Foes   thou    flialt   defpife  : 

And   to   the   Grave   defcend,    like    Shocks   of  Corn  : 

Thy   Soul   to    Heaven   by   bleffed   Angels   borne. 

To 


[  239] 

To  this,  Job  faid,   O  were  my  Sorrows  weig-h'd, 
And  my  Calamities  in  Balance  laid, 
They'd  heavier  prove  than  Sands  upon  the  Shore  : 
God's  Arrows  wound  me,  drink  my  vital  Gore. 

And  now  I  long-  from  this  vile  World  to  part ; 
Come,  gentle  Death,  for  befl  of  Friends  thou  art. 
Return,  Companions;   too  hard  you  conclude, 
'Caufe  I'm  affli6led,  I  was  never  good. 

Is't  not  appointed  that  all  Men  fhould  die  } 
My  Flelh  is  cloath'd  with  Worms,  and  broke  am  I. 
Swifter  than  Weavers  Shuttle  are  my  Days  : 
As  Clouds  confume,  fo  Anguifli  me  decays. 

Lord,  gracious  Lord  !    Why  do'fl  with  me  contend  } 
Shall  my  Complaints  be  bitter,  without  End  .? 
Am  I  a  Sea,  or  Whale,  that  I  need  Bounds  .? 
My  Couch,  or  Bed,  can't  eafe  my  painful   Wounds. 

Thou  terrify'fl  me  with  flrange  Sighs  and  Dreams, 
My  Soul  can't  bear,  nor  Life  endure  Extreams. 
I  hate,  I  lothe  it !   Why  do'R  love  poor  Man  ? 
Yet  ev'ry  Moment  try'fl  his  Life  :    A  Span ! 

O  thou  preferver !  Why  fet'fl  me  before 
Thee  as  a  Mark,  too  fmful  to  explore  .? 
Rather,  why  do'fl  not  pardon  me  my  Crimes, 
Who  foon  fliall  fleep,  yet  rife  in  After-Times  ? 

Then  anfwer'd  Bildad,  how  long  wilt  thou  fpeak  ? 
Pervert  God's  Juflice  .?  Doth  he  Judgment  break } 
Tho'  he  thy  Children  for  their  Sins  has  flain, 
If  yet  thou'dfl  pray,  thy  Prayers  wou'd  not  be  vain. 

As  bright  Aurora  might  thy  Age  then  fhine  : 
Even  Noon-Day  fhould  unto  thee  decline  : 
Secure  in  Hope,  thou  fafe  fhall  dig  about  thee. 
And  refl  in  Safety,  tho'  thy  Foes  might  flout  thee. 

Nay,  fhould  make  Suit :  But,  ah  !  the  Wicked  fail ; 
Efcape  not  Snares,  becaufe  their  Sins  prevail  : 
Endeav'ring  not,  like  tott'ring  Barks  are  lofl. 
And  all  their  Hope's  like  giving-  up  the  Gholl. 


Job 


[  240  ] 

Job  to  his  Friends  did  make  this  found  Reply : 
Wife  as  you  feem,  Knowledge  with  you  fliall  die. 
Man,  born  of  Woman,  foon   his   Days   are   done, 
Comes  as  a  Flower,   and  is  foon  cut  down. 

Like  to  the  Shadow,  doth  he  Aide  away; 
Or  as  the  Waters  failing  from  the  Sea. 
I  know,  like  you,  GOD'S  jufl,  and  never  can 
Do  Wrong  to  me,  or  any  mortal  Man. 

Yet  fee  no  Caufe,  why  me  Jehovah  hath 
Thus  fmgled  out,  to  bear  his  burning  Wrath ; 
Nor  can  I  blame  myfelf  for  any  Crime, 
Which  you  unjuflly  urge  Time  after  Time. 

Says  Eliphaz,  provok'd,  Thou  cafls  off  Fear, 
And  what  God  loves,  keeps  back,  thy  fervent  Pray'r. 
Was  thou  the  firR  Man  born  ?  Nor  firft  Ihall  fade : 
Or  yet  before  the  Hills  and  Mountains  made  ? 

What's  Man  that  he  fhould  think  himfelf  fo  clean  .? 
Of  Woman  born,  can  God  perceive  no  Stain  .? 
He  puts  no  Truil  ev'n  in  the  very  Saints, 
And  Heav'n  feems  unclean,  where  his  Mind's  againfl. 

Sure  then,  more  filthy  fmful  Man  appears. 
And  much  more  he  who  never  Counfel  hears. 
Darknefs  and  Horror  fliall  his  Soul  furround. 
And  Defolation  in  his  Tent  be  found. 

Oh  !    miferable  Comforters  ye  are, 
Said  Job,  to  me,  who  many  fuch  Things  hear. 
When  I  was  rich,  and  did  in  Splendour  {hine. 
My  Voice  could  found  like  yours,  your  Cafe  as  mine. 

Had  it  been  fo,  I  fliould  not  add  to  Grief : 
My  balmy  Words  had  giv'n  your  Souls  Relief : 
But  now  to  fpeak,  or  yet  for  to  forbear, 
'Tis  all  as  one,  I'm  overcharg'd  with  Care. 

So  weary  grown,  that  Friends  feem  defolate  : 
The  Wicked  fmite  me,  thofe  who  God  do  hate  : 
Heav'n,  like  a  Giant,  cleaves  my  very  Reins  : 
My  Prayer  is  pure,  yet  it  no  Favour  gains. 


But 


[  241  ] 

But  flill  to  God  I  fliall  make  my  Appeal : 
Altho'  my  Breath's  corrupt,   thou  wilt  not  fail 
To  lift  our  Hearts  'gainft  Tongues  opprobrious  grown, 
Which  may  aflonifh,  yet  not  cafl  us  down. 

Yet,  yet  my  Days  are  pafl :    Death,  feize  my  Heart. 
Corruption,  vile,  thou  fure  my  Father  art. 
O  Worm  !  my  Mother ;  Sifter  too  you  be  : 
Where's  now  my   Hope  ?     As  for  it,  who  fliall  fee  ? 

Then  Bildad  faid,  When  will  you  make  an  End  ? 
Or  why  thus  treat  you  ev'ry  faithful  Friend  .? 
The  Wicked's  Light  fliall  be  extinguifhed  : 
His  Strength  fhall  fail,    and  Terrors  make  him  dread. 

No  Kindred  fliall  remain  to  fpread  his  Fame, 
But  his  Remembrance  perifli  with  his  Name  : 
From  Light  to  Darknefs,  chafed  from  the  World, 
And  to  mofl  dolefome  difmal  Dwellings  hurl'd. 

Tho'  I  cry  out,  alas  !  I  am  not  heard  : 
My  Glory's  gone  !  For  me  none  has  Regard  ! 
As  Enemy  to  Heav'n,  GOD'S   Troops  furround  me  ! 
My  Friend  and  Kinfmen  fail,  my  Foes  do  wound  me. 

Thofe,  living  with  me,  count  me  Stranger  poor : 
My  Servant's  filent,  when  I  him  implore  : 
Strange  is  my  Breath  to  my  once  loving  Wife  ; 
Young  Children  flight  me,  wretched  is  my  Life. 

Pity  me.  Friends  !  See,  fee  the  Cafe  I'm  in  ! 
Behold  my  Bone   cleaves  to  my  very  Skin  ! 
God's  Hand  has  touch'd  me  :  Like  him,  perfecute  not. 
Spare,  fpare  Reproofs,  and  with  you  I'll  difpute  not. 

Oh  !  that  my  Words  were  written  in  a  Book ; 
Or  'grav'd  with  Lead  and  Iron  on  a  Rock : 
With  Iron  Pen,  that  fo  the  Letters  never 
Might  be  obfcure,  but  feen,  and  lafl.  for  ever  ! 

For  fure  I  know,  that  my  Redeemer  lives, 
And  that  he  fhall  ( which  to  me  Comfort  gives  ) 
Stand  at  the  latter  Day  upon  the  Earth, 
To  judge  all  thofe,  that  ever  had  a  Birth. 


And 


[  242  ]    - 

And  tho'  after  my  Skin,  Worms  fliall  deflroy 
This  Tabernacle ;  yet,  in  Flefh,  with  Joy, 
Shall  I  fee  God ;  mine  Eyes  thus  pleafing  doom'd, 
Altho'  my  Reins  within  me  are  confum'd. 

Zophar  replies,  Know'fl  thou  not  Truth  fublime  ? 
The  Wicked  triumphs  but  a  little  Time ; 
Flies  as  a  Dream  ;  and,  as  a  Vifion  glides ; 
He's  curs'd,  becaufe  that  Heav'n  him  not  abides. 

His  Iniquities  will   be  all  reveal'd  ; 
Terrors  fall  on  him,  not  to  be  conceal'd  : 
Before  God's  Wrath  his  Goods  fhall  ever  fly. 
And  he  himfelf  left  in  Extremity. 

Joh  faid.  Why  then  do  wicked   Men  live  great .? 
Appear  in  Pomp,  grow  old,  and  dwell  in  State  ? 
Num'rous  their  Seed,  their  Houfes  fafe  from  Fear, 
And  Cattle  gend'ring  ev'ry  circling  Year. 

Their  Children  dance,  with  pretty  taking  Airs, 
The  Timbrel,  Harp  and  Organ  chant  their  Ears  : 
Thus  fpend  the  Day ;  tho'  fometimes,  in  their  Prime, 
Death  takes  their  Lives  within  a  Moment's  Time. 

And  hence  I  know  their  Judgment's  manifefl  ; 
The  Happy  and  Unhappy  are  at  Refl : 
That  is,  alike  they  in  the  Dud  lie  down. 
And  Worms  fliall  cover  them,  when  they  are  gone. 

The  Wicked  is  referv'd  to  future  Time, 
When  Wrath  fliall  be  infli6ted  for  each  Crime. 
Then  Eliphaz  reply'd.  Can  Man,  fo  poor, 
Profit  his  God,  and  not  himfelf  much  more  1 

Are  thy  good  Deeds  a  Pleafure  to  his  Sight  1 
Or,  were  they  fo,  when  didfl  thou  him  Delight } 
From  thy  dear  Brother  thou  a  Pledge  has  took 
For  nought,  and  kept  the  Water  of  the  Brook 

From  weary'd  Trav'ller ;   yet  more  may  be  faid. 
Thou  hafl  depriv'd  the  Hungry  from  their  Bread ; 
Stript  the  poor  Naked,  fent  the  Widows  empty, 
And  let  the  Orphans  tafle  not  of  thy  Plenty. 


Therefore 


[  243  ] 

Therefore  both  Snares  and  Fears  do  now  abound : 
Darknefs  upon  thee  does  thy  Sight  confound  : 
Yet  GOD  fees  through  thee  :    With  Him  be  at  Peace, 
That  fo  you  may,  with  Joy,  behold  his  Face. 

Job,  tho'  moft  innocent,  yet  hereat  was  mov'd  ; 
He  groans,  and  longs  to  fee  the  God  he  lov'd. 
O  that,  fays  he,  I  knew  where  him  to  find. 
My  Words  fhould  flow,  to  eafe  my  troubled  Mind. 

I  know  his  Mercy's  great :    He'll  not  ufe  Power ; 
But  flrengthen  me,  and   never  bring  me  lower : 
Forward  I  go  to  feek  him :  He's  not  there  : 
Backward  return  :   Ah  me,  nor  find  him  here  ! 

Yet  as  my  Foot  within  his  Paths  was  held, 
I've  not  declin'd ;   but  rather  been  impell'd. 
What  he  defires,  he  does :  What  is  decreed 
For  me,  performs  :    So  wondrous  is  each  Deed, 

Each  Word,  that  it  is  Food,  and  fweet  Delight. 
And  yet  I  dread  appearing  in  his  Sight ! 
My  Heart  is  foften'd,  when  on  him  I  think, 
Who  faves  me  yet,  tho'  on  Dertru6lion's  Brink. 

Some  remove  Land-Mark,  take  away  the  Flocks, 
The  Orphan's  Afs  for  Pledge,  and  Widow's  Ox  : 
They  force  the  piteous  Naked  to  moiil  Caves, 
Murder  the  Innocent,  or  make  them  Slaves. 

Exalted  thus,  a  while  they  do  remain ; 
But  Heav'n  doth  fee,  and  bring  them  down  again ; 
Made  impotent,  as  tho'  at  firfl,  when  born, 
They  are  cut  off  like  Tops  of  Ears  of  Corn. 

Says  Bildad,  Fear  and  Might  are  with  the  Lord  : 
Unnumber'd  are  his  Armies,  whilfl  his  Word 
Speaks  Peace  to  lofty  Places,  and  his  Light 
Extends  to  all :  Yet  nothing  in  his  Sight 

Is  juflify'd  :    Not  even  Cynthia,  fair, 
Or  Stars  are  pure,  tho'  fpangling  in  the  Air. 
Thus  each  repeated  Argument  requir'd 
Job's  Aniwer,  which  in  Grief  was  more  infpir'd. 


As 


[  244  ] 

As  God  doth  live,  who  long  my  Soul  hath  vex'd, 
My  Lips  fhall  fpeak  no  111,  tho'  fore  perplex'd; 
Nor,  'till  my  latefl  Moment,  when  I  die. 
Will  I  remove  my  firm  Integrity. 

For,  let  the  Wicked  ftill  againfl  me  rage ; 
The  Sword,  at  length,  their  Anger  fhall  affuage  : 
They  multiply,  tho'  not  content  with  Bread  : 
Dying,  their  Widows  weep  not  when  they're  dead. 

But  oh  !  that  joyful  Day  I  could  recall : 
When  Heav'n's  Munificence,  like  to  a  Wall, 
Adorn'd  with  Tow'rs,  did  me  quite  furround ; 
My  Temples  with  a  fhining  Luflre  crown'd  ! 

