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YORKSHIRE CHAP-BOOKS. 
 
 FIRST SERIES. 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013278753 
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
[ 7 ] 
 
 m 
 
 -::;.,VX(:V-::-: Ji- 
 
 ^^^^^^^ 
 
 
 ^;>g?g*^( 
 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 ON CHAP-BOOKS. 
 
 OHAP-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 toijers 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 J 
 
 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 vthe 
 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 
 
C 9 3 
 
 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 circumstarice, 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 Qent 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 Geht, and comprises 
 the Lives of St. Winefred, Our Saviour and the Apostles, Judas 
 Iscariot, Afflicted Job, and] St. Robeit 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 Finder 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. 
 
C 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, 1868); 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 
 
C " 3 
 
 escape to England, and managed to carry out his resoWe 
 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 1 52 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 quakerj 
 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 
 
[ t3 1 
 
 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, 
 3aron 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 aftei Awards, a chapman named 
 Isaac, whose business took him occasionally into Yorkshire, 
 spoke to Mr. White in such high terms of the capabilities 
 
t H 3 
 
 and qualities oT Gent, that Mr. White decided to make the 
 latter the exceedingly liberal offer of £i8 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 thejr ages, she being in her thirty- 
 second year, whilst he was barely twenty-two years old. But 
 
t IS] 
 
 the horizon of future happiness which had begun to unfold 
 itself to the imagination 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 froni 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' 1717 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 
 
C i6 ] 
 
 prosper greatly from a financial point of view, for ^e 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 plaped in a room of a publiq-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 appfears 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 Chui-ch 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. Cumingkam's 
 Handbook, vol. ii. p. 515. 
 
[17] 
 
 beheld a young brother printer drawn on a sledge 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 printiiig 
 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 we.-e two of his fellow-workmen who had been concerned in prin- 
 ting similar libels. On the 6th November,'i7i9, 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 ] 
 
 ' 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 liberty, and left in g-ood 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 Europe" 
 
C 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 Courant, containing 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 printing office in Coffee-House Yard, York ; 
 where advertisements are taken in." 
 
 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. 
 
t 20 ] 
 
 Gent appears to have been constantly at loggerheads 
 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 fbr 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 Yorky 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 prebenda.y 
 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 sui ,^iving 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. 
 
[ 2« ] 
 
 He first attempted to prevail upon Mr. Alderman Read,* the 
 lessee in reversion, to afford him some redress, and upon 
 that gentleman's refiisal, 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 Coffee- 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 r 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 duse 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. 
 
L 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 augrnented to near a 
 hundred. The most important of them .are : " The Antient 
 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 with 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. i8g, mU. 
 
[ 23 ] 
 
 by me in Scarborough about June i6th, 1734, in a house in Mr. 
 Bland's lane, formerly called his cliif ; 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-office 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 1761, 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 niuch 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 hcariot, 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 
 of their infant and only child Charles " (see p. 227). 
 
THE 
 
 HOLY LIFE and DEATH of 
 
 ST. WINEFRED; 
 
 AND OTHER 
 
 Religious PERSONS. 
 
 |tn FIVE ^avt&* 
 
 Wherein is 'fet forth the Glory of Nor/A- Wales, thro' the 
 powerful Vertue of Holy- Well, in Flint/hire ; and a juft 
 Account of some of the many wonderful CURES that 
 have been perform'd, thro' the Bleffingf of Heaven, by the 
 falutary Streams of that mofl facred Fountain. 
 
 With pious Annotations from the Holy Scriptures, and Early 
 Writers of the Church, concerning the Judgments and Mercies 
 of Almighty GOD : Who punijheth wicked Oppreffors, but pre- 
 ferves the Souls and Bodies of the truly Faithful : Such, of every 
 Denomination, who, following the Pref'criptions of mojl learned 
 DoSlors, Jhall humbly rely o« H I S Divine Providence. 
 
 'Alfo proper Cuts to diftinguifh particular Paffagfes relatingf 
 to the cruel Suffering's of our Bleffed SA VIO UR, who 
 died for Our Sake ; and thofe precious bleeding Victims of 
 both Sexes facrificed for their Love to HIM: with other 
 mournful and infl.ru61;ive Remarks never published by any 
 writer of the LIFE of this noble and celebrated Virgin. 
 
 Done into Verfe : With an Epitome in Profe, and a compleat 
 INDEX for the greater Delight and Eafe of the Reader. 
 
 Qui honorat Martyr es, honor at CHRISTUM. S. Aug. de San6tis. 
 
 Dedicated to a Divine of the EJlabliJh'd CHURCH. 
 
 Writte,rv iy Thomas Gent. 
 
 YORK: Printed by the Author in his new-built Office in 
 PETER-Gate : And fold by John Hopkins, in Pre/Ion, Lanca- 
 Jhire; and other Bookfellers in the Country. Mdccxliii. 
 
To the Reverend 
 
 Mr. John Standish. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 
 4b 
 
 Several Years have elapfed fince I have had 
 
 ■:1s- the Happinefs of enjoying your Company; and 
 
 - fince Providence has for a long- Time removed 
 
 "^ me from the Firjl City in England, to This, 
 which learned Writers agree to be the Second; wherein, 
 paffing thro' feveral affli6ling Viciffitudes,, notwithftanding 
 my fedulous Endeavours, I am at prefent placed a confider- 
 able Diftance from you; and likewife approaching towards 
 the Decline of Life; or, what very much refembles it, a 
 State of Sorrow, thro' a fudden Infelicity, common to the 
 bell Perfons, which I forbear now to mention-; GOD knows 
 whether I (hall ever behold you again. Think it not ftrange, 
 dear Sir, in me, who was, like You, brought up in the ortho- 
 dox Faith of the eftablifli'd Church, that I have thus endea- 
 vour'd to treat of a Virgin Martyr, renown'd from Antiquity 
 for being efteem'd the Patronefs of Wales ; when I tell you. 
 That, in my Journeys twice thro' that Country, to vifit the 
 fincereft and deareft 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 moft charming Lady, and the furprizing falutary Effe6ts 
 that flow with the Streams of her celebrated Spring ; I was 
 refolv'd to (hew 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 
 effe6lually within the Space of about fix Months paft; but 
 how far profperoufly, in relation to ferve me and mine, in 
 fupplying- us with common Neceffaries for our Frefervation, I 
 humbly fubmit to the Courtefy of my ing-enious 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 flourifliing Youth, both in the 
 School, and Univerfity; and, as I have lately heard from a 
 Relation, by your moft affe6tionate 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 faye me from falling under the Frowns of 
 an inconftant World, made worfe by wicked Artifice, as 
 You have glorioufly eftablifh'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 pleafmgly fhaded the too great Luftre of their mod 
 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 Pale/line, to view the Remains of the once famous /eru/alem 
 on Earth, in order to be more enamour'd with the happy 
 Expe6tations of That above ! Methinks all thefe infpiring 
 A6tions may fet us pondering, Jiow we only a6t 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, languiftiing and thirfting after heavenly Fountains. If 
 thefe pious Conclufions are allow'd, I thinli the Offence, that 
 may be given to many curious Perfons in this Age, as to the 
 Miracle of a wonderful Conjunction after a cruel Decollation, 
 will, I trufl, meet with kind Pardon. None need queflion 
 that in paft 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 Chaftity, as a good 
 Perfon might be of an Eftate. Her. Grief might occafion 
 her to wifli for Death to eafe the bitter Anguifli of her Soul ! 
 The good Prieft 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, (he might proceed, 
 as fhe 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 leaft 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 moft 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 my Induftry :" Yet when they come ferioufly to READ — 
 a Villain's brutal A6tions, and THINK— ho^ much I have 
 juftly expofed that unprince-like griping Wretch in the moft 
 horrid dragonical Form, by reprefenting injur'd Innocency 
 in the deepeft Diftrefs ; when they behold thofe tender Sen- 
 timents of Humanity, Virtue and Piety, which correfpond 
 with the moft material Parts of the Chriftian Religion, and 
 
 many 
 
 * Mr. D. in tht Preface to his Vol. in Folio, 
 
30 DEDICATION. 
 
 many excellent Precepts of the moft 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 Ecclefiaftical Writings of the moft early 
 Times ; when they find I endeavour forrowfuUy to difplay the 
 /:ruel Sufferings of the ever-bleffed Son of GOD, and tell of 
 the bleeding Martyrs who triumph'd with amazing Heroifm 
 amidft the moft horrid Cruelties that the fierceft 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 Affiftance, 
 their Kindnefs and Refpe6t may, at length, be more apparent 
 to me, who ftrives to do my utmoft to pleafe Them ; at leaft to 
 viine, much dearer than any Enjoyment this fublunary World 
 can afford me. 
 
 Whilft I was expatiating on the Beauty of the lovely 
 St. Winefred, the fweet Remembrance of your once moft 
 amiable Sifter** 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 moft 
 angelical Difpofition of Mind, that, had (he flouriflied in an 
 Age, when Saints were held in greateft Efteem, I believe, for 
 intrinfick Piety, and every beloved Accomplifhment, fhe might 
 juftly have found a Place in the Kalendar. Nothing appeared 
 more innocently endearing, than the tender Regard ftie con- 
 ftantly had for me, whom ftie ufed to ftyle her dear Uncle; 
 except the Addition of her pleafant and pious Converfation, 
 whilft walking many Sumnier'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 wafted the fair Virgin almoft to a 
 
 Shadow, 
 
 * Remember'd by me, Pag. viii. of the Index, in my laft Vol. publifh'd 
 A.H. 1 741, amongft the Names of devout Ladies and Gentlewomen, who died 
 in the laft and prefent Century, and are recorded for illuftrious 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 Inftance 
 of her Love, who on her Death-Bed defired to be fupported 
 , 'till (he had perufed my Anfwer to her laft Letter ; and,j with 
 Tears, exprefling her Satisfa6tion I had not forgot her, flie 
 appear'd refigned to the Will of Heaven, and died foon 
 
 after ! I cannot but commend the Sincerity of that g'ood 
 
 Gentleman for his elegiac Performance in her deferved 
 Praife ; which was printed at the earnell Defire of your ten- 
 der Parents Mr. James and Mrs. Rebekah Standijh : Yet I cannot 
 help thinking otherwife, but that her Merits deferved little 
 lefs than an angelick Quill to .fet them forth in brighter 
 Luftre. — Death, I hear, has lately removed another of your 
 lovely Sifters ; f for which fad Lofs, in my Spirit, I fincerely 
 condole with You, and All who refpedted 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 fhall continue to illuminate my Underftanding. 
 With almoft infinite Pleafure do I hear, that your Dignity and 
 Ability have but increafed your Humility and Beneficenqe. I 
 need not add much more; fince, with thofe two fliining 
 Excellencies, none of the graceful inhaerent "Virtues can ever 
 be wanting ; and that I truly know your innate Modefty is as 
 far relu6tant to hear any Adulation, as my ingenuous Temper 
 appears diftant from the Ufe of it. However, nothing fliall 
 anticipate this juft Prayer, That Heaven, for your munificent 
 Actions, may accumulate Bleffmgs 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 Effe6ts 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 Circumflances 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 unexpe6led 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 Friend/hip. And, I truft. 
 Sir, when You have paffed by, in Candour, fome wandering 
 Thoughts, which in Love you may think fit to pardon; you 
 will be plealed to accept this Dedication as the only Token 
 of the tender RefpeCl that I ever had, and ever fhall continue 
 to have for You, whiHl 
 
 YORK, Tarn, 
 
 PETER-GsXe, Reverend SIR, 
 
 1743- Vour affeClionate Uncle, 
 
 and humble Servant, 
 
 Thomas Gent. 
 
