Come, Truth, although in Swadling-clouts, I find
Informs the Judgement, rectifies the Mind,
Pleases the Underſtanding, makes the Will
Submit; the Memory too it doth fill
With what doth our Imagination pleaſe;
Likewiſe, it tends our troubles to appeaſe.
Sound words I know Timothy is to uſe;
And old Wives Fables he is to refuſe,
But yet grave Paul, him no where doth forbid
The uſe of Parables; in which lay hid
That Gold thoſe Pearls, and precious ſtones that were
Worth digging for; and that with greateſt care.
Let me add one word more, O man of God'
Art thou offended? dost thou wiſh I had
Put forth my matter in an other dreſs,
Or that I had in things been more expreſs?
Three things let me propound, then I ſubmit
To thoſe that are my betters, (as is fit)
1. I find not that I am denied the uſe
Of this my method, ſo I no abuſe
Put on the Words, Things, Readers, or be rude
In handling Figure, or Similitude,
In application; but, all that I may,
Seek the advance of Truth, this or that way:
Denyed, did I ſay? Nay, I have leave,
(Example too,and that from them that have
God better pleaſed by their words or ways,
Then any man that breatheth now adays,)
Thus to expreſs my mind, thus to declare
Things unto thee, that excellentest are.