When  God  was  prefent  flill  to  give  me  Aid, 
And  pratling  round  me  my  dear  Infants  play'd  ; 
Whilfl  mighty  Hoards  of  Corn  the  grateful  Soil 
Return'd,  repaying  well   the  Peafant's  Toil. 

When  every  proper  Fund  did  freely  flream  : 
Soft  Oyl,  and  all  Things  ufeful  we  can  name  : 
With  all  the  Pleafures  of  a  rural  State : 
Or,  when  that  e'er  I  pafs'd  (throughout  the  Gate) 

Towards  my  Seat,  prepared  in  the  Street, 
And  there  with  moll  profund  Refpe6l  did  meet ; 
When  young  Men  fled,   and  hid  them  from  my  Sight, 
And  rifmg  Elders  flraightway  flood  upright : 

When  talking  Princes  from  their  Words  reflrain'd. 
And  filent  Tongues  from  nobles  foon  obtain'd; 
When  ev'ry  Ear,  that  heard  me,  blefs'd  the  Sound  : 
With  joyful  Eyes,  that  witnefs'd  for  me  round  : 

'Twas  then  I  eas'd  the  needy  Poor  that  cry'd, 
Whofe  Bleflings  came  upon  me  ev'ry  Side  : 
The  Widow's  Hearts,  to  fing,  I  caufed  them  : 
Righteoufnefs  crown'd  me,  as  a  Diadem. 

Eyes  to  the  Blind ;    Feet  to  the  Lame  was  I ; 
To  Poor,  a  Father:  I  fearch'd  Iniquity; 
And  brake  the  Wicked's  Joys,  his  Teeth  pull'd  out. 
Thus  in  good  Deeds  I  fpent  my  Time  about. 


And, 


[245  ] 

And   as   a   King  before   his   Army  fways, 
All    paid    me   Duty,    and   all    fpoke    my    Praife : 
But,    thro'    Viciffitudes,    I'm   the    Reverfe, 
And   feem   the   Scorn   of  the   whole    Univerfe. 

Youth   of  mean    Parents   now   do   me   deride, 
Who   fcarcely   for   themfelves   could   e'er   provide  ; 
But,  idle,  beg-g'd  their  Bread,  or  liv'd  on  Roots  : 
Thefe  me  abhor,  and  each  one  at  me  hoots. 

Sometimes   they   fly ;   or   near,    then    in   Difgrace, 
They   fpit   their   nafly   Spittle   in    my   Face  : 
Deride   with    Songs,   their   Children    pufh   my   Feet ; 
And   thus   Affli6lions   ever   do    I    meet. 

My   Bones   are    pierc'd ;   my    Sinews   take   no    Refl 
As   Duft   and   Afhes,    I'm    by   all   confefl. 
Lord,    I   have   cry'd ;   but   me   thou   heardefl   not ; 
And   if  I   fland,    alas !   thou    me   regardell   not. 

Cruel    Oppofer !    caufmg   me   to    ride 
Ev'n   on   the   Wind,  diffolv'ft    me   every   Side ! 
I    know   thou'lt   bring-   me   at   the   lafl  to   Death ; 
Tho',   when    I    pleafe,   you'll    never  take   my   Breath. 

My   fympathizing   Soul   would   oft   unite 
With  poor  Afflicted  Brethren  in  my  Sight. 
I,  who  did  weep,  as  well  as  help  the  Poor, 
Am  thus  rewarded,  now  at  Sorrow's  Door ! 

My  Harp  is  turn'd  to  Mourning;    Organ,  Tears; 
'Stead   of  the    Sun,    a   gloomy   Cloud   appears. 
If  ever   I    in   Vanity   have   walk'd. 
Or,    in   Deceit,    my   Feet   more   vainly   flalk'd : 

Me,   weigh'd   in    Balance,    let   th'   Almighty  try, 
And    fee    my   faithful   true    Integrity. 
Or,    if  my   Steps,    or   Heart,    have   turned   wrong, 
Then   let   my   Offspring   ne'er   continue   long. 

Or   any   Blot   has   made    me    incompleat. 
Then   let   me   fow,    and   let   another   eat ; 
If  e'er   the    Bridal   Bed    I   have   defil'd. 
The   fame    I    fliould   deferve,    or   worfe   beguil'd. 


If 


[246] 

If  I   my   Servant's   Caufe   did   ne'er  defend, 
When   they,   with  Jullice,    might   with   me   contend ; 
Then   may   God   flight   me   when   my   Tongue   bewrays 
The   truefl   Anfwers   to   his   pow'rful   Ways. 

The   Poor   in    Heav'n,    have   him   for   Advocate : 
God  made  them  in  the  Womb,  as  well  as  Great. 
If  I've  witheld  from  them  what  they  defir'd. 
Or,  fail'd  the  Widows  Eyes  when  they  requir'd  : 

Or,  eat  my  Morfel  by  my  felf  alone, 
Denying  Orphans,  pittying  not  their  Moan ; 
Seen   the   Poor   perifli,    for  the   Want   of  Cloaths  ; 
Nor  warm'd  them  with  the  Fleece,  but,  like  to  Foes, 

Made  Ufe  of  Weapons,  with  my  Hand  upheav'd, 
When  at  my  Gate  I  might   have  them  reliev'd ; 
Then  let  my  Arm  fall  from  my  Shoulder  Blade ; 
Broken,  a  Vi6lim  to  God's  Vengeance  made ! 

If  Gold,  refined,  ever  was  my  Hope  ; 
And  gaining  Riches  prov'd  my  only  Scope ; 
If  e'er  the  Sun  or  Moon  I  did  adore 
Beyond  that  God,  who  made  them,  and  much  more  : 

If  I  rejoiced  at  the  Fall  of  thofe. 
Who've  been  deceitful  Friends,  or  worfl  of  Foes  : 
If  Strangers  found  not  Hofpitality, 
And  weary  Trav'llers  welcome  not  to  me  : 

If  I  my  Sins  have  cover'd  in  my  Breall; 
Or,  like  old  Adam,  glory'd  unconfefl : 
Let  God  for  all  thefe  Things  now  punifli  me, 
As  befl  agreeth  to  his  Majefl:y. 

Would  he  but  pleafe  my  righteous  Caufe  to  hear, 
And  my  Contention  with  my  Foes  fevere ; 
Upon  my  Shoulders,  I  fhould  take  the  Taflc, 
To  anfwer  juflly  every  Thing  they  afk. 

Like  as  a  Prince,  I'd  afk  them  every  Thing : 
Demand  their  Witnefs  ?  Every  Proof  wou'd  bring 
Of  all  my  Steps,  not  doubting  but  to  clear. 
And  make  my  Reputation  bright  appear. 


For 


[  247] 
For  if  the  Land  has  e'er  of  me  complain'd, 
Or  Furrows  yet  unpaid,  which  I've  obtain'd, 
Eaten  the  Fruits,  or  took  the  Owners  Life, 
Vile  A6t  I   to  plung-e  their  FamiHes  in  Strife  : 

Let  pricking  Thiflles  grow,  inflead  of  Wheat ; 
Cockle,  inflead  of  Barley,  be  my  Meat. 
At  which  Job  ended ;   filent  were  the  refl 
Who  fpoke ;   then  thus  EVhu  himfelf  exprefl. 

BOOK       IV. 

"DEHOLD  I'm  young,  and  ye  are  very  old. 

Tho'  Days  fhould  fpeak,  Heav'n  gives  a  Spirit  bold 
By  Infpiration  :    Let  me  Job  addrefs. 
And,  'flead  of  God,  with  Argument  exprefs. 

Amaz'd  they  were,  and  filent  did  become  ; 
So  Elihu  did  his  Difcourfe  refume. 
Now,  hear  me.  Job,  My  Words,  which  I  impart. 
Shall  righteous  prove,  and  wound  thee  to  the  Heart. 

Stand  up,  and  reafon  with  me,  if  you  can  : 
Tho'  in  GOD'S  Room,  alas  !  I'm  but  a  Man  : 
Let  not  his  Terrors  make  thy  Soul  afraid ; 
His  heavy  Hand,  fhall  not  on  thee  be  laid. 

Surely,  fays  he,   YmUve  Jpoken  in  mine  Ears, 
Saying,  Fm  clean,  no  Sin  in  me  appears ; 
And  yet  he  finds   Occafion  againji  me  ; 
My  Feet  imprifons  as  an  Enemy. 

In  this,  O  Job,  behold  thou  art  not  jufl  ; 
Why  flrivefl  thou,  that  art  but  finful  Duft .? 
Sure  he  is  greater  far  than  wretched  Man; 
Speaks  once  or  twice,  'fore  he  perceive  it  can. 

Lo  in  a  Dream,  or  Vifion  of  the  Night, 

When  Sleep  obfcures,  and   fhades  us  from  the  Light ; 

Or  elfe  in  Slumbers  opens  he  our  Ears, 

And  feals  Inflru6lion,  which  the  Righteous  hears. 

He 


[  248  ] 

He  bring-s  him  low,  ev'n  to  the  Gates  of  Death ; 
Agfain  reflores  him,   and  refumes  his  Breath  : 
But  is  not  bound  to  give  Men  Reafons,  why 
He  lets  them  live,  or  caufes  them  to  die. 

By  various  Ways,  or  by  Affli6lions  great, 
Or  Minillry,  while  his  blefl  Angels  wait : 
He  to  Repentance  doth  the  World  incite, 
To  bring  their  Souls  to  everlafling  Light. 

If  thou  canfl  fay  againfl  it,  fpeak  I  pray : 
If  not,  hear  further  what  I  have  to  fay : 
GOD   cannot   a6l   Iniquity   to   none ; 
And  what  Man  fuffers  is  from  Man  alone. 

Yet  oft  on  him  th'  Almighty  fets  his  Heart. 
Who  to  a  King  can  fay.   Thou  wicked  art  ? 
Much  lefs  to  him,  from  whom  all  Bleffmgs  fprings, 
And  is  a  King  above  all  King  of   Kings  ! 

Or  (hould  his  Hands  fome  fmful  A6ts  requite, 
He  lays  on  Man  no  more  than  what  is  right : 
In  Love  he'd  have  you  'gainfl  vile  Sin  to  arm  ; 
And  when  he's  for  you,  none  can  do  you  Harm. 

Our  Good,  alas  !  or  Evil,  can't  extend 
Or  make  Him  to  us  either  Foe  or  Friend  : 
But  as  his  Pleafure  truly  is  divine, 
He  both  regards,  to  make  the  better  fliine. 

Obferve  me,  Joh  ;    his  fecret  Judgments  lie 
Far,  far  beyond  the  reach  of  human  Eye  : 
Look  to  the  Clouds,  perceive  the  fruitful  Rain, 
Which  quickly  comes,  and  foon  is  ftopt  again. 

One  while  it  bleffes,  then  doth  overflow, 
And  drown  the  Produ6ls  of  the  Earth  below. 
He  vifits  Kings,  eflablifh'd  in  their  Throne ; 
And,  by  jufl  Difcipline,  he  brings  them  down. 

If  they  obey  him,  GOD  doth  crown  each  Day  : 
If  not,  their  Splendour,  with  their  Lives,  decay : 
Beware  his  Wrath,  who,  if  you  Him  provoke, 
Can  take  your  Health,  or  Life,  but  with  a  Stroke. 


No 


[  249] 

No  Wealth,  or  Glory,  can  anticipate 

His  conq'ring-  Arm,   when  he  intends  thy  Fate  : 

Men  may  behold  his  Works,  which  far  appear. 

And  all  his  wondr'ous  Doings  mufl  revere. 

The  fpreading  Clouds,  can  any  underRand  ? 

Or  Tabernacle's  Noife  ?     He,  with  his  Hand, 

Spreads  Light  o'er  all ;  covers  the  watry  Pit ; 

And,  with  his  Clouds,  again  obfcures  the  Light. 

The  Heav'ns,  intire,  'tis  He  direfts  them  all : 

His  Lightning  ftrikes  the  univerfal  Ball : 

Thunder  fucceeds  !   Amazing  is  his  Voice  ! 

Sometimes  we  tremble,  other  Times  rejoice. 

Thus  Rain  or  Hail,  He  fends  for  Reafons  good; 

Seals  up  Men's  Hands ;   whofe  Work  is  underflood  : 

The  Beafls  retire  unto  their  Dens  and  Caves  : 

The  Whirlwind,  coming  from  the  South,  out-braves. 

Cold  from  the  North;  From  Breath  of  GOD  Froll's  given; 

Waters  reflrain'd  by  Wall  'twixt  them  and   Heav'n  : 

The  thick  Cloud  wearies,  and  the  bright  One  fcatters, 

And  for  Corre6lion,  or  for  Mercy,  waters. 

Stupendous  Counfels  !    ever  turning  round, 

Mufl  fure  the  Wifdom  of  poor  Man  confound  : 

The  beauteous  Rainbow,  very  frequent  feen. 

And  Nature,  fmiling,  with  a  verdant  Green. 

How  Clouds  are  balanc'd  :  Why  thy  Garments  warm. 

When  with  the  South  Wind  He  the  Earth  do's  charm. 

Haft  thou  with  Him  fpread  forth  the  limpid  Sky, 

As  in  a  Glafs,  apparent  to  the  Eye  ? 

Oh  !   who  can  fearch  the  wond'rous  Works  of  God  ? 

Or  find  Him  out,  in  His  Moft  High  Abode  ! 

Whofe  Power,  Juflice,  Judgment  excellent 

Affli6l  not  one,  but  yield  to  all  Content. 

Men  love  and  fear  Him  :  Thofe  he  doth  defpife. 

That  righteous  feem  in  their  moft  fmful  Eyes  : 

Therefore,  O  /ob  !  'tis  Time  now  to  give  o'er ; 

Let  Tears  and  Pray'rs  prevail,  difpute  no  more. 