C 33 J 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chap. I./^F the Birth and Education of St. Winefred; and of her 
 V-/ 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 C a r a d o c, 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, 'till 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 1 
 
 Chap. VIII. How, being nstor'd to Life, on the Prayers of St. B u e n o , 
 she lived in such an holy Manner, that at length she became a cele- 
 brated Abbess. Ibid. pag. 67. 
 
 Chap. IX. Her Exhortations to the Virgins under 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, (S-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 Tmnslation 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)' 
 wonderful ; and, by several Instances of Cures contain'd in this Book, 
 
 I 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, diredVing where the moft material Points 
 are exhibited, for the greater Eafe and Delight of every courteous 
 Reader. 
 
 ( t ) Zf 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 utiliffimae; five motum, ille eft admi- 
 "randus; quae omnia nos rnanu ducent ad Dei Opt. Max. admira- 
 " tionem & adorationem, cui foli fit laus in folidum." 
 
 
I Britifh PIETY Difplay'd 
 
 »^ In the Glorious 
 
 ?LiFE, §:ttflr«rin0, and Death 
 
 Of the Bleffed 
 
 St. WINEFRED : 
 
 A Noble Virgin, martyr'd for her renowned 
 .Chaftity, in 'Wales : Where, at Her Cele- 
 brated Fountain, called Holy-Well, many 
 affli6led Perfons have been happily freed 
 from their moft dangerous Diftempers in 
 paft Centuries : The falutiferous Quality 
 of which Water, continuing in the prefent 
 Age, occafions its Fame to be fpread 
 in far-diftant Kingdoms, 
 
 fcJT-j »-Tj wT j ^Tj t-T j fc.Tj tSTj J^ »- T J t.Tj tSTj t-Tj Ji ^ ^T^ ^u ^u kM m^ m^ m^ ^I^ 
 
 ^I^ ^1^ F 1 ^ r^% r^^ ^I^ "i" "1" ^T^ "A" "A" "1" P i ^ F 1 ^ ^X^ ~V^ ^T^ ~l^ r- 1 -^ ^X^ ~1~ 
 
 Ecclefia nunquam florentior, quamcum affliElior inter cruces& 
 gladios fuorum mar ty rum pugnas & viSlorias fpefiavii, — 
 Natura rerum ad Deum nos erigit. Quam rnagnifica funt 
 Opera Tua, D MINE ! 
 
 "DEUS ter Optimus Maximus in aquis fummas excel- 
 " lentiffimas recondivit vires falutares, quarum tanta eji 
 " prcsjlantia ut long^ multumque omnibus aliis remediorum 
 " generibus jlnt fuperiores." 
 
 ^ ^ ►{< ►J* ►J* ►Ji ►J* ►{< ^ ►J* ►J* >f« >J« ►p >J< >J< >J« ►f" >J* ^ ►J* 
 
 PART the. ^irst. 
 
 ►j< ^ ^ >j4 ►{< >j< ^ ►J^ ►J* ►J* ►!< ►fi ►$< ^ ►!< >^ ►!< >J< ►!< ►!< ►J" 
 
 YORK : Printed by Thomas Gent. 
 
How amiable are Thy Tabernacles, O Lord of Hofts I 
 My Soul longeth, yea, even fainteth fvr the Courts 
 of the Lord: My Heart and my Fle/h cryeth out 
 for the Living GOD. Psal. Lxxxiv. i, 2. 
 
[ 39 1 
 The PREFACE. 
 
 *■<►■$■ j^ Who have treated of a City fair, 
 
 ■^ -^ Hjt With great Delight that equaliz'd my Pains ; 
 
 **•*■* Spread her Cathedral's Glories far and near, 
 
 'Tis hop'd, to lajl whiljl Time on Earth remains: 
 Now do each Mufe invoke, whiljl I Jhall fmg 
 A Virgin's Fame, thro' an amazing Spring. 
 
 Who Jhall perufe, altho' their Faith to believe 
 
 The Miracle be not the fame of mine ; 
 Yet Virtue's Charms can ne'er our Thoughts deceive. 
 
 But under pleafing Veils will e'er combine. 
 To make us (a) fly thofe Things we ought to fhun ; 
 And do what Heav'n commandeth to be done. 
 
 This happy Ifle, which ftill in Glory fhines. 
 Has been adorned by Virgin-Martyrs dear ; 
 
 Long f am! d for Goodnefs, blefs'd by great Divines, 
 
 With Kings, who now bright Crowns of Glory wear : 
 
 Edmund, for one ; high-prais' d by God-like (b) Kenn, 
 
 The moji 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, which Learning doth reveal : 
 And other Writers, to their lajling Fame, 
 Yield Juch Delights beyond my Pen to name. 
 
 Juan, 
 
 (a) I. Pet. ii. ii. Deafly Beloved, I beseech you, &-c. 
 
 ( 6 ) Bifliop 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 
 exceUent Treatife, intitul'd, Historia vita S- mortis. 
 
C 40 ] 
 
 (d) Juan, of Ofma, mojl tranfcendent writ 
 
 His Philothea, as on Pilgrimage: 
 Thro' thorny Ways he leads us by his Wit, 
 
 And with his Saint helps us to mount the Stage : 
 That pleafing Summit of true Happinefs, 
 In Lines fo fo/t, as Words can well exprefs. 
 
 And (e) Hug-o, in his emblematick Strains, 
 To Souls afflicted mighty Comfort yields ; 
 
 Religion breaths to heav'n-lov'd Nymphs and Swains, 
 Whether he treats of Rivers, Groves, or Fields. 
 
 No Place, no Thought, nor Adlion lies conceal' d. 
 
 But has GOD'S Will, or Part of it, reveal'd. 
 
 If, with the Honour which I yield the Saint, 
 The World Jhould prove indulgent to my Pains; 
 
 'Twou'djlop my mournful Pen from fad Complaint, 
 Since 'tis their Love that proves the Poet's Gains : 
 
 My Harp, which on the Willow's lain too long, (f) 
 
 In Gratitude, fhould anfwer to my Song. 
 
 The Spring, / treat of, thro' the World is fam'd ; 
 
 The LADY once was held in high Renown; 
 Cures have been done, too num'rotts to be nam'd ; 
 
 And fhe was honour' d with, a Martyr's Crown. 
 Let Scruples ceafe, that this poor Work may take. 
 If not for mine, yet for fair Anglia's fake. 
 
 (d) A Prelate in Castile, under the Archbifliop of Toledo. 
 ( e ) Hermannius Hugo, who wrote a Book, intituled, 
 
 Paenitentis, 
 
 Sandtse, 
 Amantis : 
 
 1. Gemitus 
 Pia Desideria : Viz. 2. Vota 
 
 3. Sufpiria 
 
 So much efteem'd, as to becdme of ufe in England; and, being tranflated 
 by Edmund Arwaher, M.A., with fome Alterations, was dedicated by that 
 Gentleman to Queen ANNE. 
 
 (/) Alluding to fome Misfortunes the Author has lain under. 
 
C 4t ] 
 
 ^U SfColy LIFE and DEATH of 
 
 S. WINEFRED : 
 
 64' ieautiful £Bady in North- Wales ; who^ for de= 
 fanding her Chastity j was beheaded iy an Heathen 
 Prince, named Caradoc, Son to S^ing Alan. 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 '^\iz Hrgument of tbfs Cbapter. 
 
 Of WINEFRED, whofe Birth and Station 
 Were honour'd thro' her Education. 
 
 T ONG after (i) Merlin had ftrange Things foretold, 
 "^ And VoRTiGERN, with his beloved Queen, 
 Were burnt to Afhes in their tow'ry (2) Hold, 
 
 A Sight the moft lamented to be feen ! 
 When great (3) Ambrosius nobly won the Field, 
 And made fome of the proudeft Saxons yield : 
 
 Fair (4) Cambria was rever'd, thro' Britifli Kings, 
 Who bravely did their cruel Foes withftand; 
 
 The Themes of Bards; the pureft, 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 Welfli Prophet, who lived in the Sth Century. 
 
 ( 2 ) A Caftle in Herefordfliire, mention'd by Camden. 
 
 ( 3 ) See my compendious Hiftory, 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 
 feveral Kingdoms ; but now a Priiicipality belonging to our King's eldeft Son. 
 
[ 42 ] , 
 
 'Twas in his (5) Reign a Worthy did appear, 
 Thewith, a (6) Lord, enrich'd by Fortune's Hand ; 
 
 Who, Hill made happier in a Spoufe moft 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 Aurora, 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 Luftre like the glorious Sun. 
 
 The candid Robe of Baptifm which fhe 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 moft Infenfate ftrong might charm ; 
 Defires of Heav'n to raife, of Earth difarm. 
 
 Nurs'd by her Lady-Mother, whofe fair Truft 
 She'd not commit to any Stranger's Care ; 
 
 True Virtues were imbred, fo fix'd at firft 
 
 In her chafte 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 1 
 
 The 
 
 ( S ) Which lafted fifty Years. 
 
 ( 6 ) ©rebwUlj, or Tenithe, mention'd in Anna Legcnia to have 
 been Son of ®X*rni>wa the Senator ; who flouiifh'd about the Middle of 
 the feventh Centuiy. 
 
 ( 7 ) Longum iter eft per priecepta, breve & efficax per exempla. 
 