BOOK 


/ 


[  250] 

BOOK      V. 

n^HUS  fpoke  the  Youth,  when  foon  a  Whirlwind  rofe, 
-^      The  LORD  did  anfwer,  and  himfelf  difclofe  : 
What  Man  is  this,  who,  with  blind  Reafon  durfl 
Vie  with  his  GOD,  as  tho'  in  Wifdom  firfl  ? 

Come  tell  me,  now,   how  this  mofl  beauteous  Frame 
Of  all  Thing-s  from  the  Womb  of  Nothing-  came  ? 
When  Earth's  Foundation  was  with  Wonder  laid. 
And  faflen'd;   where  was  you  when  all  were  made? 

Who  g-ave  forth  Meafures,  flretch'd  the  utmofl  Line, 
And  fix'd  the  Corner  Stone  by  Power  divine  ? 
When  all  the  Morning  Stars  did  fweetly  fmg-, 
And  Sons  of  GOD  made  Hallelujahs  ring^. 

Who  fhut  the  Sea  in  Bounds,  or  within  Doors  ? 
Limits  the  Tide  by  fleep  or  pleafant  Shores  ? 
Gave  it  a  fix'd  Deg-ree,  fo  far  to  come  ? 
So  far,  no  farther,  dare  its  Waves  prefume. 

Can'fl  thou  command  Aurora  to  arife  ? 
And  gild,  with  Crimfon  Beams,  the  blufhing  Skies  ? 
Or  yet  demand  the  Sun  for  to  relate 
The  Crimes  committed  by  the  Poor,  or  Great  ? 

Proclaim  thy  Power,  or  withdraw  its  Beams, 
From  thofe  who  run  into  the  worfl  Extreams  ? 
Or  hall  thou  entred  in  the  Ocean's    Springs  ? 
Or  Depth  of  Sea,  where's  Riches  fit  for  Kings  ? 

The  Breadth  of  Earth  declare :  Where  dwelleth  Light, 
Or  Darknefs  ?  Can  you  tell  the  Paths  of  Night  ? 
Or  fee  the  Treafures  of  the  milk-white  Snow, 
Or  heavier  Hail  that  vifits  us  below. 

For  Battle  kept  ?     How  parted  is  the  Light, 
Scattering  the  Eaftern  Winds  ?     Or  difunite 
The  Grounds  for  Waters  diff'rently  to  flow  ? 
Or  yet  a  Way  for  Lightning  quick  to  go  ? 

Where 


[251] 

Where  no  Man  is  to  caufe  it  there  to  rain  ? 
To  make  the  parched  Ground  not  thirfl  in  vain  ? 
To  help  the  tender  Herb  forthwith  to  fpring-  ? 
The  Rains  and  Dew  to  yield  their  Offering-  ? 

When  came  the  Frofl,  or  Ice,  that  every  Brook 
Seems  in  a  Glafs,  or  does  thro'  Diamond  look  ? 
Can'fl  bind  the  Influences  o'  th'  *  Pleiades, 
Or  loofen  f   Orion's  Bands  for  Winter's  Eafe  ? 

Canfl  thou  bring-  \  Mazzaroth  in  Seafon  fair? 
Or  guide  §  ArHm-tis,   make  his  Sons  appear? 
Do'fl  thou  the  Ordinances  of  Heaven  know  ? 
Or  fet  Dominion  in  the  Earth  below  ? 

Canfl  lift  thy  Voice  up  to  the  very  Clouds  ? 
That  Waters  fliould  defcend  by  their  Abodes  ? 
Or  Lightnings  fend  to  tell  how  they  impart  ? 
Or  fay,  who  Wifdom  fends  into  the  Heart  ? 

Who  number  can  the  Clouds  ?  Or,  Floods  yet  flay  ? 
How  Clods  do  cleave  ?     Or  hunt  for  Lion's  Prey  ? 
And  when  fo  done,  bring  to  their  Whelps  and  feed  ? 
Or  help  young  Ravens  in  their  Time  of  Need  ? 

Or  eafe  the  tim'rous  Hind  in  Travel  great, 
And  from  her  Pain  refume  her  former  State  : 
The  Months  canfl,  number  ?    Tell  when  forth  to  bring 
How  young  ones  grow,  and  how  like  Corn  they  fpring  ? 

Can'fl  lofe  the  Afs,  or  bind  the  Unicorn  ? 
Who  both  the  Horfe,  alfo  his  Rider,  fcorn  ? 
Or  give  the  latter  Strength  ?     And,  what's  a  Wonder, 
Afford  him  Strength,  or  cloath  his  Neck  with  Thunder  ? 

Can'fl  him  affright  with  vain  and  idle  Fear, 

And  make  him  fportive  like  a  Grafliopper  ? 

No 


*  Pleiades,  tlie  7  Stars,  arising  whot.  the  Sim  is  in  Taurus :  That  is, 
in  the  Flowery  Spring. 

f  Orion,  a  Calestial  Sign,  (consisting  of  33  Stars,  or  as  other  write  i6j 
that  introduceth   Winter. 


\  Mazzaroth,  the  Twelve  Signs. 

§  Argturus,  the  North  Star,  with  Attendants, 


[  252] 

No  :  The  Horfe  tears  with  a6live  Feet  the  Ground, 
And  floutly  prances  at  the  Warlike  Sound. 

Mocks  at  all  Fear,  and  in  the  Vally  paws ; 
Laug-hs  at  the  Trumpets;  fwallows  with  his  Jaws 
The  yielding-  Ground ;  and,  without  dreadful  Fears, 
Meets  Death  or  Conquefl  'midfl  the  glitt'ring-  Spears. 

Or  doth  the  Hawk,  by  Wifdom  of  thy  Mouth, 
Stretch  forth  her  tow'ring-  Wings  towards  the  South  ? 
Or  yet  the  Eagle  upward  foar  to  build 
At  thy  Command,  and  there  her  young  ones  yield  : 

Whilft  from  the  Rock  or  Crag  flie  fpys  her  Prey, 
Which,  feized  foon,  fhe  quickly  bears  away; 
With  bloody  Dainties  feeds  her  youthful  Guefls, 
Each  quickly  on  the  welcome  Vi6luals  feafls. 

How  long,  O  Man,  wilt  thou  thy  God  reprove  ! 
Inflru6ls  thou  me,  who  pities  thee  in  Love  ? 
Lord,  I  am  vile,  faid  Job,  Pity,  therefore ; 
Once,  twice,  I've  fpoken,  but  I'll  fay  ?io  more. 

Then  from  the  Whirlwind  did  the  Lord  reply, 
Wilt  thou  deny  my  Challenge  ?     Or  that  I 
Can  have  no  Love  for  Human  Race  I've  made ; 
When  of  the  fame  they  many  Inflance  had } 

Hafl  thou  an  Arm  of  Length,  or  Force  like  mine  ? 
So  great  a  Voice  .?     Then  let  thy  Power  fhine 
To  bring  the  Proud,  ev'n  to  the  very  Pit, 
And  tread  the  Wicked  down  beneath  your  Feet, 

Do  fo,  and  I'll  confefs,  that  thy  right  Hand 
Shall  fave  and  make  thee  famous  in  the  Land  : 
See  *  Behemoth,  who  eats  Grafs  like  an  Ox, 
And  peaceful  dwells  amongfl  the  tender  Flocks. 

None  of  them  fears  him,  none  that  he  doth  fear, 
Moves  like  a  lofty  llately  Caedar  fair : 
Strong  are  his  Joints,  with  Ribs  like  Iron-Bars, 
His  Bones  like  Brafs,  firm,  fitting  for  the  Wars. 

His 

*  T«  thought  to  be  an  Elephant. 


[253] 

His  Streng-th  is  in  his  Loyns  ;   and  lo  his  Tail 
Doth  like  a  great  and  lofty  Tree  prevail : 
GOD'S  Handy  Work ;  and  he,  that  made  him,  can 
By  his  (harp  Sword  fall  quickly  down  again. 

Thro'  Snares  he  pierces,  thro'  the  Willows  looks, 
And  drinks  the  Waters  of  the  purling-  Brooks ; 
The  Mountains  feed  him ;  and  fair  Jordatis  Stream 
To  fwallow  up,  trufls  he  can  do  the  fame. 

But  fee  another  Object  of  my  Power, 
And  if  thou  canfl  fubje6l,  and  make  him  lower; 
The  Great  Leviathan    amidfl   the   Deep, 
Of  Fifhes    King-,   who    Sov'reig-nty   doth   keep. 

Canfl   thou,    with   Angle,    draw   him   to   the   Shore  ? 
Or,    with   a   Cord,    thou   lettefl   down,    explore. 
And   feize   his   Tongue  ?   Or,    with    a   piercing   Thorn, 
Bore  thro'  his  Jaw,  like  Captive  mofl  forlorn  ? 

Soft  Words  or  Supplications  will  he  make  } 
Or  wilt  thou  him  for  ever  Servant  take  1 
Bind  him  for  Maids  !     Play  with  him  as  a  Bird  1 
Or,  conq'ring  him  with  Spears,  become  his  Lord  .'' 

Alas,  fuch  Hopes  are  vain  :  For  ev'n  his  Sight 
Is  fierce  enough  poor  Mortals  to  affright ! 
If  none  dare  fland  againfl  him,  thro'  their  Fear, 
Who  then  fo  bold  before  me  dare  appear  ? 

Who  has  oblig'd  me,  that  I  fhould  repay  ? 
The  Earth  is  mine  ;   o'er  it  I  bear  a  fway. 
I'll  not  conceal  his  Parts,  Proportion,  Power. 
His  Garments  who  can  fee?     What  Foe  devour  ? 

With  double  Bridle  who  durfl  to  him  come  ? 
Open  his  Mouth,  which  feems  an  horrid  Tomb  ! 
His  Teeth  fet  round,  as  Iron  Spikes,  about ; 
And  his  proud  Scales,  like  Seals,  together  fhut : 

So  clofe  they  are,  no  Air  can  interpofe  : 
His  Neefmgs  caufe  a  Light;    his  Eyes,  like  thofe 
Ev'n  of  the  Morning :    From  his  Mouth  afpire 
Strange  burning  Lamps,  and  Sparks  of  dreadful  Fire, 


Out 


[254] 

Out  of  his  Noflrils  thickefl  Smoke  proceeds 
Like  that  from  Caldron  ;  his  llrong  Breath  it  breeds 
A  Flame,  which   from  his  gaping  Mouth  pours  out, 
Stiff  is  his  Neck,  with  Joy  he  fprings  about. 

Flakes  of  his  Flefli  are  joined  as  'twere  in  one. 
They  can't  be  mov'd ;  his  Heart  as  firm  as  Stone 
Raifes  himfelf,  the  Mighty  are  afraid  : 
He  values  not  the  Sword  that's  on  him  laid. 

The  Spear,  nor  Dart;  nor  Habergeon  prevails; 
Iron,  feems  Straw ;  as  rotten  Wood,  Brafs  fails  : 
Arrows  and  Stones  do  feem  to  him  a  Bubble  : 
The  Spear  he  laughs  at,  Weapons  counts  as  Stubble. 

The  Sea,  as  boiling  Caldron  makes  to  foam, 
Or  Ointment  Pot ;    in  fhining  Paths  doth  roam  : 
The  Deep  feems  hoary :    Like  him's  none  befide, 
Beholding  high  Things  ;   yet  King  over  Pride. 

Then  J  OB,  fubmiffive,  anfwer'd,  Mighty  Lord, 
Thou  can'fl,  I  know,  do  all  Things  at  thy  Word  : 
No  Thought  fo  fecret,  but  you  may  difclofe ; 
No  A6lion  paffes,  but  th'  Almighty  knows. 

I've  often  heard  of  Thee,  by  Hearing's  Senfe  ; 
But  now  my  Eyes  fee  plain  thy  Providence. 
Wherefore,  abhorring  of  my  felf,  repent, 
I  ever  thought,  that  I  was  innocent. 

The  Lord,  appeas'd  with  JOB,  began  to  fpeak 
To  Eliphaz,  that  he  fliould  Off'ring  make. 
Saith  he.  My  Wrath  is  kindled  much  at  thee, 
And  thy  two  Friends,  who  fpoke  to  Job  of  me. 

Therefore,  now,  take  feven  Bullocks,  and  feven  Rams, 
And  offer  them  in  facred  hallow'd  Flames  : 
JOB'S  Prayers,  for  you,  in  Mercy  will  I  take, 
And  ceafe  to  punifli  for  my  Servant's  Sake. 

He's  not  thus  dealt  with  me,  fo  much  to  wrong. 
As  each  of  you,  by  an  opprobrious  Tongue  : 
Howe'er  his  Sacrifice  fliall  me  allay. 
To  wafh  your  Sins,  which  led  you  quite  aflray. 


So 


[255] 

So  Eliphaz  arofe  ;   to  Zophar  went, 
And  Bildad,  then  to  Job  mod  innocent ; 
OfFer'd  the  Vi6lims  they  commanded  were. 
The  Lord  was  pleas'd,  the  g^ood  Man  was  his  Care. 

Then  the  Almighty  touch'd  the  Hearts  of  all, 
Both  Friends  and  Kindred,  whether  great  or  fmall ; 
They  came,  and  with  him  in  his  Houfe  eat  Bread, 
Bemoan'd  paft  Evils,  and  him  comforted. 

Befides,  to  raife  him,  'tis  by  Scripture  told, 
That  each  g-ave  him  an  Ear-Ring-  of  bright  Gold, 
Befides  a  piece  of  Money ;  and  his  Strength 
And  Beauty,  came  upon  him  at  the  Length, 

So  that  the  End  of  this  good  Man  was  blefl ; 
More  than  at  firfl,  his  Riches  were  increafl. 
Sheep  fourteen  thoufand  feed  upon  his  Plains, 
Six  thoufand  Camels  his  blefl  Land  contains. 