[ 43 ] 
 
 The Glitt'ring of bright Jewels feem'd as dim, 
 When e'er by Faith (he view'd her bleffed Lord.: 
 
 vNo Sights on Earth appear'd fo fair as Him ; 
 
 Or (8) Thofe, who preach'd to Her His heav'nly Word. 
 
 Divinely meek, ftie'd wafli poor Pilgrims' Feet; 
 
 And mingle Tears with melting Accents fweet. 
 
 When e'er (he fee poor Strangers pafs the Road, 
 If partly naked, (he would Garments give ; 
 
 Or, looking hungry, quickly fend them Food ; 
 And comfort thofe, who in Diilrefs did grieve. 
 
 None to her Gates did come in woful Tears, 
 
 But for her Kindness fent to Heav'n their Pray'rs. 
 
 Angelick-like, (he to GOD'S Altar came ; 
 
 There, rev'rently, whild Myft'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 Hoft, 
 
 What Wonder was it Earth (hould fpread her Fame ? 
 
 Or that her Thoug'hts (hould center in what mod 
 Infpir'd her Soul with evangelick Flame? 
 
 He, who in Heav'n (hines with eternal Bloom, 
 
 Could only in this Virgin's Heart find Room. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 ( 8 ) Qu^m decentes funt fuper illos montes pedes evangelizantis, pro- 
 nunciantis pacem, evangelizantis bonum, pronunciantis falutem, diceutis 
 Tzijoni : regnat Deus tuus ! IsA. lit 7. 
 
C 44 ] 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 Ube Hrgument. 
 
 How B'uNO, fprung from princely Train, 
 The holy Priejlhood did obtain ; 
 When to his pious Care was giv'n 
 The Virgin, to bring up for Heav'n. 
 
 'T'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 JDay his Pray'rs ; 
 
 Virtues did Virtues conllantly fucceed ; 
 Whilft Learning rais'd him for the Church's Cares. 
 
 So zealous prov'd, he left his native home ; 
 
 Became a Prieft, and then abroad did roam. 
 
 As diftant 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 fliew'd for Souls he wept; 
 
 And like a Shepherd dear his Flocks he kept. 
 
 Tho' 
 
 ( 9 ) Named St:|;>n>0i AP Glinliw, who owned a Territory called Glewiflg: 
 He was related to Cadoc and Kentigern, Bifhops of Beneventuni in Italy, 
 and Glafcow in Scotland, canoniz'd Saints ; as alfo to Landatus, Abbot of 
 Bardfey (or Bardeney) in Lincolnftiire. 
 
[ 45 1 
 Tho' poor, the Nobles did Afliflance lend, 
 
 To build thofe Churches which he pleas'd to found ; 
 There placing Priefts GOD'S Worlhip to attend. 
 
 He ftill 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. 
 
 Whilft to Lord Thewith he did once repair; 
 
 " My Lord, faid he, I'm come to beg a Boon. 
 "Yor JESUS' 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 (hort, my Lord; and what you have 
 " Can only blefs you whilft this Side the Urn : 
 
 " Now if you grant a Place our Souls to fave, 
 "Heav'n more than Int'reft will your Soul return. 
 
 "Caeleftial Guardians 'till your Death will wait; 
 
 "And Life eternal make your Joys compleat. 
 r 
 
 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 (he (hall hear the fame. 
 
 Forth- 
 
 ( lo ) "Quia Tu, 6 seterna Veritas, id nobis revelafti, & facratilTiino 
 "Tuo ore dixifti, Hoc est Corpus meum." 
 
 ( II ) How her Name was changed, will be hereafter fhown. 
 
C 46] 
 
 Forthwith the blooming Damfel did he call. 
 Who quickly flood before her Father's Sight ! 
 
 Such Innocence, and Modefly withall. 
 Did charm the Prieft. with fpirit'al Delight; 
 
 For Nature ne'er produced One more fair. 
 
 Like to an Angel did (he 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 caft, a Light ; 
 
 Vermilion Blushes in her Cheeks did fliine : 
 Lips, red as Coral, added flill a Grace 
 To the enchanting Features of her Face. 
 
 Moll artlefs was difplay'd her flowing Hair, 
 
 With graceful Ringlets nat'rally to deck ; 
 That, fpreading, made her like a Nymph appear. 
 
 With waving Lullres to her milk-white Neck. 
 Her Shape throughout was Symetry refin'd ; 
 But, Oh! what Beauties graced her heavenly Mind! 
 
 For whilft to them flie did her Words apply, 
 Nervous, yet fweet, her Answers did appear : 
 
 The Prieft, ftirr'd up with holy Rhapfody, 
 Did her a Saint moft fit for Heav'n declare : 
 
 Infpir'd to pray, " Indulgent Heav'n, faid he, 
 
 " Preferve this Mirror of Virginity I " 
 
 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, whilft others flept, flie'd pray and weep; 
 
 And in the Church her pious Vigils keep. 
 
 One 
 
C 47 1 
 
 One Time (he to the holy Priell did fay, 
 "Dear Sir, befeech my Parents to comply 
 
 "With my Defire; which is, I earnell 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 fliun the latter, I've the former chofe ; 
 
 And, as I'm young, fain would my Courfe begin ; 
 To confecrate my Life to GOD above, 
 Since Heav'n I'm fure infpires my Soul to love. 
 
 To hear her fpeak in fuch pathetick wife. 
 
 Her Tears, like Fountains, fpringing from the Hills ; 
 
 Streams alfo fell from good Buenos Eyes, 
 As trickling Waters from defcending Rills. 
 
 O Child for Heav'n ! he faid, I'll hafle ftraightway ; 
 
 For fure they will fo jufl a Call obey. 
 
 He found them in an Arbour clofe retir'd, 
 
 Converfmg of the unfeen Joys above ; 
 And told them what, fpontaneous, (he 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 coftly Robes, attire : 
 
 And yet beneath an humble Veil is fhown. 
 Such heav'nly Beauties Angels might admire : 
 
 Within her Parent's Houfe fhe chofe to dwell, 
 
 Becaufe as yet was unprepar'd her Cell. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
[ 48 ] 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 Ubc Hrgument. 
 
 WAai good injlructions Bu'no gave, 
 
 To guide her to the fdent Grave ; 
 And, in exhibiting Advice, 
 Foretold the Way to Paradice. 
 
 'T'HE 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 mod fweet, impart: 
 With lowly Reverence to kneel before 
 GOD'S Altar, where with Faith flie fliould adore. 
 
 Seek that high (13) Kingdom, which will never end; 
 
 That Prince eternal, 'mongft His fliining 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 wifti 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 regnura quaere, cujus regni non erit finis. Rex illius seteraus 
 e(l, 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 f aid, how little, Child! you be; 
 
 And what you owe to Him, who did create 
 Thy Frame from nothing I 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 ! fuffered 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 Adam'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 Confcience wounded, hard is found a Cure. 
 (19) Redeem the Time. (20) Life's Hour-Glafs doth run : 
 And ev'ry Caufe of Sin be fure to ftiun. 
 
 If ^n^a chance to rife within Thy Breaft, 
 
 For ftern, vile Ufage, which thou may'll receive : (21) 
 
 Humility will calm that Vice to reft, 
 
 So (hall 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. — Jer. vi. 16. — Hebr. x. 20. 
 
 ( 18 ) Jugum mmm sitave est, &• onus meum leve. Mat. xi. 30, 
 
 ( ig ) Vitiim brevem esse, artem longam. Hyp. Icit. Aphor, 
 
 ( 20 ) Vita est 
 Somnus, bulla, vitrum, glacies, flos, fabula, fanum : 
 Umbra, cinis, punctum, vox, sonus, aura, nihil. 
 
 ( 21 ) See Psal. Iv. 12, 13. For Relief, read the 22i Verse. 
 
 ( 22 ) Rom. xii. 20. // thine enemy hunger, feei him, S-c. 
 
[ 50 ] 
 
 And fliould you (23) lofe your All by Wretches vile, 
 In Patience ftill 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. embroider'd Work thou (halt 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 conftant 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 muft, like (25) Water fpilt on Earth, 
 And in our Habitation (26) ktumn no more I 
 
 Let us now fl.rive 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 ) Multa iM«i afflictioMs justi ; sed ex omnibus illis eripit eum 
 JEHOVA. PsAL. xxxiv. 19. 
 
 {24) See Psal. xxxi. 11. Ver. 14 and 18. 
 
 ( 25 ) II. Sam. xiv. 14. For we must needs die, &>c. 
 
 ( 26 ) Job vii. 9, 10. Psal. ciii. 16. 
 
 ( 27 ) Mat. xvi. 26. For what is man profited, &-c. 
 
[ SI ] 
 
 Let the Lafl. Judgement ever be in Mind, 
 Since 'tis on that ETERNITY depends. 
 
 O dreadful ! pleafing Word 1 no Years can bind, 
 That on the Wicked, on the Juft attends I 
 
 (28) Pleafures, ne'er-ceafing, (hall the Blefs'd obtain ; 
 
 The Curs'd, eternal Flames, and endlefs Pain I 
 
 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 haft a Virgin State profefs'd, 
 
 O let thy Love for JESUS be exprefs'd. 
 
 This, and much more, the holy Prieft did fay. 
 
 The Parents heark'ning whilft he taught their Child ; 
 
 Deep funk the Do6trine vi^hich 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 Ston's Daughter, blefs'd. 
 
 Might be compar'd unto the ftiining Moon, 
 Or as the fifing Morn, by them confefs'd : 
 
 Haft'ning to meet her deareft Lord at laft, 
 
 In fpringing Joys, when all her Winter's paft. (32). 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 ' ( 28 ) Aut gaudendtim in ccelo aternum, atit atemum in tartara ardendum. 
 DREX. de Eter. 
 
 ( 29 ) Nescit homo finem suum, Eccl. ix, 12. 
 
 Ut tibi mors felix contingat, vivere disce : 
 Ut felix fossts vivere, disce mori. 
 
 ( 30 ) II. Cor. ix. 7. — Mat. vi. 4, and xiii. la. — Luk. xi. 
 
 ( 31 ) Cantic. iii. i, 2, 3, 4. — ( 32 ) Med. Aug. Cap. 55. 
 
C 52 ] 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 TLbe Hrgument. 
 
 How C A R A D c, /o his great Shame, 
 
 Did Jirive ike Virgin to defame; 
 Who bravely that had Prince withjlood. 
 With virtuous Speeches, wife and good. 
 
 /^NCE, fo it happen' d, on a Sabbath Day, 
 ^-^ Sicknefs confin'd this lovely Maid at home ; 
 And whihl 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 fliows. 
 
 My Lord, Jhe faid, pray what's your noble Will ? 
 
 That I may let my tender Parents know : 
 They're now at Pray'rs ; and, tho' I'm weak and ill, 
 
 For them with nimble-winged Speed I'll 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 I tepiyd Jhe, in a Voice moll 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 ! 
 
 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 mull cure the Smart. 
 
 With 
 
C S3 ] 
 
 With that her lovely Colour went and came : 
 
 Now pale her Cheeks, which quickly turn'd to red; 
 
 Whilfl, he, whom Thoughts of Virtue could not tame, 
 RefolVd to wound her Soul, with Fear o'erfpread : 
 
 And left, that noifelefs Time fliould him prolong-. 
 
 He gave 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 fliou'd. 
 
 So much your Sweetnefs wounds me more and more. 
 Let not Difdain caufe my warm Heart to change; 
 Or turn my Love to Madnefs wild and ftrange. 
 
 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 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 raviftiing to name. 
 
 But what has Heav'n to do with Beauties here ? 
 
 Let Gods take GoddeiTes ; Men, Ladies fair. 
 
 How 
 
 ( 32 ) VU humilitas, ibi majestas. 
 
C S4 1 
 
 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 mighty State ; 
 
 That my Defires fliould ufelefs prove, or void ? 
 
 I mufl enjoy you. At which Words he fwore, 
 
 And llrove by Force to throw her on the Floor. 
 
 With weeping 'Eyes, Jhe f aid, (33) Do not begin 
 To drain a Conquefl. you may blufli to own. 
 
 Be rather Vi6tor over carnal §m, 
 And with chafte Thoughts befeech the Heav'nly Throne, 
 
 That JJriiat's fiery Darts you may repell. 
 
 Who flrives to fink 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 IrkrI 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 Luil, and rifle all your Charms. 
 
 I thought, faidjhe, dear Prince ! in holy Bands 
 You had defign'd me for your lawful Wife. 
 
 So made, I own, that Grandeur, (f) Riches, Lands, 
 Might make me happy all the days of Life : 
 
 But fliould my Virgin-Treafure firft. 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 beft of Friends 'tis better to poflefs. 
 
 'Twill banifti Daemons ; Angels good invite ; 
 
 Prove Guide by Day, and fure Defence at Night. 
 
 Alas, 
 
 ( 33 ) Virtus adversus agitata cnscit : vulnere virescit ; inter injurias 
 erigitur ; inter miserias floret. D r e x . 
 
 ( t ) Divitia non maid, sed earum abusvs. 
 
C 5S J 
 
 \ 
 
 Alas, my Lord 1 in Death, thy gilded Tow'rs, 
 
 And fpacious Lands, no more can pleafe the Sight. 
 
 No Entertainments, Gold or Jewels your's. 
 When call'd to take from this vain World your Flight.' 
 
 Think now, O Prince 1 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 : 
 
 Regard a fimple Maiden's virtuous Speech ; 
 Nor be offended, or my Woes deride. 
 
 Simple, indeed, the haughty Wretch did cry. 
 
 Thus to rejed fo great a Prince as T I 
 
 With that (he pray'd : O pity, Heav'n I my Cries 1 
 
 Thou, who did'ft (kreen 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 Blemifh free I 
 
 She tho't flie heard : (34) Do thou his Might withftand ; 
 
 And if he fmites thee, patient bear the Wound : 
 Thy precious Blood full Judgment (hall demand. 
 
 And as clofe Cement to the Church be found. 
 He can but (35) kill the Body, do his worft : 
 (36) Fear not, you'll live, when he fliall fall accurft. 
 
 Again 
 
 ( 34 ) Ikvoca Me in die tribulationis eruam te & honorifieabis me, Psal. 1. 
 13. Alfo Psal. xci. 13. Psal. cvii. 6, with other Parts of Scripture. 
 
 ( 33 ) Matt. x. 28. And fear not them which, &-c. 
 
 ( 36 ) Etiam, quum ambularem per valient lethalis umbra, non timerem 
 malum quia tu mecum es, &-c., Psal. xxiii. 4. — You will find fuch heavenly 
 Support in other Writings of King David, in Job, the Epiille of St. 
 Panl to the Romans, and St. James, 
 
C S6 ] 
 
 Again the Prince did urge : Do but comply, 
 And make me not fubmiffive thus to Hand : 
 
 But if you will my earneft Suit deny, 
 
 Force fliall conilrain; and even, out of hand, 
 
 Deftroy thy Beauty when I've cropt the Flower : 
 
 For nothing can, or fliall, withftand my Power. 
 
 The modeft Virgin, much deflrefs'd in Mind, 
 Silent, fought . Heav'n his Wifties to elude. 
 
 Prince ! then faid, your Pow'r feems unconfin'd ; 
 Nor durfl, I on your Patience far intrude : 
 
 Yet pray you flay my Parents dear Return ; 
 That you, nor I, or them, have Caufe to mourn. 
 
 1 will not wait, he cry'd ; nor lofe my Time. 
 
 But, ah ! my Lord ! Jhe anfwer'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 Per/ids (37) Queen, who in bright Robes did fliine, 
 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 muft. 
 Deceit, I fee, muft be proclaim'd with Tongue ; 
 
 Or Where's the Prince that can fulfil his Luft ? 
 That, like a Deluge, human Force pervades. 
 And makes a prey of Widows, Wives, and Maids. 
 
 Thus, gentle Reader, here the Contraft's giv'n ; 
 
 Virtue and Vice ; each ftriving to excell. 
 How fair is One, in Grief imploring Heav'n ! 
 
 How foul the other, like the Fiend of Hell ? 
 But, Oh ! the diff'rent State that is between. 
 By what hereafter follows, may be feen. 
 
 ( 37 ) Esther v, i. ( 38 ) Venus, fo call'd. 
 
[57 3 
 
 CHAP. V . 
 
 Zbc Hrgument. 
 
 How W I N E F R E D ^rove to efcape 
 The Princes bafe defigned Rape. 
 The Arguments with which a while 
 She did her cruel Fate beguile ; 
 'Till, at the length, he gave the Wound, 
 Which laid her bleeding on the Ground. 
 
 TTER Clofet enter'd, faft flie lock'd the Door, 
 
 And thro' a private Paffage took her Flight : 
 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 Flight demand ? 
 
 Great Prince, faid Jhe, I could not do no lefsi 
 Than fliew my Care both for my felf, and you. 
 
 'Twas Virtue made me fly in this Dillrefs. 
 
 O wou'd it had conceal'd me from your View : 
 
 But fince 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 rifle their Souls for (41) ever, and for ever ? 
 Befides, you know, to G O D I'm confecrate ; 
 Which muft. more horrid make your wretched State. 
 
 I told 
 
 ( 39 ) " P^nd gehmnales torquent, non extorquent ; puniunt non finiunt 
 corpora." Pros. 
 
 ( 40 ) I. JoH. ii. 17. And the World passeth, &-c. 
 
 ( 41 ) J u D E 7. Ver. — Suffering the Vengeance of ETERNAL Fire ! 
 
[ S8 ] 
 
 I told you once, you might a Princefs find 
 More fair tlian I to blefs you with her Love : 
 
 And fuch Enjoyment, of Hymenmal Kind, 
 
 Your Gods, if fuch there be, mufl. 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, faid he. And dofl thbu fcorn ? 
 
 So taunt my Fury with your Hopes of Heav'n ? 
 Do'ft think that him, who wore a Crown of Thorn, 
 
 Did'fl mean that I of you (hould be bereav'n ? 
 What Priefl 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 agree 
 To thy Embrace, whatever me betide : 
 
 So both your Smiles and Frowns I now difclaim. 
 
 Slay me you may, but not my Perfon (hame. 
 
 Bafe Wretch, faid he, thou might'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 ! faidjhe, than lofe my Virtue die ; 
 Of two Extreams it is the leffer ill. 
 
 Nay, greater Good : A (42) Martyr I Ihall reign. 
 
 But, by my I^ate, pray what muft you obtain ? 
 
 For 
 
 ( 42 ) qudm multas &• graves tribulationes passi sunt Apostoli, Martyns, 
 Confessores, Virgines, &• nliqui omnes, qui Christi vestigia voluerunt seqm ! 
 Tho. d Kemp. lib. i. cap. 28, 
 
C S9 ] 
 
 For if you plunge your Blade within my Bread, 
 And turn my livid Veins to Springs of Blood ; 
 
 When by, Death's Seal my dying Eyes are preft, 
 Your Wiflies too mufl perifli in the Flood 1 
 
 But, what's far worfe, no more Content you'll find ; 
 
 For (42a) Nemesis will e'er torment your Mind. 
 
 Ev'n gentle Zephirs, in their Wejiern Breeze, 
 
 Shall prove like (43) Zenith in moft. direful Stprms ! 
 
 The trembling Sprays, with various Sorts of Trees, 
 Will feem as Ghofls 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 mull' fall, 
 
 (45) Faithful I'll prove until my latefl. Breath : 
 
 For to confent, I neither will; nor fhall 
 Be forc'd to Luft. by any Prince on Earth. 
 
 And, now you know my Mind; I wilh, thro' Heav'n, 
 
 You may abftain, repent, and be forgiv'n. 
 
 The juv'nile Tyrant then with Rage did foam ; 
 
 Yet loath to ftrike, fuppofing flie would yield, 
 He urg'd in vain ; nor dic^ fhe fear her Doom, 
 
 But as Chrill's Championefs flie kept the Field. 
 Mercy, fweet J E S U ! was the Virgin's Cry : 
 Pity me, J E S U ! for your Sake I die. 
 
 Die 
 
 ( 42a ) Thi Goddess of Punishment, as achnowledg'd by th,e Heathens ; 
 whose Arguments she applied. 
 
 ( 43 ) The Firmament exactly over head, made terrible by strange Phse- 
 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 mortem, &• 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. 
 
[ 6o ] 
 
 Die then, quoth he, thou mofl. obdurate Maid ! 
 
 Then, as to Heaven mofl piteoufly ftie cry'd, (46) 
 With fuch a Force he ftruck his glitt'ring- Blade, 
 
 That quickly did her milk-white Neck divide. 
 Low fell the Body ! down he threw the Head ! 
 Whilft fanguine Streams like trickling Rills did fpread. 
 
 As by CHRIST'S Suff 'rings, tho' fupernal Call, 
 We learn to bear Affli6lion^s bitter Stings ; 
 
 So Her EXAMPLE, truly "virginal. 
 