Befides  two  thoufand  Oxen  ;    Affes  Store ; 
She-Ones  a  thoufand ;  no  doubt  He-Ones  more. 
Seven  Sons  he  had,  and  charming-  Daughters  three, 
For  Wit  and  Beauty  blefl.  in  high  Degree. 

All  thefe  provided  for,  it  plain  appears, 
Job  after  liv'd  an  hundred  forty  Years. 
His  Sons,  and  Sons'  Sons  faw,  ev'n  to  four 
Fair  Generations,  who  could  wifh  for  more  } 

At  length  b'ing-  old,  and  very  full  of  Days, 
From  Earth  to  Heav'n  God  did  his  Servant  raife  : 
There,  flill  a  greater  Happinefs  to  gain, 
With  God  and  Angels  evermore  to  reign. 


FINIS 


[256] 


I 


I 


1 


Ruins  of  Fountains  Abbey. 


>XXK 


^        PIETY       Difplay'd: 


-<si;  Hermit,     at    SfCnareslorougJi. 

^  SHEWING, 

How  he  relinquifh'd  the    Hopes  of  an    Inheritance,    :^ 


IN      THE 


Holy  Life  and  Death 

Of  the   Antient  and   Celebrated 

St.  ROBERT, 


as  having-  been  the  Heir  of  his  Father,  who  was  ^ 
twice  Chief  Mag-iftrate  of  YORK;  and  Hved  ^ 
abRemioully  upon  Herbs,  Roots,  ^c,  on  the  :^ 
narrow  Banks  of  the  River  A'^/'d :  Near  which,  :^ 
in  the  Rocks,  are  to  be  feen  his  mofL  folitary  :^ 
Cave,  and  wonderful  Chapel,  at  this  very  Day.        :^ 


Collected  from  Antient  and  Anthentick  Records.      By  T.  Gent.       ^^ 


Videre  vitam  beatam  donum  eft  Altiffimi. 


To  fee  a  Life  that's  pure  and  bleft,  ^; 

Is,  fure,  the  Gift  of  Heav'n  confeft.  »- 


Quidquid    Cceli    amhiiu    contineitir    inferius    ab    aninia  ,-^ 

hiunana  ejl,  qua  fafla  eji,  ut  fumvnnn  bofium  fuperius  -<sC 

pojjlderet,  cujus  pojjfefflone  beata  fieret.     August.  Sol.  ^ 

Cap.  20.  -<sC 


The    Second    Edition,    ivith    Additions,  ^ 

adortid  tvith    Cuts.  ^^ 

YORK  :  Printed  by  Thomas  Gent,  near  Stofie  Gate.    ^ 


[258] 


CHAP.       I  . 

Of  St.  ROBERT'S  Birth,  and  Holy  Education. 

A  BOUT  the  Year  of  our  Bleffed  Lord,  1159,  this  Saint 
was  born,  in  the  antient  City  of  Foi'k,  when  Roger, 
furnam'd  The  GOOD,  who  built  the  famous  Choir  of  the 
Cathedral,  was  Archbifhop  of  the  See,  whilfl  Savaric  pre- 
fided  as  4th  Abbot  of  the  Monaflery,  dedicated  to  the 
Bleffed  Virgin ;  fome  Ruins  of  which  remain  near  to  the 
pleafant  Banks  of  the  River  at  this  very  Day.  The  Child's 
Father  is,  by  fome,  faid  to  have  been  call'd  Robert  de 
Cockcliff ;  by  others,  Took  Floiirc,  or  Tocklcfs  Flozver :  He 
was  Chief  Magiflrate,  or  Mayor,  Anno  Chrijli  1195;  alfo  a 
2d  time,  in  the  fame  Reign,  when  King  Richard  the  Firfl 
fway'd  the  Sceptre.  His  Spoufe,  Smimera,  or  Semenia,  the 
Mother  of  St.  Robert,  was  reputably  defcended.  No  vir- 
tuous or  learned  Education  was  in  the  leafl.  wanting  to 
their  Son  ;  who  imbib'd  it  as  freely  as  the  parched  Earth 
could  fuck  in  defcending  Showers :  Even  in  Infancy, 
Heaven  had  infpir'd  his  Soul  with  fublime  Appre- 
henfions  of  the  Sacred  Being  !  He  would  often  fecretly 
retire  to  Prayer,  with  a  fweet,  juvenile  Ardency ;  which 
made  him  to  be  honour'd  by  the  Elders,  while  he  was 
but  young  :  And  as  he  grew  in  Years,  their  Wonder  in- 
creas'd  at  his  Extenfive  Knowledge,  and  Divine  Penetration. 
In  more  antient  Times,  there  was,  at  Streanjhall,  a  famous 
Monaflry,  founded  by  St.  Hilda,  Daughter  to  Duke  Hereric. 
Here  it  was,  that  King  Oswy,  of  Northumberland,  (  according 
to  his  Vow,  for  obtaining  a  Victory  over  Penda  the  Mercian 
Prince)  gave  his  young  Daughter  Eanfled  to  be  confecrated 
in  perpetual  Virginity;  where,  in  Procefs  of  Time,  this  pious 
Lady,  the  good  King,  her  Father,  her  Grandfather  Edwin, 

with 


Chap.  I.       S/.  Robert's  Manner  of  Holy  Living.  259 

with  feveral  of  the  Nobility,  were  bury'd  ;  a  Place  honour'd 
as  being-  an  Academy  to  5  Archbifliops  of  Fork ;  and  which 
was  afterwards  deflroy'd  by  Hungiiar  and  Hubba,  cruel  Danes, 
who  had  oblig-ed  Titus  the  Abbot  to  fly  to  Glajlcnbury  with 
the  Relicks  of  its  moft  excellent  Foundrefs  :  Upon  thefe 
deplorable  Ruins,  William  de  Percy,  who  accompany' d  the 
Conqueror,  and  one  of  his  Poflerity  in  the  Reign  of  Henry 
Ihe  Firjl,  rebuilt  another  Abbey,  confecrated  to  St.  Peter  and 
St.  Hilda.   (  (^  ) 

The  Monaflery,  in  the  Time  of  St.  Roherfs  Youth,  having- 
been  in  a  flourifliing-  Condition,  was  thought  by  his  indulgent 
Parents  to  be  the  moft  proper  Place  for  holy  Improvement. 
Here  he  continu'd  for  about  5  or  6  Years,  in  the  fable  Habit 
of  a  Benedifline ;  and,  thro'  his  conftant  Study,  with  unaf- 
fe6led  Piety,  became  very  confpicuous:  The  fuperiour  Clergy, 
feeing  fo  happy  a  Conjun6lion,  juftly  concluded,  That  fo  un- 
f potted  a  Life  was  purely  the  Gift  of  Heaven  ;  and  therefore  he 
was  foon  defervedly  ordain'd  a  Subdeacon.  After  which,  he 
had  Liberty  to  vifit  his  Father  and  Mother. 

Leaving-  Fork  a  while,  to  fee  his  younger  Brother,  who 
was  at  the  New  Monaftery  of  Cijlercians  ;  fo  charm'd  was  he 
with  the  Manner  of  their  Devotion,  Innocency,  and  Behaviour, 
that  (with  fome  difficulty  obtaining  Permiflion  of  the  Abbot 
of  Whitby)  he  became  one  of  them,  and  remained  there 
about  4  Years ;  being  equally  admired,  as  a  moft  fhining 
Pattern  of  Goodnefs :  When,  taking  a  kind  Farewell,  the  Con- 
vent {b)  gave  him  their  unanimous  Benedi6lion ;  and  fo,  re- 
turning to  Fork,  was  received  by  his  Parents  with  great  Joy. 

CHAP. 

{a)  The  Ruins  of  it,  at  Whitby,  are  yet  to  be  feen  ;  without  any  In- 
fcriptions  therein,  except  the  following,  in  Saxon  Charafters,  cut  on  a 
Pillar  in  the  N.  Crofs  Ifle.  Johannes  de  Brumton,  quondam  famulus  Domino 
De-la-phe,  has  columnas  erexit  in  metiim  6-  honorem  beata  Maries,  i.e.  John 
of  Brumton,  formerly  Servant  to  Lord  De-la-phe,  eredled  thefe  Columns 
to  the  reverential  Efteem  of  the  Bleffed  Virgin  Mary. 

( b  )  Each  of  thefe  Religious  Perfons  wore  a  white  Habit :  The 
whole    Order   were   called    the   Bernardinc    Monks,  of  Fountain's   Abby, 

about 


26o  S/.    Robert's   Holy  Refoliition.  Chap.  II. 

CHAP.       II. 

How   S.  Robert  privately  left  his  ParcJits. 

BEING  at  home  a  while,  and  confidering-  the  ftiort  State 
of  this  Life,  with  the  Immortahty  of  the  next;  he 
rightly  judged,  That  the  Lands  and  Riches  (to  which  he  was 
the  indubitable  heir)  tho'  they  might  indeed  exalt  Man,  yet 
would  infallibly  ruin  the  Saint.  And  therefore  he  was  re- 
folved  to  forfake  the  Delights  of  the  one,  for  the  Defires  of 
the  other ;  in  Imitation  of  Paul,  Hilarion,  Bafd,  and  other 
devout  Perfons.  But,  thro'  Fear  of  Prevention,  not  thinking 
proper  to  acquaint  his  tender  Parents,  he  fecretly  travell'd  to 
(c)  Knaresborough ;    where  he  found,  amongft  the  Cliffs,  a 

fort 


about  3  Miles  S.  W.  of  Rippon  :  Some  of  whom,  encourag'd  by  Arch- 
bifhop  THURSTAN,  had  departed  from  St.  Mary's  Monaflery,  YORK, 
about  the  Year,  131 1  ;  but  with  fo  poor  an  Endowment  at  firft,  that  their 
Lodging  was  beneath  the  Shade  of  an  Elm-Tree,  with  the  Want  of  all 
neceffary  Provifions.  Five  Years  after,  the  new  Monaftery  was  begun 
to  be  built,  thro'  the  Piety  of  Ranulphus  de  Merlay;  Hugh,  Dean  of 
Yorh,  &c.  To  which.  King  RICHARD  I.,  Earl  Allan,  Archbifliop 
Henry,  Hugh  de  Bolebeck,  William  de  Casule,  Aalizi  de  Gant,  Bertram 
and  William  de  Haget,  Richard  de  Hedune,  Roger  de  Lacey,  Ralph 
Lord  of  Middleham,  Roger  de  Mowbray,  (who  gave  9  Lordships,  and  whose 
Effigy,  as  tho'  armed  in  a  Coat  of  Mail,  is  still  preserved ) :  Alice  de  Rumeli, 
Robert  de  Sarz,  and  Swane  de  Tornetun,  were  Benefaftors :  It  was,  at 
the  Diffolution,  rated  at  1073L  A  great  Part  of  the  Walls  and  Steeple, 
are  yet  remaining,  as  partly  defcrib'd  in  the  Cut  on  p.  256.  In  a  Nitch, 
North  of  the  latter,  is  a  beautiful  Image  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  with 
another  of  the  BlefTed  Infant  in  her  Arms :  And  round,  on  every  Side, 
is  faid  to  be  this  mofl  devout  Sentence :  Soli  DEO  Omnipotenti  sit  Gloria 
per  Sacula  Saculorum.    Amen. 

(c)  A  Town  in  the  Wefl-Riding  of  Yorkshire,  in  Claro  Hundred, 
remarkable  upon  thefe  Occafions,  viz.  1.  The  Sweet  Spaw,  or  Vitrioline 
Well,  very  palatable,  found  out  ( near  Harrowgate )  by  Mr.  Slingsby, 
about  the  Year  1620;  which  is  adorn'd  with  a  Bafon  and  Spout,  Steps 
on  each  Side,  the  running  Streams  clear  like  Cryftal,  and  decently 
covered  on  the  Top  with  arched  Stone.      2.    The  Sulphur  Well,  in  like 

Manner 


Chap  11.         Turns  Hermit  at   Knaresboroug-h.  261 


fort  of  an  Hermit,  who  appear'd  mightily  pleas'd  with  fuch 
an  holy  Companion.  This  mutual  Bleffing-  was  foon  diffolv'd  : 
For,  alas !  that  feeming-  fan6lify'd  Perfon,  thro'  the  Devil's 
Infligation,  returning  to  the  World,  left  St.  Robert  to  a  more 
filent  Solitude.  His  Cell  was  at  firfl  a  dreary  Cavity  in  the 
low  Part  of  a  prominent  Rock  :  Down  to  this  gloomy  Recefs 
is  yet  perceivable  a  Defcent,  (once  much  more  rude)  which 
the  Saint  had  wrought  into  eafier  Steps,  or  Gradations. 
About  the  Mouth  of  this  Cave,  he  pick'd  up  Roots  and  Herbs : 
The  Streams  of  the  River,  which  ran  not  far  from  it,  afforded 
him  Drink :  And  in  this  abflra6led  Manner  was  his  Body  but 
poorly  fubfifted ;  whilfl  his  Soul  became  richly  fed  by  Prayer 
and  Contemplation. 