 Should make us flight all temporary Things : 
 
 For if to Heav'n we ft,edfaft. prove in Love, 
 
 We ftiall be blefs'd on Earth, and crown'd Above. (47) 
 
 
 ( 46 ) As tho' (he had faid, " Si vis ut moriar, dulcis Jesu ! suscipe 
 spiritum meum !" 
 
 ( 47 ) Beati qui penecutionem patiuntw propter jusUtiam, quoniam ipsorum 
 est regnum coelorum. Mat. v. 10. 
 
 The End of the Fira PART, 
 
t 
 
 Britifh PIETY 
 
 In the Glorious 
 
 Difplay'd J 
 
 3^ Life, ^wflfering, and Death 
 
 Of the Bleffed 
 
 St. WINEFRED : 
 
 A Noble Virgin, martyr'd for her renowned 
 Chaftity, in Wales : Where, at Her Cele- 
 brated Fountain, called Holy- Well, many 
 afflidled Perfons have been happily freed 
 from their moft dangerous Diftempers in 
 pafl: Centuries : The falutiferous Quality 
 of which Water, continuing in the prefent 
 Age, occafions its F a m e to be fpread 
 in far-diftant Kingdoms. 
 
 fc-T-j »^Tj t-Tj w.Tj fc-T^ t^j ^u ^u w^ ^T^ fcT^ ^T^ wM fcirf Lm fclrf w^ fcT^ hT^ ^Tj ^u 
 ^t^ ^t^ T^ Tl Ti T^ Tl Tl "A jk^ "1" A^ TT Tl TT "A" TT A TT jIl "A. 
 
 Ecclefia nunquam florentior, quam cum offliHtor inter cruces &° 
 gladios fuorum martyrum 'pugnas & viSlorias fpeElavit. — 
 Natura rerum ad Deum nos erigit, Quam magnifica funt 
 Opera Tua, D O MINE I 
 
 " D E U S ter Optimus Maximus in aquis fummas excel- 
 " lentiffimas recondivit vires falutares, quarum tanta eji 
 " prajlantia ut longe multumque omnibus aliis remediorum 
 ' ' generibus Jlnt fuperiores. ' ' 
 
 PART the. Second. \ 
 
 ^ YORK : Printed by Thomas Gent. i 
 
[ 62 ] 
 
 Quis afcendet in Montem DOMINI, aut quis Jlahit in 
 loco Sanaa EJ U S i> Pfal. xxiv. 3. 
 
 " Ibi fan6tae Mulieres, quae voluptates faeculi & fexus 
 " infirmitatem vicerunt." Meditat. August. Cap. xxv. 
 
 " Foelix cali qua prcefentem Reg em cernit anima. 
 " Et fub fede fpeflat alia orbis volvi machinam. 
 " Solem, Lunam, &° 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 bright appear, 
 Revolving each within their proper Sphere; 
 And you fecur'd from any Kind of Fear ! 
 
 } 
 
 Quia ibi nulla erit perfecutio, nulla tribulatio, nullus peni- 
 tenticE labor, nullus gemitus, nullus dolor, nulla trijlitia. 
 
 Levavi oculos meos in monies, unde veniet auxilium mihi. 
 
 De setern. felicitat. San6t. & Psal. cxxi. i. 
 
[ 63 ] 
 
 The Second PART of 
 Sfhe S^oly LIFE and DEATH of 
 
 S. WINEFRED. 
 
 CHAP. VI . 
 
 Ube Hrgument. 
 
 How foon her Death came to be known, 
 And what did happen 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 flie 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) Where the Beatifick Vision is beheld; the very Place of GOD'S 
 immediate Presence. 
 
 ( 49 ) Where the Saints shall he 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 & farnai quique velut Sol praeclarus rutilant. 
 Poft triumphum coronati mutuo conjubilant. 
 Et proftrati pugnas hoftis jam fecuri numerant. 
 
[ 64 ] 
 
 See, fee yon diflant Angle how it ftiines ; 
 
 From thence your Bridegroom cafts 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 wafh'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 Rem'ains let us commemorate, 
 
 That gave to this moil flrange Relation birth ; 
 
 From whence a Church was raifed to this Day ; 
 
 Where painted Glafs her Hifl'ry doth difplay. 
 
 The precious (490) Body bleeding did remain ; 
 
 The Hill was colour'd with a crimfon Red ; 
 And whilll 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 fontal Ifle; 
 Which fhew'd the Prince did her of Life beguile. 
 
 Lord 
 
 ( 4ga ) 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. 
 
[ 65 ] 
 
 Lofd ! what a Sight was this I nor g-haftly 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 Vi6t'ry over cruel Death. 
 
 The Pried and People wept to fee the Sight ! 
 
 But moft her Pcsrents mourn'd their Hearts Delight. 
 
 CHAP. VII. 
 
 trbe argument 
 
 The Prince, who could not well repent. 
 Meets fudden Death I A fad Event I 
 The Miracle, that is difplay'd, 
 By ancient Writers, of this Maid. 
 
 T:iU' NO 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 Handing by. 
 As tho' he fcorn'd, or had not Pow'r, to fly. 
 
 The holy Prieft., who bore the Virgin's Head, 
 Told the Spe6tators all her fpir'tual Charms : 
 
 How no Enticements could her Mind miflead 
 From the dear Circle of her Saviour's Arms : 
 
 A Martyr true (he well efteem'd might be. 
 
 Who had by Death (51) fav'd her Virginity. 
 
 But 
 
 ( 50 ) So well did he prove a sympathetick Love to he that flos deliciarum 
 to the Afflicted, that it well might be said of him as of Origen, Cujus ex 
 ore non tam 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 Hand, 
 
 A Statue Hke, 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 HeaVn-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 Powr,_ 
 
 Had you not preach'd her in Religion's State. 
 Long might flie liv'd, did fhe not me controul ; 
 But fince fhe's dead, Jove reft her filly Soul. 
 
 B u ' N reply' d, O thou unprince-like Youth, 
 Since no Corhpun6lion from thy Soul proceeds 
 
 Quick fhalt thou find confirm'd a woful Truth, 
 Juft Punifhment for thy accurfed Deeds. 
 
 Soon as he fpoke, the Body like Wsijfc Clay, (52) 
 
 Fell to the Ground, which Daemons bore away. 
 
 Behold, 
 
 ( 52 ) Some write. He fell to the Earth, and immediately expired; tho' 
 they could not otherwise perceive the vindictive Hand of the A Imighty 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; who, as a very learned Author writes, are styled seirim, derived 
 from a Word which signifies horrere, because usually tendring themselves to 
 View in the most glaring, frightful and horrible Forms, | 
 
[ 67 ] 
 
 Behold, faid B u ' n o , what a fearful Shame 
 
 Has him befall'n, who GOD'S (52a) Laws withflood : 
 
 See from aflringent Earth a cryllal Stream, 
 As intermingles with the Virgin's Blood ! (53) 
 
 Which, trickling to the (54) Vale will prove a Well, 
 
 The Fame of which Ihall diilant Ages tell. 
 
 CHAP. VIII. 
 
 Ube argument. 
 
 How WiNEFRED, to Life rejior'd. 
 Again on earth did praife the Lord : 
 Became an Abbefs mitch revet" d, 
 And as a Saint mojl bright appear'd. 
 
 TD U T tho' the Tyrant cut her Thread of Life, 
 -*-^ And llopt the Progrefs of that Vow fhe 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. 
 Corne, join with me ; I'll pray for her and you. 
 
 What 
 
 ( 52a ) Non patitur lusum fides, fays a great Divine. 
 
 ( 53 ) An 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 fpedtacula, 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 DRY-Vale. — King David, (Pfal. cvii. 35.) in 
 praising the Lord, tells us. That He turneth the (Jry 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 fhown 
 
 To the (56) Difeas'd; nay, even rais'd the Dead! 
 And fure Heav'n's Powers, (57) from all Ages pafl. 
 Dp ftill exift, and will unto the laft. 
 
 Did 
 
 ( 55 ) " ^'''^^ /"«'* Dathani, &• Abironis exiius, quos Mosen perduelU 
 "animo obfirmatos hiatu discendens miserubiliter absorpsit. Talis mors Abfalonis, 
 ' ' qucm majestatis pertinaoem renm feralis hasta confixit. Tale quinquagmta 
 " satellitum, quos in Eli am parva nverentes ccelum flammarum globis armatum 
 "devoravit. Tale ftiit Hebraei hominis exitium, quern cum in/ami Madianitide 
 "vindex irajecit gladius, &• lectidum genialem miscuit cum funebri." Which 
 WoROS OF DREXELIUS, in his Preparation for Death, &-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, 
 (S-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 Midianitess, 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 fhew to afEided jfob : 
 For when he had humbled himfelf, as mention'd in Ckap. xi. 4, 5, we 
 are told, from a Tradition of the Eaftern Inhabitants, that, upon the 
 Almighty's purpofing to make no farther Tryal of that illuilrious 
 Sufferer, he fent the Angel Gabriel from Heaven ; who, taking him by the 
 Hand, rais'd him on his Feet : And ftriking 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 iuvenile Years. 
 
 ( 57 ) If we look but in the Writings of the Prophet Jeremiah, 
 Isaiah, Habakkuk, &-c., we ftiall foon be convinc'd of the Almighty 
 Power and Majefty from and to all Eternity. 
 
[69 J 
 
 Did not (58) Eliflia Iron caufe to fwim, 
 
 Without the (59) Load-Stone, pafling- Nature's Laws ; 
 And other Wonders are afcrib'd to Him, 
 
 Thro' GOD, who made the World, the fupreiiie 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 together. 
 
 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 refl:ore : 
 Still, ftill to praife Thee for Thy People's Sake, 
 
 That fo her Virtues may fliine more and more. 
 She lov'd you dear; for you her Soul did melt; 
 And for your Sake the Pains of Death flie 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. AvA the Man of God. said, Where fell it ? And 
 he shew'd him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, 
 and the IRO]f} did swim. 
 
 ( 39 ) Or Magnet, the Verticity of which was discover' d about 400 
 Years ago, hy 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 
 Technicuni for a further Account, 
 
C 70 3 
 
 Think of Thy Church, and promifed Defence, 
 (60) 'Gainft. Waters Rage, and horrid Flames of Fire ; 
 
 And let us know thy great Omnipotence, 
 That this thy fallen Servant my refpife. 
 
 Pity her Fate, commiferate our Fears ; 
 
 Regard our State, and mitigate our Cares. 
 
 May facred Virgins e'er admire her Charms, 
 Who conflant fought Thee as her chiefell Good ; 
 
 And ftrive to be encircled in thine Arms, 
 Altho' vile Mortals feek to (hed 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 Ghoft 1 infpire ! 
 
 Thou Source of Light! of Truth! thp 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 flie 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. W}im thou passest thro' the Waters I will be 
 with thee ; and thro' the Rivers they shall not overflow thee ; when thou, walkest 
 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. And 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 gracious 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 fiow'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 fliow more Love than fhe ; 
 A perfea Pattern of true PIETY! 
 
 For once more Bu'no made her take the Veil 
 
 Of Sandtimony, 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 fhe liv'd profefs'd, 
 And as a darling Saint by all confefs'd. ' 
 
 She had Confeffors : (65) S e n a n one by Name ; 
 
 A Priell, whofe facred Knowledge made him (hine; 
 The other, (66) D e i f e r , of equal Fame, 
 
 That, like the former, led a Life divine, 
 
 Thefe told her how ftie 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, getj or obtain ; and the latter, fred, or frid, denoting Peace: But the 
 Britons are said to call it Gt^inprid, 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, when 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, Ihe taught to them again. 
 
 To love the LORD in pure Virginity ; 
 And, warn'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-fliining Cynthia ceas'd to flied 
 
 Her lunar Glory, and the rifing Sun 
 Had fipp'd the pearly Dews, as from his Bed 
 
 He rofe his conftant circling Courfe to run : 
 Who with parental Love, and genial Heat, 
 Enliven'd where he (hone with Joys compleat. 
 
 He had but jufl peep'd o'er the dusky Hills, 
 When the fair Saint was at her Morning Pra3^rs ; 
 
 Whofe weeping Eyes did flow like cryflal Rills, 
 And as bright Pearls appear'd her falling Tears. 
 
 She took her leave, and haften'd to that Cell, 
 
 Where Him (he fought with San6tity 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, where the present Church stands. The new one is at 
 the Bottom of the Mount, more conveniently situated. 
 
C 73 ] 
 
 .He, like (69) Antonius, took moll 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) Solflice, 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 diff'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 PalTage to the Roots, 
 He knew, was pregnant with Salts, Sulphur, Oyls ; 
 
 That fubtle Sap, in Sun-fliine upward, flioots. 
 Which Night condenfes, ripens as it cools : 
 
 How (75) Infe6ts Eggs in Water, Air or Earth, 
 
 By Sol's bright Rays receive their favour'd Birth. 
 
 How 
 
 ( 6g ) A noble ^Egyptian Monk and Hermit, that liv'd One Hundred 
 and Five Years, the most part in great Sanctity. 
 
 ( 70 ) Elementa, cielum, ortus &■ occasus sidemnt, diurnts nocturnaque 
 vicissitifdines, quadripartita anni varietas, qua duo aquinoctia vere, & autumno : 
 ac totidem solstitia testate &■ hieme complectitur, quorum decursu herbn exolescunt 
 &■ deficiunt, suoque tempore emergunt ac reviviscunt, quum multa indicent ac 
 commonstrent, turn d, morte ad vitam 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 abfectum, 
 quod non aliquid admirationis hominibus ad/erat. 
 
[, 74 ] 
 
 How unfeen Fluid, which the Globe furrounds, 
 
 Helpful io 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 Ihould foremoft 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 ftudy what pertain'd to Fate, 
 Much like our Bodies to Sepulchres led; 
 
 Reviv'd in vernal Blooms, which fliews that State, 
 When Lands and Oceans fliall yield up their Dead : 
 
 Why Darknefs to reviving Light gives Way, 
 
 And Phofphor ulhers in the coming Day. 
 
 Or 
 
 ( 76 ) This was the DoSrine of Zoroaster, a Philofopher near the 
 Persian Gulph, mention'd in the Travels of Cyrus, 
 
[ 75 1 
 
 Or why Aurora, with her darting Gleams, 
 
 Unfolds sethereal Gates that Sol might ftiine ; 
 
 Or llreak the Eaft 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 relllefs Tide, 
 That in fome Kingdoms drown adjacent Lands ; 
 
 In other Places, failing to prefide, 
 Appear arenal and delightful Strands ; 
 
 'Till changing, like fuccefllve 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 ftrange 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 Beafts to love. 
 
 And piercing Cold our nervous Senfes move. 
 
 The Sun's Propenfion to'ards the diftant (77) Poles, 
 
 His Declination from seftival Height; 
 Why that revolving Luminary rolls, 
 
 'Till Hyem's Signs he doth in Order greet: 
 How the bright Moon doth thro' the (78) Zodiack fteer 
 Within one Month what takes him up a Year. 
 
 What 
 
[ 76 J 
 
 What Springs the human Body do compofe; 
 
 How interweaving Art'ries, Nerves and Veins, 
 Form Bafons, Pumps, Canals ; what Liquid flows 
 
 Throughout 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 would fay, thofe who adore GOD'S Name, 
 
 For Whom great Bifliops, Nobles, Princes, Kings, 
 Have Stru6lures rais'd, to their mofl. pious Fame ; 
 
 Where faithful Souls cceleftial Do6lrines 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 dill. 
 
 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 iEquinoftial, 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 quodcunque vides, quocunque moveris. 
 
C 77 ] 
 
 'Twas fituated on a fair Afcent, 
 
 Within a Rock, whence he the Ocean view'd : 
 Here, with much Labour, gaining- fweet Content, 
 
 He added Rooms to what old Hermits hew'd ; 
 Incrufted round with Shells like ftiining Ore, 
 Which had been gather'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 Eaft, an Altar moft compleat, 
 
 Cut in the Rock, charm'd the Spe6lators Sight ! 
 For whom he prayd 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 (hade from Heat of Sun. 
 
 Here warbling Birds, which often hither came, 
 
 Did join with Saturn, and the purling Stream. 
 
 Tall was his Perfon, of majeilick 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 Prieft approv'd. 
 That (hould, 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 flen, ioUndum est 
 
 PrimUm ipsi tibi; tunc tna me infortunia Itedent, 
 Telephe! — HOR. (82) Joh. iv. 
 
 ( 83 ) Acts ix. 17. And Ananias went his way, S-c. 
 
C 78 ] 
 
 None but an Angel let him underftand, 
 
 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 (hows, that Cleanlinefs, how poor we be. 
 Agrees with true religious Piety. 
 
 And as defcending to'ards the flow'ry Plain, 
 He faw how nimbly fhe her Steps did trace 
 
 More fleet and fair than Nymphs, whom Poets feign, 
 Becaufe adorn'd with Angel's Mein and Grace : 
 
 Fad 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 offer 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. 
 
 Refrefhment o'er, the Hill on t'other Side, 
 With the fair Virgin, he did flow defcend ; 
 
 As tho' that Time too fafl. away did Aide 
 To part him from fo dear a heav'n-lov'd Friend : 
 
 And, as he went, the Ways he eafier made, 
 
 Removing Brakes that ftie might fofter tread. 
 
 Where ends my Travel ? cryd the Virgin chajle. 
 
 Daughter, faid he, thou well-belov'd of Heav'n, 
 To fair (84) Clutinds Vale, I pray you, hafle ; 
 
 Where further Knowledge will to thee be giv'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 Cinyci, which feparates the 
 Province of Flint from that of Denbigh. 
 
[79] 
 
 See yonder Rocks arid 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 fliadows 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 Hbufe to dwell : 
 
 For o'er the Door is written : Pilgkims, dear I 
 
 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 Ihall be for you within my Cell, 
 
 Heav'n to receive you, when from Earth you part. 
 Thank you. Good Father ; but I pray be/low 
 your BenediSlion on me e'er I go. 
 
 His 
 
 ( 85 ) Miva enim naturis soUrtia, montium horum juga mcenhim pinnas 
 mentiuiitur. 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-P'ields, many fair Houfes, and beautiful 
 Churches. The Eye muft needs be charm'd with fuch a fair and, lovely 
 Profpeft. 
 
[ 8o ] 
 
 His Bleffing giv'n, quick ftie trod the Ground, 
 And by Sun-fef approach'd a lovely Field; 
 
 When a (87) White-Houfe near to a Church (he found. 
 With Gates and Doors that did a Splendor yield : 
 
 The fame wherein (he was to lodge that Night; 
 
 Where Peace did dwell, and Virtue (hined bright. 
 
 The Damfels, who this Hofpital did keep, 
 
 With Emulation ftrove moft 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 Repaft, 
 
 Which they had brought, beneath an Oaken Tree ; 
 
 With Love endearing they did part at laft. 
 In mutual Kindnefs and Sincerity: 
 
 Some Steps they trod, look'd back, and bid farewell ! 
 
 Then (hook their Hands, with Sighs no Words can tell. 
 
 And now (he haftens, then a while (he reds ; 
 
 Her Eyes, to Heav'n up-lifted, flow in Tears ; 
 Her lilly Hands, near to her rifing Breads 
 
 Infolded, (how her Zeal in fervent Pray'rs. 
 The Pow'r unfeen, who every A6tion knows, 
 Prote6ls the charming Virgin as (he goes. 
 
 Or elfe, kind Reader, think how Angels bright 
 Hover'd around her with their (hielding Wings : 
 
 For when a Sinner turns, with 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 Protedtion here. 
 
 The 
 
 ( 87 ) Called Tyguyn by the ancient Britons. 
 
 ( 88 ) Luke xv. 7. / say unto vou that likewise joy, &v. 
 
L 8i ] 
 
 The Virgin 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 Bleffings Heav'n did to the Earth impart; 
 
 Soon (he perceiv'd how glitt'ring Turrets fliin'd. 
 Which rais'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 welcome home ; 
 Each Virgin kifs'd her; fome did wafli her Feet; 
 
 And All were pleas'd the Saint to them was come. 
 Thrice happy ftiall we be, each Lady faid; 
 Blefs'd is the Place, where lives fo dear a Maid. 
 
 Wyiheriacus was the Building call'd; (89) 
 Part govern'd by Theonye, Abbefs fam'd ; 
 
 And where, contiguous, very llrongly wall'd. 
 
 Were Monks, taught by her Son, (90) Elerius nam'd ; 
 
 Soon after which in CHRIST fhe did expire, 
 
 Whilft he was JPrieil 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 Monaftery ; 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 moil fit to rule; 
 And make the Houfe Hill more and more to fliine. 
 