One  Time,  walking  to  the  Houfe  of  a  rich  Matron,  not 
far  diflant,  and  befeeching  Alms,  Ihe  gave  him  St.  Hilda's 
Chapel,  (fome  Ruins  of  which  remain  in  the  Parifh  of  Spof- 
forth,  antiently  the  Seat  of  the  Percies)  with  as  much  Ground, 
near  it,  as  he  was  able  to  cultivate :  But  the  little  Provifions, 
which  by  hard  labour  were  produced,  having  been  ftolen  away, 
he  went  to  Spofforth  aforefaid,  where  People  daily  affembled 

to 

Manner  ornamented  :  The  Waters  of  which,  tho'  unfavoiiry,  and  loath- 
fome  both  to  the  Talte,  and  Smell ;  yet  prove  an  infallible  Remedy  to 
promote  the  Cure  of  Spleen,  Gout,  Scurvy,  Dropsy,  and  other  Diftempers. 
3.  The  Well  of  St.  Mongah,  or  Kentigern,  from  the  Name  of  a  Bifliop 
in  Scotland.  And,  4,  Dropping,  or  Petrifying  Spring,  defcending  from'  an 
high  Rock,  (oppofite  the  Caftle)  the  Streams  of  which  have  turn'd  the 
Ground  beneath  it  into  the  like  Subflance,  but  fpungy,  and  porous, 
that  extend  for  fome  Yards  into  the  River ;  over  which,  are  handfome 
Stone  Bridges :  One  is  called  the  HIGH  Bridge  :  The  Other  MARCH 
Bridge;  probably  from  the  Extent  of  the  Abbey-Lands;  March,  or 
Marc,  in  the  Teiitonick  Language,  ( of  which  our's  is  but  a  Branch ) 
fignifying  a  Limit,  tS-c.  This  laft  Petrifying  Well  is  lefs  for  Utility, 
than  Curiofity :  Which  may  yet  lead  the  Mind  profitably  to  admire 
the  wonderful  Works  of  GOD,  in  the  expanfive  View  of  His  Creation  ; 
that,  while  He  affords  us  the  Means  of  Health  for  our  decaying  Bodies, 
with  no  lefs  comfortable  Imaginations,  He  furnifhes  our  immortal  Souls, 
which  his  beloved  SON  hath  redeemed. 


262  SL  Robert's  Mother  departs  this  Life.        Chap.  II. 

to  hear  his  moving-  Eloquence,  with  his  harmonious  Elo- 
cution. Endeavouring  to  fliun  Praife,  by  fecretly  preparing- 
for  Departure ;  the  Monks  of  Adley,  by  a  Meffenger,  invited 
him  to  their  Monaflery.  Here,  entering  into  the  Fraternity, 
he  was  admired  by  the  antient  Gentlemen,  for  his  chearful 
Submiffion  to  their  regular  Difcipline :  His  white,  thin  Gar- 
ment, ferv'd  rather  to  veil,  than  nourifh  his  mortify'd  Body : 
The  Bread,  he  eat,  was  4  Parts  of  Barley-Meal,  flirr'd  about, 
to  g-ive  it  fome  Subflance.  But  thefe,  and  other  Auflerities, 
being  unpleafant  to  the  younger  Sort,  who  envied  his  fublime 
Virtues;  the  peaceful  Saint  return'd  to  the  Chapel  of  St. 
Hilda.  His  joyful  Patronefs,  Philadklphia,  not  only  re- 
poffefs'd  him  in  the  Land  about  it;  but  order'd  the  building 
of  a  Barn  for  his  Corn,  with  other  Neceffaries.  At  certain 
Times  of  the  Day,  he  would  labour  very  hard ;  mod  Part  of 
the  Night  too,  he  fpent  in  Prayer;  and,  when  he  did  fleep,  it 
was  even  upon  the  bare  Ground.  He  kept  4  Servants  :  Two 
he  employ'd  in  Tillage ;  a  third  for  various  Occafions ;  and  a 
4th  to  colle6l  the  Alms  of  charitable  People,  for  the  Sup- 
port of  holy  Perfons  taken  into  his  Community. 

Whilfl  our  Saint  was  performing  Works  of  Devotion,  his 
Mother  Semenia  was  taken  with  a  violent  Fit  of  Sicknefs  :  So 
raging  was  the  Dillemper,  that  fhe  attempted  to  rife  often 
from  her  Bed ;  and,  like  other  dying-  Perfons,  as  Death 
approach'd  the  nearer,  with  an  Imagination  of  certain  Judg- 
ment, fhe  was  both  comforted,  and  affli6led,  thro'  different 
Apprehefions,  as  tho'  made  fenfible  by  good,  or  bad  Angels, 
according  to  her  former  Virtues,  or  Vices.  At  lafl,  having 
been  releas'd  from  the  Prifon  of  Mortality,  fhe  was  fump- 
tuoully  bury'd,  in  the  Priory  of  Holy  Trinity,  in  Mickle-Gate, 
Fork,  which  Ralph  Paganel,  a  Nobleman,  had  retriev'd  from 
Ruin,  by  Confent  of  King-  William  I.  Herein  Walter,  one  of 
the  Family,  was  intomb'd ;  and  others  of  them,  in  Procefs  of 
Time,  had  the  Honour  to  be  interr'd  in  the  Cathedral ;  par- 
ticularly la?nes  Flower,  Armour  Bearer  to  Joh7i  Lord  Scroope, 

who  deceafed  about  the  Year  1453. 

One 


Chap.  III.  His  Recourfe  to  lonefome  Rocks,  263 

One  Day  it  happen'd,  that  St.  Robert,  tir'd  with  Morti- 
fication, thought  to  bury  his  Cares  a  while,  on  the  verdant 
Grafs,  by  a  fhort  Repofe :  But  his  filent  Slumber  was  foon 
diflurbed  thro'  the  feeming  Appearance  of  his  tender  Mother 
Semen  I A  aforefaid,  pale,  confus'd,  trembling,  and  weeping, 
about  the  third  Day  after  fhe  was  laid  in  her  Grave.  He 
thought  he  heard  her  fay,  My  dear  Son,  I  have  now  pafs'd  the 
fable  Waters  0/  Death,  ajid  am  no  more  in  this  World:  Wherein, 
tho  I  feemed  to  lead  a  pious  Life  ;  yet  now  I  find  1  am  to  fuffer 
fevere  PimifJimejits  for  Uftcry,  afid  feveral  private  Sins,  iinlefs 
relieved  by  the  Efficacy  of  your  Prayers  !  At  which,  being  much 
troubled,  he  not  only  made  a  Promife  to  implore  the  Almighty 
for  her,  but  took  Care  to  perform  it :  and,  after  that,  fhe  re- 
appear'd,  with  a  chearful,  fliining  Countenance;  when,  giving 
him  hearty  Thanks,  fhe  glided  up  on  high,  fmging  Praifes 
melodioufly  to  the  King  of  Kings. 

CHAP.       III. 

How  St.   Robert  was  perfecuted,  and  preferv'd. 

"XTTILLIAM    EsTOTEviLL,  Lord  of  the  Forrefl,  paffmg  by 

'  ^     the  Cell,  demanded  of  his  Servants,  Who  lived  there  ? 

They  anfwered,  Robert,  an  Holy  Hermit.    No,  faid  he,  rather 

a  Receiver  of  Thieves  :  And,  in  a  Rage,  made  them  deflroy  it. 

Then  St.  Robert,  bearing  this  proud  Infult  with  the  mofl 

Chriflian  Patience,  had  Recourfe  to  the  Cliffs,  near  Knares- 

borough;  contriving  a  new  but  fmall  Receptacle,  (not  far  from 

the  Chapel  dedicated  to    St.    Gyles)  made   with  Boughs  of 

Hedges,   and  Trees.    But  the  Enemy  of  Mankind,  envious  at 

his  increafing  Virtue,  influenced  {d)  Estotevill  to  attempt 

his  Overthrow. 

That 

[d)  He  was  alfo  Lord  of  the  Caftle,  (a  Tower  of  which  contains 
an  Iron  Chefl,  wherein  the  Forrefl  Laws,  ^c,  are  yet  preferv'd ;  and 
near  it  appear  the  Ruins  of  ftrong  and  hollow  Walls,  fubterraneous 
Paffages,  large  Gates,  and  lofty  Turrets)  built  for  the  mofl  part  on  a 
Rock,  (near  the  River  Nid)  faid  to  have  been  eredted  by  a  Relation  of 

MONOCULUS 


264  EsTOTEViLL   intends   his   Rtiin.         Chap.  III. 

That  Lord,  with  his  Attendants,  riding-  by  the  Saint's  Cell, 
took  Notice  of  fome  Smoke  that  afcended  from  it ;  and  de- 
manding. Who  dwelt  there  ?  was  anfwered,  Robert,  the 
Hermit.     Is  it  him,  (f aid  he)  that  I  expell'd  my  Forrefl?    'Tis 

the 

MoNocuLus,  Lord  of  Knareshorough,  called  Serlo  de  Burgh,  Uncle  by 
the  Father's  Side  to  Eustace  Vescy,  who  fprung  from  Ivo  Vescy,  an 
Attendant  of  King  William  I.  Eustace,  a  Defcendant,  Son  of  John,  is 
celebrated  by  the  firft  Monks  of  Fountain's  Abby ;  becaufe,  in  their  extream 
Want,  when  they  had  given  their  lad  Loaf  away  to  a  poor  Stranger,  that 
Nobleman,  hearing  of  their  Diftrefs,  pioufly  fent  them  a  Cart-Load  of 
Ptovifions  from  his  Caftle  ;  which,  after  his  Deceafe,  became  the  Seat  of 
the  EsTOTEViLLS,  who  were  of  a  Norman  Extradlion.  In  the  Reign  of 
King  Stephen,  Robert  Estotevill  (or  de  Stouteville)  bravely  affifted, 
with  the  Barons  of  the  Realm,  in  the  Overthrow  of  David,  King  of  Scotland, 
at  Northallerton,  Anno  1138  :  And  one  of  his  Pofterity,  perhaps  his  Son, 
called  by  his  Name,  was  High-Sheriff  of  Yorkshire,  in  the  Year  1174, 
when  King  Henry  II.  ruled  the  Land ;  And  another,  alfo  named  Robert, 
( all  of  'em  defcended  from  Robert  Grandebceuf,  a  Baron  of  Normafidy) 
by  King  JOHN'S  Permiffion,  built  Cottinghatn  Caftle,  about  three  Miles 
from  the  Place,  where  Htdl  was  eredled.  Some  of  his  Family  were 
ftyl'd  Earls  of  this  County,  the  largeft  in  England.  Nor  were  thefe 
Great  Men,  or  other  honourable  Perfons  thro'  their  Proximity  of  Blood, 
lefs  famous  for  Religion  and  Charity  :  For  Robert  Estotevill,  Abbot 
of  Kirhsted,  in  Lincolnshire,  was  a  very  devout  Perfon  :  Another  Robert, 
if  not  the  fame,  with  a  Kinfman  call'd  Gosfrid,  proved  great  Bene- 
faftors  to  St.  Mary's  Abbey,  York;  giving  (to  the  fupport  of  that 
once  noble  Strufture,  &c.)  fome  of  their  Lands  at  Buttercram,  Cukewald, 
Edelingthorp,  Harton,  Hovingham,  Kirhy,  Langton,  Straingham,  Wreth  Ifland, 
and  the  Fifheries :  A  third  Robert,  if  not  one  of  the  two  former,  along 
with  a  Relation,  named  Eustace  Estotevill,  were  alfo  beneficent  to 
St.  Leonard's  Hofpital  (to  which  King  Athelstane  had  been  a  Benefadlor) 
in  the  faid  City,  by  poffeffmg  the  Mafter  and  Brethren  with  Eftates  at 
Hawthorne ,  Little  Aton,  &c.  —  Kirby-Moreside,  in  the  faid  County,  and 
Liddel-Castle,  Cumberland,  were  in  the  Poffeflion  of  the  Estotevills,  with 
a  Barony  adjoining ;  which  afterwards  came  to  the  Wakes,  a  noted 
Family :  From  thofe  Estotevills  defcended  the  faid  William.  In 
fucceeding  Times,  King  Henry  III.  gave  this  Caftle,  Honour,  &c.,  to 
Hugh  de  Burgh;  Edward  II.  to  Piers  Gaveston  ;  and  Edward  III. 
to  his  4th  Son,  John,  Duke  of  Gau7it,  afterwards  of  Lancaster;  to  which 
the  Town  belongs,  and  is  an  Appendage  of  the  Crown. 


Chap.  IV.         But  is  prevented,    thro^  a    Vifion.  "21^^^ 

the  very  fame,  Sir ;  reply'd  his  Servants.  Whereat  he  fwore, 
by  the  Eyes  of  GOD,  the  next  Day,  to  pull  it  to  the  Ground, 
and  drive  the  Holy  Man  from  that  Retirement  for  ever. 

But,  u^hen  the  Curtains  of  Heaven  were  drav^n,  about  the 
Middle  of  the  Night,  while  Estotevill  was  in  a  deep  Sleep, 
there  appeared  a  Vifion  of  Three  Men,  fearful  to  behold ! 
Two  bearing  a  burning  Engine  of  feeming  Iron,  befet  with 
hot  and  fierce  Teeth ;  a  Third,  of  a  Gigantick  Stature, 
carrying  Two  Iron  Clubs  in  his  Hands,  came  furioufly  to- 
wards his  Bed,  faying,  Cruel  Prince,  and  Injlnnnent  of  the 
Devil,  arife  quickly,  and  make  Choice  of  ofie  of  thcfe  to  defend  thy- 
felf  for  the  Injuries  thou  intendefl  to  do  againfl  the  Man  of  God, 
for  whom  lamfent  hither  to  fight  thee.  Hereupon  Estotevill, 
with  Remorfe  of  Confcience,  feem'd  to  cry  to  Heaven  for 
Mercy,  with  Proteflation  of  Amendment :  Whereat  the 
frightful  Vifion  vaniflied;  and  that  Lord,  coming  to  himfelf, 
prefently  conflrued  this  was  a  jufl  Revelation  from  God  for 
the  Violence  done  and  intended  ag'ainft  St.  Robert  :  There- 
fore, the  next  Day,  he  gave  him  all  the  Land  between  his 
Cell  and  Grimhall  Bridge  (orCragg)  Stone,  for  perpetual 
Arms.  Tho'  fome  Writers  mention  it  Grimbald ;  yet,  I  think, 
more  truly  Grimoald :  Not  only  becaufe  it  was  the  Name,  and 
might  be  in  Memory,  of  a  mofl  pious  King  of  Lombardy, 
who  ere6led  the  Church  of  St.  Amhrofe  at  Paphia,  in  the  7th 
Century;  but  alfo  that  it  is  a  German  Word,  fignifying  Power 
over  Anger.  The  Stone  is  now  loft :  Which,  perhaps,  was 
then  fet  up  by  Lord  Estotevill,  both  as  a  Confirmation  of 
his  pious  Donation,  and  as  a  preventive  Mark  againfl  the 
wicked  Effe6ls  of  an  ireful  Paffion  levell'd  at  the  Servants  of 
GOD  :  So  far  from  which  was  Estotevill  now  converted, 
and  becaufe  the  Ground  he  had  given  fliould  not  lie  untill'd, 
that  he  prefented  St.  Robert  with  two  Oxen,  two  Horfes,  and 
two  Cows,  for  his  better  Support. 