 Thro' her Improvements in Religion's School. 
 For who more fit than ftie to be obey'd, 
 That had fuch glorious Chaftity difplay'd ? 
 
 Humility now lovely did appear 
 
 In her, whofe Charity was unconflrain'd : 
 To various Wants flie did her Bounties fhare, 
 
 With Words fo foft that due Attention gain'd. 
 Labour enjoin'd, when flie 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 Diftionour to the Bell of All : 
 
 Alternately fuch Offices they fhar'd ; 
 
 And who prov'd humbleft was the mofl. rever'd. 
 
 The pretty Birds that thro' the Air do fkim ; 
 
 Beafls of all Kinds which on the Earth abide ; 
 The ftiining Fifties, that in Oceans fwim. 
 
 Or what in cryllal Rivers fwiftly glide : 
 Thefe pious Ladies clearly did impart. 
 Thro' Strength of Thought, with curious Needle's Art. 
 
 The Spring, as rifing in its Infant-State, 
 
 With Fiords fair Diverfity of Blooms ; 
 Not fcorch'd as yet by too fermenting Heat; 
 
 But, like fair Tempe's Airs, flieds fweet Perfumes : 
 And Summer too, with all its Charms o'er-fpread. 
 In lovely Manner were by Them difplay'd. 
 
 Summits, 
 
C 83 ] 
 
 Summits, like Idds Pines, which reach the Clouds ; 
 
 Around fubfiding- Fountains, 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 Mjrror 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, fliort'ning more the Day, 
 Transform'd the Waters into gelid Plains. 
 
 Thus did the Virgins trace the Seafons round. 
 
 And fliew'd the Works of Heav'n to be profound. 
 
 At Meals Instru6lions moll divine were giv'n ; 
 
 Or Lives of Saints read of fair AngUa's Line : 
 Such who were judg'd for Virtue blefs'd in Heav'n, 
 
 And who on Earth would never ceafe to ihine. 
 Whilft. 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 ftiew'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 1 
 
 Others 
 
[ 84 ] 
 
 Others again defcrib'd immortal Joys, 
 
 Lilce Neflar'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. 
 
 The End of the Second PART. 
 
Britifli 
 
 PIETY Difplay'd 
 
 In the Glorious *■ 
 
 Life, ^uffermg, and Death 
 
 Of the Bleffed 
 
 St. WINEFRED : 
 
 A Noble Virgin, martyr'd for her renowned T 
 Chaftity, in Wales : Where, at Her Cele- - 
 brated Fountain, called Holy-Well, many 
 affli6led Perfons have been happily freed 
 from their moft dangerous Diftempers in 
 pall Centuries : The falutiferous Quality 
 of which Water, continuing in the prefent 
 Age, occafions its Fame to be fpread 
 in far-diftant Kingdoms. 
 
 ^T J J,^ ^Tj ^T j JL^ ^La ^ ' -^ kU M^ hT^ ^U M^ ^M M^ ^ ' ■. ^ * ■■ ^ ' J ^L^ ^U ^ ' ^ fcT J 
 
 p I ^ p 1 ^ T^ '1' T^ T^ '1 Tl a T^ X '1^ T^ T^ ' 1 ' F 1 ^ p I ^ Fi^ T^ T^ P 1 ^ 
 
 I 
 
 Ecclefia nunquamflorentior,quamcum affliHior inter cruces& 
 gladios fuortim martyrum pugnas & viHorias fpellamt. — - 
 Natura rerum ad Deum nos erigit. Quam magnifica funt 
 Opera Tua, D O MINE I 
 
 "DEUS ter Optimus Maximus in aquis fummas excel- 
 "lentiffimas recondivit vires falutares, quorum, tanta ejl 
 " prcBjiantia ut longe muliumque omnibus aliis remediorum 
 " generibus Jint fuperiores." That is, The Mq/i Glorious 
 and Omnipotent God has conceal' d the greatejl and mojl 
 excellent falubrious Efficacy in the Waters ; which have 
 fo prevalent a Power, that they are far fuperior to all 
 other Kinds of Remedies. 
 
 PART the ffUrd. 
 
 >j< ►{< ^ ►{< ►!< ►J* ^ ^ >j< >j< ►^ ^ ►J* ►J" ^ ►J* ►{< ►J* ►!< ^ >j« 
 
 York : Printed and Sold by the Author ,T h o . Gent, 
 in PetergaU, Anno Dom. Mdccxlii. 
 
[ 86 ] 
 
 I was gflad when they faid unto me, Let us go into the 
 Houfe of the LORD. 
 
 Pray for the Peace of Jerufalem : they fliall profper 
 that love thee. Pfal. cxxii. 
 
 Venerationis locus in templo eft. 
 
 By 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 peri/h, but have everlajiing life. Joh. iii. 
 
 Many are my perfecutors, and mine enemies : yet I do 
 not decline from thy teftimonies. Pfal. cxix. 157. 
 
 / will wajh mine Hands in Innocency : fo will I compafs 
 Thine Altar, O LORD I Psal. xxvi. 6. 
 
[ 87 J 
 
 The Third PART of 
 ffhe S^oly LIFE and DEATH of 
 
 S. WINEFRED. 
 
 Contintiation of the Eighth Chapter. 
 
 OOME Virgins, in embroider'd Work employ'd, 
 *^ With Silk and Silver curioufly inlaid, 
 Adorn'd the Rooms, in which appear'd no Void, 
 
 But Art induftrious feem'd mofl fair array'd. 
 But whilft 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 amidft 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 Effefts of Poyfon. 
 ( 93 ) Pliny writes, that it's of a fine blue, or azure Colour. 
 { 94 ) " Perfecta fulchritudo sita est in smvitate colons, &■ harmonia 
 ' membrorwm. PLAfo, 
 
C 88 ] 
 
 As of CHRIST'S wond'rous Birth, and Senfe divine ; 
 
 The (95) Miracles which he ftupendous wrought; 
 Endearing Meeknefs, that fo bright did fhine, , 
 
 Surpaffing ev'ry human A6t or Thought : 
 And as he nearer to his Paflion drew,| 
 Attra6ting Sights did offer to his View. 
 
 For as amidfl the Twelve he feem'd to fit. 
 Shewing his Fate, in brealiing 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 Apollles feen : 
 And, whilll they flept, mofl. fervently he pray'd. 
 
 Kneeling in Sorrow on the verdant Green : 
 Whilft. 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 Difl,ra6lion bred. 
 
 To Pilate ; and to Herod fent in Pride. ' 
 
 Scoff'd at, brought back, and ftript unto to the Skin, 
 To wound his precious Body for our Sin. 
 
 O cruel 
 
 (95) I refer the Reader for a (hort Account of them to a little 
 Book in Verfe, fet forth by me ; which I carefully extradted from the 
 Evangelical and Ecclefiaftica! Writers, in an eafy, chronological Manner, 
 for my better underilanding. 
 
 ( 96 ) In the 26th Chapter of St. Matthew, Vef. 30, &-c. 
 
 ( 97 ) But he deny'd before them all saying, S-n, Ver. 70, 
 
[ 89 ] 
 
 O cruel Li6lors I worfe than Heathen Rome I 
 To bind our dear Redeemer's facred Hands ! 
 
 His Body fcourge, 'till precious Blood did come 1 
 Where but from Hell had you fuch dire Commands ? 
 
 Pilate did wafli his Hands ; but, gracelefs, 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 puU'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 moll fore 
 
 That facred Flefli 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 (icx)) Blemifli, 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 moek'd our Blessed LORD, they should invent Torments answerable to 
 their malicious Contempt. The Robe, which 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 ) Joh. i. 29. ( 100 ) I. Pet. i. 19. ( loi ) Rev. xxi. 23. 
 
 ( 102 ) Isa, liii. 7. 
 
C 90 ] 
 
 What Sorrow did the Virgin MARY feel, 
 An Evangelick Quill doth plain impart; (103) 
 
 Such as more piercing- prov'd than deadly Steel, 
 A Sword of Grief to wound her tender Heart 1 
 
 Well may (he be in future Ages blefs'd. 
 
 As by her Son's dear Church flie is confefs'd. 
 
 Thus having (hewn 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 burft 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 moft clean : 
 The Pow'rs of Hell and Earth became afraid. 
 When Strength divine had rais'd him from the Dead. 
 
 But his Difciples beil 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 pall, 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 loft, 
 
 Whilft o'er their Heads appeared Tongues like Fire. 
 And as an Emblem of coeleftial * Love, 
 There hover'd in the Midft an heav'nly Dove. 
 
 Then 
 ( 103 ) Lnh. 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 Image grac'd, 
 And all the Pillars of majeflic Sort. 
 
 The Windows glorioiis, 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; 
 
 Whilll on his Shoulders the fweet Infant fmil'd, 
 
 Pleas'd that his Weight had made the ftrong Man quiver. 
 
 Thrice happy Thofe, to whom our Lord appears. 
 
 And ftrikes 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 Pallors, 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 beft 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 Afylum to thofe who were oppreft ! 
 Inflead of Sorrow, here to meet with Blifs ! 
 
 Or yokeful Labours, find refrefhing- Reft 1 
 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. 
 
[ 93 ] 
 CHAP. IX. 
 
 Ube Hrgument. 
 
 Virgins S. WINEFRED furround, 
 Whiljl Jhe declares her Thoughts profound ; 
 From Reafon and from Scripture tells 
 Whats Happinefs, and where it dwells. 
 
 "VT'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 (hall 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 Chaftity and Patience ftill be found,; 
 
 Free from the World, now fet your Souls to reft. 
 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 Submiflion learn, 
 As you, no doubt, will do the fame for mine : 
 
 And then the Pow'rs, which all our A6ts 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 23 Years old was the ufual time ; but now they are 
 accepted much younger, according to Judgment. 
 
 ( 105) Psal. xlv. 10, II. Hearken, Daughter, &-c. 
 
 ( 106 ) I. .Pet. V. 5. Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves, &c. 
 Multb tutius est, stare in subjectione, quam in pralatura. Kem. 
 
 ( 107 ) Initium enim sapientia timer DOMINI. 
 
[ 94 ] 
 
 Religion, truly, makes us all to find 
 What 'tis we are, and lefs our felves elate ; 
 
 The Body's Ulnefs oft brings Health of Mind, (io8) 
 And That renews us to a better State. 
 