CHAP. 


266  The  Sainfs  Charity  towards  his  Enemy.     Chap.  IV. 

CHAP.        IV. 

Some  remarkable  Accidents  concerning  St.  Robert. 

"VTOT  long-  after,  he  took  into  his  Company  one  Ivo  (or 
"^^  Ino)  employing-  him  as  an  Overfeer  of  the  Poor,  and  a 
Diaributer  of  their  Alms  :  But  this  very  Man,  at  a  certain 
Time,  being-  overcome  by  the  Devil,  fled  from  the  happy 
Saint ;  and,  in  his  Flight,  chancing  to  fall,  and  break  his  Leg-, 
St.  Robert,  by  Divine  Revelation,  quickly  knevir  of  his  Afflic- 
tion. Making  hafte  therefore  to  his  AffiRance,  he  moft  feverely 
reprehended  him;  but  Ivo  acknowledging  his  Fault,  and 
defiring  Pardon,  the  Holy  Man,  forthwith  bleffing  his  Leg, 
and  laying  his  Hand  on  the  Part  imbrued  with  Blood,  reflored 
him  to  his  former  Condition,  and  brought  him  back  to  his 
Cell. 

So  great  was  the  Saint's  Care  of  the  Poor,  that,  for  their 
better  Relief,  he  defired  his  Patron,  Estotevill,  to  bellow 
another  Cow  upon  him,  which  was  granted;  but  withal, 
(thro'  the  Means  of  an  ill  natur'd  Servant)  fuch  a  fierce 
Creature,  that  it  was  even  terrible  to  approach.  However, 
the  Man  of  God,  making  hafte  to  the  Forreft,  foon  perceiv'd 
her;  and,  putting  one  Hand  over  her  Neck,  fhe  went  home 
with  him  as  meek  as  poffible.  The  wicked  Servant,  before- 
mention'd,  told  Lord  Estotevill  of  the  A6lion  ;  faying 
withal.  That  he  would  devife  a  Way,  how  to  get  the  Cow 
from  the  good  Man :  And  tho'  his  Mafter  difproved  of  the 
Motion ;  yet  the  envious  Wretch,  feigning  to  be  in  a  lame 
and  poor  Condition,  begg'd  the  Saint's  Affiftance,  not  only 
for  himfelf,  but  his  Wife  and  Children ;  who  were,  as  he  pre- 
tended, miferably  opprefs'd  with  Hunger  and  Want.  Com- 
paffion  foon  wrought  upon  the  Holy  Hermit:  As  GOB,  faid 
he,  has  given  to  me  what  JJioidd feed  the  Wa?its  of  me  and  mine  ;  fo 
a  Part  of  His  Bleffings  fhall  be  return  d  to  Him  again,  in  f  up- 
plying  the  Neceffaies  of  you,  and  your' s.  There  is  my  befl  Cow, 
to  nouri/Jiyou  all  with  her  Milk :   Take  her,  if  what  you  tell  me  be 

Truth 


Chap.  IV.  He  plows  with  Deer.  267 

Truth  indeed ;  hut  if  not,  the  favie  AffliHions,  you  pretend  to  fiijfer, 
will  certainly  be  the  jujl  Reward  of  fiich  faful  Hypocrify.  And 
thus  it  prov'd  :  For  when  this  Deceiver  thoug-ht  to  depart 
with  the  Cow,  and  had  unloos'd  the  Stringf,  by  which  his  Leg 
and  Ham  were  ty'd  tog-ether,  he  found  them  more  clofely 
united,  by  a  vindictive  and  fupernatural  Power.  Let  not  a  Chrif- 
tian  doubt  of  this,  fmce  Cicero,  tho'  an  Heathen,  writes,  Nihil 
efl  quod  Deus  efficere  non  poffit,  &  qiiidem  fine  labor e  ullo.  As  much 
as  to  fay.  There  is  nothing,  however  fo  great  and  furprizing,  but 
what  God  Almighty  can  accomplifh,  either  as  a  Pufiifhinent  of  a 
wicked  Sinner,  or  the  Reward  ofthejujl  Perfon  ;  and  truly  with  the 
greatejl  Eafe,  or  without  any  Labotcr.  This  the  Wretch  felt  with 
a  Witnefs ;  and  thereupon  cry'd  out,  O  Holy  St.  Robert, 
pardon  the  Injury  I  intended  againjl  you  ;  and  hefeech  the  Divine 
Being,  in  Behalf  of  me,  his  unworthy,  but  repeJtting  Servant.  The 
indulgent  Father  mercifully  comply'd  with  his  Requefl;  when, 
having  reflor'd  him  to  his  former  Ability,  he  returned  to  his 
beloved  Cell,  and  was  received  with  Joy. 

A  Company  of  Deer,  from  the  Forrefl,  haunting  his 
Ground,  fpoiled  his  Corn,  and  did  him  much  Harm  :  Where- 
upon, making  Complaint  to  the  Lord  Estotevill,  received 
this  Anfwer  :  Good  Robert,  /  give  thee  free  Leave  to  impowid, 
and  detain  them,  'till  you  obtain  ample  Satisfa6lion.  Then  went 
the  Holy  Man  into  the  Field ;  and,  with  a  Rod,  drove  thofe 
fwift  Creatures  out  of  the  Corn ;  afterwards  fecur'd  them  with 
as  much  Eafe  as  if  they  had  been  tender  Lambs ;  and  fo  fhut 
them  up  in  his  Barn :  Which  done,  he  went  to  his  Patron, 
acquainting  him  therewith;  who,  being  furpriz'd  at  the  flrange 
Event,  freely  gave  them  to  the  Saint,  to  ufe  either  in  the  Plow, 
or  for  any  other  Service  of  rural  Affairs.  Robert,  humbly 
thanking  the  beneficent  Lord,  returned  home ;  and,  taking  the 
Deer  out  of  the  Barn,  put  them  under  the  Yoke,  and  made 
them  to  plow  his  Ground  like  Oxen,  to  the  Amazement  of  all 
Beholders.  To  commemorate  which,  St.  Robert  is  depi61;ed, 
in  a  Window  belonging  to  the  North  Ifle  of  Knaresborough 

Church,  as  tho'  he  was  plowing  with  the  Deer. 

CHAP. 


268  He  forms  a  mojl  furprizing   Chapel.         Chap.  V. 

CHAP.       V. 

How  St.  Robert  formd  a  Chapel  in  a  Rock. 

A  ND   now  the  Saint  began  to  work  at  his  New  Chapel, 
within  a  folid  and  high  Rock;    which,   in  Procefs   of 
Time,  he  accomplifli'd ;    making  convenient   Steps,    to   the 
nearer   Banks   of   the   Nid:   A  River  famous,  becaufe  that 
near  its  Streams  a  noted  Synod  was  held,  in  the  Reig'n  of 
King  OsRED,  A.D.  708,  when  St.    WILFRID,  Abbot  of 
Rippon,  and  Archbifhop  of   York,  was  obliged  to  be  content 
with  the  See  of  Hexham,  in  Northumberland,  made  fuch  by 
Theodore,  Archbifliop  of   Canterbury;    tho'  fome  affert,  that 
(before  he  died,    which    was    in    the   Year   of    Christ    711, 
and  buried  in  Rippon  Monaftery)  he  became  fully  poffeffed 
of  his  former  Dignity.     The  Stones,  dug  out  of  the  Rock, 
feem  laid  as  the  Foundation   for   a   pleafant   Paffage    from 
St.  Robert's  Chapel,  about  46  Yards  on  the  fubfiding  Banks, 
now  to  be  feen  (as  defcrib'd  in  the  cut  of  the  Title-Page) 
'till  it  ends  at  a  little  Gate ;    from  which  to    the   Water   is 
between  4  and  5  Yards  more  :    And,  on  the  Oratory's  Out- 
Side,  was  carved  the  Image  of  an  armed  Man,    no   doubt 
in  Memory  of  the  defending  Vifion,  with  which  the   Lord 
Estotevill  was  formerly  terrify'd.     With  like  Reafon,  tho' 
the  Chapel  now  bears  his  own  Name,    he   dedicated    it   to 
St.  Gyles,  a  noble  Athenian,  once  Abbot,  Monk,  and  Her- 
mit in  France,  inflead  of  his  Oratory,  (confecrated  to   that 
Saint)  when  his  Houfe  was  made  with  Boughs,  interwoven 
with  Thorns.      Within    are    Seats,    on  each  Side,  either  to 
kneel  before,  or  reft  upon :    The  Length  of  this  Chapel  is 
3  Yards  and  \,  its  Breadth  3  Yards,   and   2   Yards   and   \ 
high,  up  to  a  curious    arched   Canopy,    plainly   difcernable 
from  the  Light  of  a  Window,  adorn'd  with  Tracery ;  which 
alfo  difcovers  an  Altar,  partly  carv'd  like  real  Pillars.    At 
the  right  Hand  are  Venerable  Faces,  that  are  believ'd  were 
defign'd  to   reprefent   the    HOLY   TRINITY:    All    of    the 

Rock; 


Chap.  V.  He  is  vifited  by  the  King.  269 

Rock;  and  yet  a  further  Space  or  Nitch  is  feen  behind 
the  Altar,  very  probable,  either  for  the  Imag-e  of  the  Bleffed 
Virgin  Mary,  or  a  Reprefentation  of  our  dear  Redeemer's 
bitter  Crucifixion !  Before  which,  according-  to  antient 
Cuflom,  he  would  often  proflrate  himfelf;  offering  up  his 
Prayers,  to  CHRIST  in  Heaven,  with  fuch  affe6lionate 
Devotion,  as  if,  under  that  mournful  Similitude,  he  had 
really  beheld  him  bleeding-,  and  dying  on  the  Crofs.  Eji 
mea  fpes   Chrijlns  folus,  qui  de   Cruce  pendei. 

King-  John,  in  his  Travels,  fometimes  courfmg-  along  the 
Country,  to  divert  the  melancholy  Thoughts  occafion'd  by 
the  Troubles  of  his  Reign,  came  at  length  to  Knaresborough, 
attended  by  his  Courtiers,  both  of  the  Laity,  and  Clergy.  As 
they  once  fat  at  Dinner,  his  Chaplain  confirm'd  the  Renown 
of  St.  Robert's  San6lity ;  for  which,  indeed,  his  Majefly,  who 
had  often  heard  thereof,  intended  to  vifit  him.  Accordingly, 
he  came,  with  few  Attendants,  to  the  Saint's  poor  Cell ; 
where  St.  Robert  entertain'd  him,  and  his  Retinue,  in  the 
mofl  courteous  Manner,  with  extraordinary  Piety,  and  becom- 
ing Gravity.  In  fhort,  the  Monarch  was  fo  charm'd  with 
his  Converfation,  that,  commiferating  his  Poverty,  he  granted 
him  40  Acres  of  wafLe  Ground,  (with  the  Appurtenances 
of  another  Place)  near  adjoining  to  what  he  had  before ; 
and  which  was  as  much  as  he  could  now  conveniently  till 
with  one  Plough,  or  Team. 

The  Lord  Bryan,  coming  one  Day  to  obtain  his  Bene- 
di6lion,  defired  withal  to  know.  What  Succefs  he  should 
have  in  a  Journey  and  Voyage  he  was  to  take  on  the  King's 
Service,  and  how  the  Event  would  prove  .?  Very  profperoufly, 
anfwered  the  Saint;  but,  my  Lord,  yomuill  never  return  again. 
And  this  was  fulfill'd  by  Death. 

Not  long  after  the  faid  Lord's  Departure,  he  foretold. 
That,  when  his  own  Diffolution  fliould  happen,  the  Monks  of 
Fountaifis  Abby  would  make  an  Attempt  to  take  his  Body 
from  them  by  Force ;  But,  (faid  he,  to  Thofe  of  his  Houfe)  / 

befeech 


270  SL  Robert  viftted  by  Sicknefs.  Chap.  VI. 

befeech  you  to  refijl  them  ;  and,  if  there  be  Occafion,  do  not  fail  to 
call  fecular  Power  to  your  Affijlance :  For,  in  foine  Part  of  the 
Place,  belojiging  to  That,  where  I  fJiall  give  up  my  latejl  Breath  ; 
there,  indeed,  would  I  have  my  Body  remain,  in  Peace,  I  hope,  'till 
a  Bleffcd  Rcfurre6lion  Jliall  recall  it  from  the  Dtijl.  Accordingly, 
his  Defire,  of  being-  buried  at  Knaresborough,  (which  Town 
he  loved  exceedingly)  was  effe6led,  as  mentioned  in  the 
following  Chapter. 

CHAP.        VI. 

Of  the  lamented  Death  of  St.  Robert;  his  decent  Burial;  and 
of  the  Monajlery,  foimded  to  his  Mcmoiy,  for  Religious 
Perfons,  call' d  Robertines. 

'T^HE  Holy  Man,  perceiving  himfelf  to  draw  near  his  End, 
and  being  prepared  to  dye,  with  a  humble  and  pious 
Heart,  defired,  that  the  Bleffed  Sacrament  might  be  brought 
unto  him,  as  the  befl  Viaticurn  for  his  Heavenly  Journey.  At 
which  Time,  the  Monks  of  Fountain's  Abby,  hearing  of  the 
Saint's  approaching  Death,  made  Hafle  to  come  unto  him: 
Not  only  to  yield  their  Affiflance,  in  his  latefl  Agonies,  by 
their  fervent  Prayers ;  but  alfo  brought  with  them  a  Cijlercian 
Habit,  to  Invefl  his  Body  for  Interment.  To  whom  the  dying 
Saint,  with  great  Humility,  faid,  /  tha7ik  you  for  your  Care  of 
7)iy  departing  Soul,  but  as  for  the  per  if  ling  Body,  my  ordinary 
Garinents  ai-e  really  fufficiefit ;  neither,  iiideed,  do  I  defire  any 
other.  As  he  lay  very  near  the  point  of  Death,  Ivo,  with  the 
reft  of  the  Servants,  and  others,  came  weeping  before  him, 
defiring  his  lafl  Bleffmg :  Which  he  willingly  gave  them,  in 
the  mofl  reverend  Manner;  and,  in  that,  with  other  pathetick 
Exercifes,  pioufly  yielded  up  the  Ghofl,  about  the  Year  of 
Salvation,  1216;  in  which  his  Royal  Benefa6lor,  King  John, 
departed  this  mortal  Life,  in  a  Caflle,  at  Newark-upon-Trent ; 
and  his  Son,  Henry  III.,  then  but  a  Child,  reigned  in  his  Stead. 

The 


Chap.  VI.    The  Saini's  Remains  honourably  intoviUd.  271 

The  Saint's  Body  was,  with  due  Reverence,  made  ready 
for  the  Grave :  And  fame  of  the  Monks  of  Founlaitis  Abby, 
(who  no  doubt  had  waited  'till  the  Time  of  his  Diffolution) 
left  the  Habit  they  had  officioufly  brought,  that  his  Corps 
might  be  more  decently  wrapt  up  therein  :  Moreover,  they 
endeavour'd  to  carry  away  the  Body  by  Force,  in  order  to 
inter  it  in  their  own  Monaflery ;  which  they  certainly  would 
have  accomplifhed,  had  not  a  Company  of  armed  Men,  that 
belong'd  to  the  Caflle,  refifled  them;  and  fo  they  were  obliged 
to  return  home  exceeding  forrowful  for  fo  great  a  Lofs. 

To  honour  the  Funeral  Obfequies  of  St.  Robert,  (who  is 
defervedly  celebrated,  on  the  7th  of  Jtine,  in  the  Old  Etigli/Ji 
Kalendar,  where  he  is  ftyl'd  both  Abbot  of  Knareshorough, 
and  Confeffor)  there  came  great  Numbers  of  People,  High 
and  Low,  Rich  and  Poor,  who  devoutly  kiffed  his  holy  Corps, 
in  the  Icy  Arms  of  Death,  as  he  lay  in  the  Coffin,  before  its 
lafl  Enclofure  :  And  then  he  was  carry'd,  with  mournful 
Solemnity,  to  the  Chapel  of  the  Holy  Crofs,  where  his  Body 
was  laid  in  a  New  {e)  Tomb  prepared  for  the  Reception  of 
it.  This  was  the  pious  End  of  that  Holy  Man,  when  he  was 
about  57  Years  of  Age ;  paying  that  common  Debt  which  is 

due 

( e )  The  upper  Stone  of  which  now  lies  (in  the  Church  at  Knares- 
horough, North  of  the  Altar)  over  the  Body  of  Sir  Henry  Slingsby, 
who  was  beheaded,  Anno  Dom.  1658.  The  Inscription  runs  partly  thus: 
Sancti  ROBERTI,  hue  Saxum  advectiim  est,  sub  eodemque  mmc  jacet  Henricus 
Slingsby,  S-c.  For  William  de  Slingsby,  (one  of  the  Ancestors  of  this 
loyal  Family )  marrying  the  Daughter  and  Heiress  of  Thomas  de  Screven  ; 
had  with  her  the  Place,  call'd  Screven,  (near  Knaresborough)  with  other 
Possessions  ;  in  Consequence  of  this  Union,  he  became  Heir  to  Thomas 
de  Walkingham,  whose  only  Daughter  the  said  Screven  had  been  formerly 
espoused  to.  And  it's  but  of  late,  that  one  Sir  Henry  Slingsby  built  a 
fair  Habitation  at  a  Place  call'd  Red  House,  which  is  another  Seat  of 
the  Family.  King  EDWARD  I.  made  Rangers  of  some  of  them,  because 
of  their  great  Fidelity  :  "Whose  Ancestors,  the  Posterity  of  Gamellus, 
"  once  Keeper  of  the   Forrest,  as  an  Historian  co7ifirms,  took  the   Name 

"  of  Screven,  from  their  antient  Seat,  or  Habitation," 

In 


272  An  Holy  Order  founded  to  his  Honour.         Chap.  VI. 

due  to  Nature,  by  returning  to  native  Dull :  And  then  his 
happy,  immortal  Soul,  difunited  from  its  Earthly  Manfion, 
and  hovering'  on  the  Wing-s  of  Bleiled  Angels,  was,  no 
doubt.  carrj-*d  up  into  Heaven,  where  it  mingled  with  the 
glorious  Company  of  Mart\TS,  ConfelTors,  and  other  Saints, 
to  praife,  in  Seraphic  Hymns,  the  Ever  Holy,  and  Adorable 
TRINITY,  to  all  Eternity. 

Bleffed  therefore  is  the  Memory-  of  St.  Robert  ;  who  was 
divinely  infpir'd,  and  greatly  happy,  even  whilil  he  exifted  in  a 

trouble- 
In  old  English  Charafters,  at  the  West  End  of  Knaresborough  Church, 
are  these  pious  Lines,  carved,  on  a  single  Stone 

JESU  CHRIST,  who  dy'd  upon  the  Rood!    Grant  us  Grace,  our  End  be  good, 

/«  the  Church,  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Altar,  are  these  Epitaphs,  beside  those 
exhibited  in  the  History  of  York,  Page  249,  &c. 

DEO.  Omrdpotenti,  Magno.  GuUelirus  S'.ingesbeius,  eques  auratus,  ex  incUta  Slinges- 
beioram  familia,  in  agro  Eboraceasi  oriundus ;  Francisci,  optimi  viri,  et  Marise,  unicae 
sororis  ThomE  &  Henrici  Percy,  comitum  NorthumbriE,  femins  honoratissimcE,  et 
pientissims,  filius ;  Knaresburgi,  29  Jan.  Anno  1562  natus  :  In  armis,  aula,  et  magistratn, 
sub  qnatuor  Regibus  sic  claravit ;  ut  in  bello,  exercitus  Elirabethae,  quo  oppidum,  classis, 
insulaq;  Cadiz,  felicissime,  intercepta  sunt,  munitionum  publicarum  commissarius 
generalis,  anno  1596:  In  aula,  sub  serenissimo  Jacobo  Rege,  Annae  Regini  illustrissimse, 
ad  mensam  cibicida  honorsxius,  1603  :  In  magistratu,  ab  eodurs  Jacobo  Rege,  Scotiam  ver- 
sus, progrediente,  Middlesexias  comitatus,  primorum  locum  tenentium :  unus  sub  magno 
sigillo  Anglis  constitutus,  1617  :  qui,  etiam,  negotia  adeunda,  in  singulis  commissionibas, 
pro  ejusdem  comitatus  regimine,  sub  Divo  Carolo  etiam  cum  laude  transegit. 

Vado ;  sed  nee  me  tsdet  vivere,  nee  timeo  mori.    August,  1634.       [Thus  Englished :] 

To  the  Great  Omnipotent  GOD.  William  Slixgesby,  Knight, 
(descended  from  the  illustrious  Family  of  the  Slixgesbies,  in  Yorkshire; 
Son  of  Henry,  one  of  the  best  cf  Men,  and  Mary,  one  0/  the  most  pious 
and  honourable  of  Women,  the  Sister  of  Thomas  and  Henry  Percy, 
Earls  of  Northumberland)  tvas  bom  at  Knaresborough,  the  igth 
of  January,  1562.  He  so  distinguish'd  himself,  under  four  crowned  Heads, 
thro'  his  Valour,  courtly  Behaviour,  and  prudential  Discharge  of  the  Trust 
reposed  in  him ;  that,  as  to  the  first,  he  was  elected  Commissary-General  to  the 
Forces  of  the  renowned  Queen  ELIZABETH ;  by  whom,  a  Touti,  Fleet,  atid 
the  Island  Cadiz,  were  taken  by  surprize,  in  the  Year  1596.  In  Court,  whilst 
his  Serene  Majesty  King  JAMES  the  First,  along  with  the  most  illustrious 
Queen  ANNE,  sat  upon  the  British  Throne,  Anno  1603,  he  was  honour'd  in 
being  made  Carver  at  their  Table:  And,  whilst  in  his  Office,  during  the  same 
King's  progress  to  Scotland,  was  appointed  by  his  Majesty  to  hold  one  of  the 
most  honourable  Places  in  the  County  of  Middlesex.  So  great  a  Favourite  he 
became,  that,  in  1617,    he  was  constituted,  under  the  great  Seal  of  England  : 

Who, 


Ch.  VI.        Pious  Remarks  on  the  Saints  Memory.  273 

troublefome  World:  Which  agrees  with  what  the  Roman 
Orator  truly  aflerts :  Nemo  magnus  fine  aliquo  affiaiu  divino 
unquam  fuit ;  that  none  but  the  Perfon,  whofe  Soul  is  warm'd 
with  fuch  Coeleftial  Refpiration,  can  be  truly  dig-nifyd.  But 
we  mud  go  flill  farther:  For  tho'  this  Good  Man  was  repofed 
in  the  Clent  Grave;  yet  Matthew  Paris,  a  Benedi6line  Monk  of 
St.  Allan's,  makes  the  Trumpet  of  Glor}'  flill  louder,  by 
writing-  thus  :  Claruit  fama  Sanfli  R  0  b  z  r  t  i  Heremiice  apud 
Knaresburg- ;  cujus  Tumla  Oleum  medicinale  fertur  abundanter 
emiftffe :  That  is,  The  Fame  of  St.  Robert,  Hermit  at  Knares- 
hOirQM<g\i,  JJione  very  confpicuous  ;  from  whofe  Sepulchre  a  medicinal 
Oyl  plentifully  ijfued  forth  ;  which,  as  we  are  further  aflured, 
occafion'd  many  wonderful  Cures.  Thus  did  his  Merit  feem 
to  former  Ag-es.  And  tho'  the  healing-  Unguent  has  ceased 
long-  fince  to  flied  its  oily  Streams ;  yet  the  fweet  Odour  of 
his  Sanctity-  is  flill  refrefhing-  to  our  defiring-  Spirits,  notwith- 
flanding-  fo  many  Centuries  pafl,  and  ever  \\-ill  be  whilfl  the 
Remembrafice  of  the  fujl  JJiall  be  bleffed.  And  fo  much  was  he 
efleem'd  by  Richard  Plaxtagexet,  the  young-  King's  Brother, 
(who  was  then  Earl  of  Corfrtvall,  and  in  Procefs  of  Time 
became  King  of  the  Romans)  that  t%vo  Years  after,  A.D.  12 18, 
he  erecled  a  Monaflery  for  Religious  Perfons,  who  were 
called  Robertines,  from  the  Name  of  the  holy  Saint,  as  tho'  he 
indeed  had  been  the  original  Founder.  The  Eflate,  that  St. 
Robert's  kind  Patronefs  had  given  him ;  the  Lands,  %\-ith  the 
Appurtenances  of  Sivinefco,  prefented  by  King  Johx,  as  alfo 

Halikelde- 

Who,  also,  pass'd  thro'  other  Preferments,  with  great  Applause,  in  their 
respective  Commissions,  for  the  Government  of  the  aforesaid  County,  in  that 
Monarch's  Reign,  as  likeuise  in  that  of  the  Pious  King  CHARLES  the  First. 

I  depart ;  but  neither  am  I  wear>'  of  Life,  or  afraid  to  die.     August,  1634. 
Thru  other  Inscripiiorj  are  as  follow  : 

Hie  jacet   Henr.   Slingesbie  filius  &  hares  Fiancdsci  &  Maris.  n:e=5e  i  ;:  i:   1-- 
XLIV.  Elir.  R.  milit.  qui  obiit  Decern,  die  17.    Anno  Dom.  1634.    .<Etat.  sue  74  s.--o=.,  et 
10  menses.     Sed  omnia  vanitas. 

Here  lies  the  Bodv  of  Dorothy  Slingesby,  late  Wife  oi  Sir  Thomas  S'dEgM'rj,  of 
Scriven.  Bart.  Daughter  and  Coheir  of  George  Cradock  of  Caresvrell  Castle,  i::  Stiford- 
shire,  Esq.  She  died  the  24th  Jan.  1675.  by  whom  he  had  3  Sons:  Henr}-,  Thomas,  and 
George;  and  3  Daughters,  Dorotfiy,  Elizabeth,  and  Barbara. 

Perfectum  fuit  hoc  opus  p.  Hen.  Slyngesb.  24.  Jurdi  1602.  Unitrino  Deo  consecratmn 
Anno  SEt&i.  sues  42,  et  5  Mens.  Anno  Eliz.  R,  44-      ^'^^  vitam  aofert,  i  aaert. 


274  Pathetick  Obfervation  on  the   Grave.         Chap.  VI. 

Halikeldefyke  Wood,  that  lay  North  of  the  River;  all  thefe 
were  conferr'd  upon  this  Society,  flyled  De  Redemptione  Capti- 
vortm,  alias  San£lcB  Trinitatis.  The  Church,  Convent,  and 
other  contiguous  Building-s,  were,  it's  fuppos'd,  pull'd  down 
at  the  Diffolution,  in  the  Reig-n  of  King  Henry  Vlllth;  but  a 
Gate  thereof  is  flill  remaining.  The  Coe?niierium,  or  Place  of 
Interment,  is  yet  difcernable ;  where  a  reverend  Perfon  lies 
buried  :  Over  whom  is  a  large  Grave-Stone,  about  a  Foot  in 
Thicknefs ;  the  Length  and  Breadth  is  form'd  proportionable 
to  the  Stature  and  Bulk  of  a  well-siz'd  Man.  Upon  which, 
towards  the  Head,  is  carved  a  Crofs-Moline,  like  the  Litlle 
One,  here  reprefented,  on  the  Side  of  the  Great.  The  Form 
of  the  longer  Part  of  the  Latter  is  pourtray'd  towards  the 
Feet.  In  the  Middle  of  it,  from  the  Breafl  downwards,  are 
thefe  Letters,  (but  in  Saxon  Chara^ers)  HIC  JACET 
J  .  B  E  M  E  R  :  That  is.  Here  lieth  John  Bemer  :  Before  the 
fira  Article  {HIC)  are  thefe  Letters,  I.O.Y.,  &c.  as  fuppos'd, 
being  almofl  worn  away :  But,  after  the  venerable  Name  of 
/.  Bemer,  are  thefe :  B.  B.  O.  V.,  which,  perhaps,  might  be 
for  Baccalaurius  BeatcE  Ordinis  Viginis :  So  that,  probably,  it 
was  a  Gentleman  of  another  Order,  related  to  fome  Perfon 
belonging  to  This,  of  the  Mojl  Holy  Trinity.  Which  Society, 
befides  what  I  have  mention'd,  became  poffefs'd  of  Lands, 
Privileges,  &c.,  upon  Failure  of  Black  Canons  of  the  Holy 
Sepulchre ;  who  were  placed  in  the  Suburbs  of  Warwick,  by 
Henry,  Earl  of  that  City,  founded  upon  a  Rock;  and  ren- 
der'd  famous,  thro'  the  mod  renowned  GUY,  once  in  the 
fame  Station,  in  the  Reign  of  King  Atheljlane.  The  Land, 
belonging  to  this  Convent  at  Kriaresborough,  was  fold  to  the 
Earl  of  Shrewsbury,  in  the  Reign  of  Edward  the  Vlth.  The 
Robertine  Members  of  that  antient  Society  were  frequently 
employ'd  to  travel,  colle6t  Money,  and  intercede  for  the 
Redemption  of  Chriftian  Captives;  the  third  Part  of  their 
Revenues  being  apply'd  for  that  Purpofe  :  To  which  venera- 
ble Convent,  the  Princely  Founder's  Brother,  King  Henry 

the 


Chap.  VI.        A  Pious  Concht/ton  to  the  Whole. 


275 


the  Third,  in  the  12th  Year  of  his  Reign,  (and  his  mod  un- 
fortunate Grandfon,  Edward  the  Second,  in  the  5th  of  his) 
confirm'd,  with  fome  Additions,  there  feveral  Benefa6lions 
(which,  thro'  charitable  Piety,  at  Sundry  Times,  had  zealoufly 
been  given  them)  by  their  Royal  San6lion. 

About  a  Year  after  the  Death  of  St.  Robert,  Walter  Grey, 
Archbifhop  of  Fork,  departed  this  Life;  whofc  Monument 
(hereunder  partly  imitated)  remains  yet  in  the  Cathedral. 


To  conclude :  May  what  has  been  written,  and  the  Places 
which  are  yet  to  be  feen,  call  to  our  Minds  the  Vanity  all 
tranfitory  Enjoyments  whatfoever:  And,  whilft  we  ferioufly 
ponder  upon  thefe  Things,  may  we  be  incited  to  befeech 
Almighty  GOD,  That  the  Members  of  CHRIST'S  Holy 
Catholick  Church,  now  militant  on  Earth  ( particularly  that 
pure  Part  of  it  eflablifhed  in  this  Kingdom)  may,  hereafter, 
through  the  Merits  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  reign  trium- 
phantly with  HIM  in  Heaven. 

THE      END. 


[276] 


On    Holy   Wells. 

(Extracted  by  Permission,  from  Messrs.  Chambers's  ''Booh  of  Days.") 

JULY  I,  1652,  the  eccentric  John  Taylor,  commonly  called 
the  Water  Poet,  from  his  having  been  a  Waterman  on  the 
Thames,  paid  a  visit  to  St.  Winifred's  Well,  at  Holywell,  in 
Flintshire.  This  was  a  place  held  in  no  small  veneration  even 
in  Taylor's  days ;  but  in  Catholic  times,  it  filled  great  space 
indeed. 

There  is  something  at  once  so  beautiful  and  so  bountiful  in 
a  spring  of  pure  water,  that  no  wonder  it  should  become  an 
object  of  some  regard  among  a  simple  people.  We  all  feel  the 
force  of  Horace's  abrupt  and  enthusiastic  address,  "  O  Fons 
Blandusiai,  splendidior  vitro,'  and  do  not  wonder  that  he  should 
resolve  upon  sacrificing  a  kid  to  it.  In  the  middle  ages,  when 
a  Christian  tinge  was  given  to  everything,  the  discovery  of  a 
spring  in  a  romantic  situation,  or  remarkable  for  the  brightness, 
purity,  or  taste  of  its  water,  was  forthwith  followed  by  its  de- 
dication to  some  Saint ;  and  once  placed  among  the  category  of 
holy  wells,  its  waters  were  endued,  by  popular  faith,  with  powers 
more  or  less  miraculous.  Shrewd  Thomas  Powell,  writing  in 
1 63 1,  says:  'Let  them  find  out  some  strange  water,  some  un- 
heard-of spring ;  it  is  an  easy  matter  to  discolour  or  alter  the 
taste  of  it  in  some  measure,  it  makes  no  matter  how  little. 
Report  strange  cures  that  it  hath  done ;  beget  a  superstitious 
opinion  of  it.  Good-fellowship  shall  uphold  it,  and  the  neigh- 
bouring towns  shall  all  swear  for  it.'  So  early  as  963,  the  Saxon 
king  Edgar  thought  it  necessary  to  forbid  the  '  worshipping  of 
fountains,'  and  the  canons  of  Anselm  (1102)  lay  it  down  as  a 
rule,  that  no  one  is  to  attribute  reverence  or  sanctity  to  a  foun- 
tain without  the  bishop'' s  authority.  Canons,  however  powerful  to 
foster   superstition,   were   powerless   to   control   it ;    ignorance 


[  277  ] 

invested  springs  with  sanctity  without  the  aid  of  the  church,  and 
every  county  could  boast  of  its  holy  well. 

The  most  famous  holy  well  in  the  three  kingdoms  is  un- 
doubtedly that  dedicated  to  St.  Winifred  (Holywell,  Flintshire), 


St.  Winifred's  Well,  Flintshire. 


at  whose  shrine  Giraldus  Cambrensis  offered  his  devotions  in 
the  twelfth  century,  when  he  says  she  seemed  'still  to  retain  her 
miraculous  powers. 

The  spring  rises  from  a  bed  of  shingle  at  the  foot  of  a  steep 
hill,  the  water  rushing  out  with  great  impetuosity,  and  flowing 


[278] 

into  and  over  the  main  basin  in  a  smaller  one  in  front.  The 
well  is  enclosed  by  a  building  in  the  perpendicular  Gothic  style 
(dating  from  the  beginning  of  Henry  VII.),  which  'forms  a 
crypt  under  a  small  chapel  contiguous  to  the  parish  church,  and 
on  a  level  with  it,  the  entrance  to  the  well  being  by  a  descent 
of  about  twenty  steps  from  the  street.  The  well  itself  is  a  star- 
shaped  basin,  ten  feet  in  diameter,  canopied  by  a  most  graceful 
stellar  vault,  and  originally  enclosed  by  stone  traceried  screens 
filling  up  the  spaces  between  the  supports.  Round  the  basin  is 
an  ambulatory  similarly  vaulted,'*  The  sculptural  ornaments 
consisted  of  grotesque  animals,  and  the  armorial-bearings  of 
various  benefactors  of  the  shrine  ;  among  them  being  Catharine 
of  Aragon,  Margaret,  mother  of  Henry  VII, ,  and  different  mem- 
bers of  the  Stanley  family,  the  founders  both  of  the  crypt  and 
the  chapel  above  it.  Formerly,  the  former  contained  statues  of 
the  Virgin  Mary  and  St.  Winifred,  The  first  was  removed  in 
1635;  the  fate  of  Winifred's  effigy,  to  which  a  Countess  of 
Warwick  (1439)  bequeathed  her  russet  velvet  gown,  is  unknown. 
On  the  stones  at  the  bottom  of  the  well  grow  the  Bissus  ioleihus, 
and  a  species  of  red  Jungermania  moss,  known  in  the  vulgar 
tongue  as  Winifred's  hair  and  blood.  In  the  seventeenth  century, 
St.  Winifred  could  boast  thousands  of  votaries.  James  II.  paid 
a  visit  to  the  shrine  in  1688,  and  received  the  shift  worn  by  his 
great-grandmother  at  her  execution,  for  his  pains.  Pennant 
found  the  roof  of  the  vault  hung  with  tbe  crutches  of  grateful 
cripples.  He  says,  '  the  resort  of  pilgrims  of  late  years  to  these 
Fontanalia  has  considerably  decreased  ;  the  greatest  number  are 
from  Lancashire.  In  the  summer,  still  a  few  are  to  be  seen  in 
the  water,  in  deep  devotion  up  to  their  chins  for  hours,  sending 
up  their  prayers,  or  performing  a  number  of  evolutions  round  the 
polygonal  well ;  or  threading  the  arches  between  it  and  the  well 
a  prescribed  number  of  times.'  An  attempt  to  revive  the  public 
faith  in  the  Flintshire  saint  was  made  in  1805,  when  a  pamphlet 
was  published,  detailing  how  one  Winefred  White,  of  Wolver- 
hampton, experienced  the  benefit  of  the  virtue  of  the  spring. 

*  Archaeological  Journal,  iii.  148. 


[  279  ] 

The  cure  is  certified  by  a  resident  of  Holywell,  named  Elizabeth 
Jones,  in  the  following  terms  :  '  I  hereby  declare  that,  about 
three  months  ago,  I  saw  a  young  woman  calling  herself  Winefred 
White,  walking  with  great  difficulty  on  a  crutch  ;  and  that  on  the 
following  morning,  the  said  Winefred  White  came  to  me  running, 
and  without  any  appearance  of  lameness,  having,  as  she  told  me, 
been  immediately  cured  after  once  bathing  in  St.  Winefred's 
Well.'  It  was  of  no  avail ;  a  dead  belief  was  not  to  be  brought 
again  to  life  even  by  Elizabeth  Jones  of  Holywell. 

St.  Madern's  Well,  Cornwall,  was  another  popular  resort 
for  those  who  sought  to  be  relieved  from  aches  and  pains. 
Bishop  Hall,  in  his  Mystery  of  Godliness,  bears  testimony  to 
the  reality  of  a  cure  wrought  upon  a  cripple  by  its  waters. 
He  says  he  '  took  strict  and  impartial  examination '  of  the 
evidence,  and  '  found  neither  art  nor  collusion — the  cure  done, 
the  author  an  invisible  God.'  In  the  seventeenth  century,  how- 
ever, the  well  seems  to  have  lost  its  reputation.  St.  Madern  was 
always  propitiated  by  offerings  of  pins  and  pebbles.  This  custom 
prevailed  in  many  other  places  beside ;  Mr.  Haslam  assures  us, 
that  pins  may  be  collected  by  the  handful  near  most  Cornish 
wells.  At  St.  Kilda,  none  dared  approach  with  empty  hands,  or 
without  making  some  offering  to  the  genius  of  the  place,  either 
in  the  shape  of  shells,  pins,  needles,  pebbles,  coins,  or  rags.  A 
well  near  Newcastle  obtained  the  name  of  Ragwell,  from  the 
quantity  of  rags  left  upon  the  adjacent  bushes  as  thank-offerings. 
St.  Tegla,  of  Denbighshire,  required  greater  sacrifices  from  her 
votaries.  To  obtain  her  good  offices,  it  was  necessary  to  bathe 
in  the  well,  walk  round  it  three  times,  repeating  the  Lord's 
Prayer  at  each  circuit,  and  leave  fourpence  at  the  shrine.  A  cock 
or  hen  (according  to  the  patient's  sex)  was  then  placed  in  a 
basket,  and  carried  round  the  well,  into  the  churchyard,  and 
round  the  church.  The  patient  then  entered  the  church,  and 
ensconced  him  or  herself  under  the  communion-table,  with  a 
Bible  for  a  pillow,  and  so  remained  till  daybreak.  If  the  fowl, 
kept  all  this  while  imprisoned,  died,  the  disease  was  supposed 
to  have  been  transferred  to  it,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  the 
believer  in  St.  Tegla  was  made  whole. 


[280] 


MMMMMMMMM^MMMMMM 


TABLE     OF     CONTENTS. 


-o- 


Editor's  Introduction 

Life  of  Thomas  Gent  fby  the  Editor) 

Life  of  S.  Winefred.     Gent's   Preface,  &c. 

,,  Book   I. 

„  Book   II. 

,,  Book   III.     .. 

,,  Book  IV. 

Book  V. 

„  Epitome  and  Index 

Gent's  Advertisements     .. 
History  of  Christ  and  the  Apostles 
Judas  Iscariot  .. 

The  Legend  of  Mount  Pilate  (by  the  Editor) 
The  Life  of  Afflicted  Job 
St.  Robert  of  Knaresborougii 
On  Holy  Wells  (by  R    Chambers) 


ID 
25 

35 
61 
85 
105 
131 
153 
171 
177 
201 
229 
231 

257 
276 


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