 It makes us think, and call (109) on God our Care, 
 
 Who is our (no) Shepherd, and whofe Voice we hear, (i 1 1) 
 
 Whilfl. fome for Gain explore the raging Flood, 
 And others Towns and Cities fet on Fire; 
 
 Whilfl vile Oppreffors do enfnare the Good, 
 'Till in defl,ru6live Lufts themfelves expire: (112) 
 
 Whilfl griping (113) Mifers, glutting in their Store, 
 
 Exult, thro' Joy, m feeing others poor. 
 
 Whilfl fome in Waters perifh, fome in Flame, 
 Or thro' the Force of (harp 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 extin6t, and PafTions 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 solus. D r e x e i.. 
 
 ( i6g ) See for Comfort in Psalm Ixxiii. Verse 23, &v. 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. Tim. vi. 9. 10. ( 113 ) Non qui parum habet, sed qui 
 
 plus cupit pauper est. — Quam difficnlter qui pecunias habent, introibunt in 
 regnum DEI. Luke xviii.,24. ("4) jfob v. ii. 
 
,C 95 ] 
 
 For here no Thoughts 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 worll they , can. 
 No, never (hall 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 boill'rous Sea; 
 
 'Till almoil loft 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 fing and love. 
 
 When Virtue fliines in Youth and harmlefs Maids, 
 Defcending Joys will ftiade them from above, 
 
 Whilft nothing here their Happinefs invades. 
 May mutual Comforts blefs them whilfl on Earth, 
 And Love eternal crown them after Death ! 
 
 Nor let our State, we voluntary chofe, 
 Be lefs efteem'd, becaufe more fet apart 
 
 To follow the bright Lamb where-e'er he goes, ( 1 1 5) 
 '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. (ii6) 
 
 Then, 
 
 ( 113 ) Rev. xiv. 4. ( 116 ) Even unto them will I give a better place 
 in mine house, and within my wails, a place and a name better than sons and 
 
 daughters, 
 
C 96 ] 
 
 Then, happy Virgins ! if, with pure Defire, 
 You long to imitate your Saviour dear; 
 
 Faith's (117) Author, unto Whom we ftiould afpire. 
 Who fends us (118) Comforts to difpel our Fear; 
 
 Which, like (119) foft Showers, lovingly defcends ; 
 
 And proves Him kindeft, deareft, beft of Friends. 
 
 With Food and Raiment let us be content; (120) 
 For what we have our grateful Love exprefs. 
 
 Expe6t not always Bleffings to be fent,. 
 
 As tho' no Sorrows grac'd our dear Recefs. 
 
 We muft. be (121) try'd, as Gold is purg'd by Fire. 
 
 No Place on Earth from Grief is quite entire. (122) 
 
 Alas I the Defert did not wholly fliield 
 
 The bleffed JESUS in his Solitude; 
 For Satan, like a Champion of the Field, 
 
 Attack'd his Lord whilfl falling 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 Affli6tion know: 
 Who bids us call, will hear us when we cry ; 
 And, whilft we trull in Him, will raife us high. (124) 
 
 Whoe'er's 
 
 daughters. Ifa. Ivi. 5., i.e. Nomen conjugis dabo eis. Nov, enim /also 
 canit EccUsia de Sanctis virginibus, Venis fonsa Christi, accife coronam quam 
 tibi Dominus praparavit in aternum. Bellar. de aetern. felicit. fancSorum. 
 
 ( 117 ) Heb. xii. 2. ( 118 ) See Pfal. iv. xxvii. xxxviii. cxxi. &c. 
 ( 119 ) Deut. xxxii. 2. ( 120 ) I. Tim. vi. 8. Phil, iv 6. ( 121 ) II. Tim. 
 iii. 12. Job vii. 18. { 122 ) Ubi namque tribulatio, ibi S- consolatio; ubi 
 consolatio ibi 6- gratia est. Drexel. (123) PmJ. oxix. 71. (124) Zj«. xl. 31. 
 
[ 97 J 
 
 Whoe'er's (125) unlearnt fad Sufferings 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 G O D I 
 
 To be reje6ted, we ftiould always fear; 
 
 Not any Pains that can attend us here. (127) 
 
 Now what will make us lov'd in yESU'S Sight, 
 Is CHARITY, (128) fair Virtues comely Queen ; 
 
 Sweet Union's Stamp, clear as coeleftial Light; 
 That Love, which loves what's holy to be feen : 
 
 Entire (129) Submiffion to the Will of Heav'n, 
 
 In whatfoe'er State we fliall be driv'n. 
 
 Let (130) Contemplation refllefs Paffions calm; 
 
 And wing'd with Love to full Perfe6lion gain : 
 'Twill prove as unto painful Wounds a Balm ; 
 
 When we, by Labour, that high Mount attain : 
 Where, like (131) Olympus' Top, is conftant Reft, 
 And Heav'n's bright Profpe6t plainer is expreft. 
 
 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 ilew, (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 quisque minus est doctus, quanta minus castigationis patiens. 
 
 ( 126 ) Quem mim diligit Dominus, castigat, &■:. Heb. xii. 6. 
 Psal. xciv. 12. 
 
 ( 127 ) Ne timeas flagellari, sed timeas exhandari. 
 
 ( 128 ) Radix omnium bonorum est charitas. Quid suave fecit jugum 
 paupertatis, &• continentite, &■ ohedimtiie tot milibus religiosorum &■ sancti- 
 monialum, nisi oleum charitatis ? Bellar. 
 
 ( 129 ) DiviniB voluntatis ngula sine omni exceptione est. Bonum est 
 tibi humihari sub potenti manu Dei. Drexel. 
 
 ( 130 ) Contemplationis pluma nos sublevat, atque inde divind dulcedine 
 ad ccelum 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 lyrti taciturnte. ( 136 ) Jam. i. 12. 
 
C 98 ] 
 
 Avoid Prefumption, equal as Defpair; (137) 
 
 Two dang'rous Rocks, on which fo many fplit : 
 
 Without GOD'S Help, alas I mofl. weak we are ; 
 But (138) ftrong to a6l, if He fliall think us fit. 
 
 In awful Silence, ancient ev'n as time, (139) 
 
 Think mOft of Him in Thoughts the rnoft. 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, whilft it perfuafive reigns ; 
 
 And, like fweet Mufick, trickleth thro' the Veins. 
 
 True in your Words, like Hours to the Sun ; 
 
 Juil in your A6tions ; all exa6t 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 H6av'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 Conductors when all Sorrows end 1 (140) 
 
 Nor think like Bab'lon's Streams this Life appears, 
 
 Where (f ) Floods do threaten, and high Billows foam ; {\) 
 
 Nor ftrive to add to thefe our ftreaming Tears, 
 
 Too apt to fhow'r as Sicknefs calls us home ! 
 
 Since 
 
 ( 137 ) Rarissime vidt, qui viotoriam ante pugnam desperavit. 
 
 ( 138 ) Psal. cvi. 2. and cviii. 13. Isa. xl. 29, 31. Phil. iv. 13. 
 ^oh. viii. 12. Rom. viii. 31. Si Deus pro nobis, quid contra nos ? 
 
 ( 139 ) Thought coaeval with Eternity, before Nature began. 
 
 ( 140 ) yob. iii. 17. Psal. xci. 11. Luke xvi. 22. 
 
 ( f ) Psal. Ixix. 2. ( I) Or like troubled fea, saith Isaiah Ivii. 20. 
 
[ 99 ] 
 Since Heav'n's Phyfician then can befl. avail, (141) 
 When Ikilful Do6tors round our Beds do fail. 
 
 Then, whilft 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 fhall 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! (14s) 
 There dwells the Prince of Angels we revere ! 
 
 With Saints furrounded in his Throne of Grace, 
 Refulgent Brightnefs fills the glorious Sphere ! 
 
 Whilft Joys exprefslefs thro' Heav'n's Choir abounds. 
 
 And Harmony in ev'ry (146) Manfion founds. 
 
 Tho' diff'rent Glories moft refplendent fhine. 
 Yet equal Pleafures charm the Ever-Bleft : (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 fiU'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 faid, Jhe hlef^d her lovely Virgin Train, 
 
 Who wept in Love to hear her melting Speech. 
 
 With fiedfajl Faith and mutual Joys infpir'd, 
 
 All took their Leave, and to their Cells retir'd. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 ( 141 ) Et licet morientis ledum pentissimi medicorum cingant, nullus 
 juvare potest, nisi tnedicus e coelo. Drexel. 
 
 Et abstersurus est Deus omnem lacrymam ah omlis eorum, Rev. xxi. 4. 
 
 ( 142 ) Psal. xxiii. 4. ( 143 ) I. Pet.'i. 9. II. Tim. iv. 7, 8. 
 
 ( 144 ) Ezek. i. 8. (145) regnum beatitudinis sempiterce, ubi tu Domine 
 spes es sanctorum, &• diadema gloria, facie ad faciem videris d. Sanctis; latificans 
 eos undique in pace tua, qua exsuperat omnem sensum. (146) Novas Semper • 
 harmonias vox meloda concrepat. 
 
 ( 147 ) Dispar est gloria singulorum, sed communis est latitia omnium. 
 
 1 148 ) Omne opus eorum laus Dei sine fine, sine defectione, sine labore. 
 Meditat. & Sol. .S. Aug. ( 149 ) II. Cor. iv. 17. I. Pet. v, 4. 
 
[ 100] 
 
 CHAP. X . 
 
 Zbc Hrgument. 
 
 The ABs of Bu'no here is prais'd. 
 Who many Churches fair had rais'd ; 
 To whom great ffonour had been giv'n. 
 Before he dy'd, and went to Heav'n. 
 
 \ FTER St. Win'frid was to Life rellor'd, 
 Bu'no became a Priefl. of mighty Fame : 
 And being call'd in Spirit by the LORD, 
 
 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 Finhon, 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 ! ftrive to run the Race, 
 " As I have taught you with true Pains and Care : 
 
 "Virgins fele6t, 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 inilru6ted in Religious Rules ; 
 "Your Piety will found thro' Chrijlendom, 
 
 "And your Example fliine in all their Schools. 
 " Weep not, fair Daughter 1 tender Parents dear I 
 "Dry up thofe Tears that on your Cheeks appear." 
 
 This 
 
[lOl] 
 
 This faid, he led them to the cryftal Fount, 
 And, having- pray'd a while, he thus begun : 
 
 Virgin, behold I GOD'S Power will furmount I 
 See you thofe Stones o'er which the Waters run ? 
 
 'Twas from your Blood that they the TinBure gain'd, 
 
 When you the Crown of Martyrdom obtained. 
 
 Their f anguine Spots can nier be waJKd away : ( 1 50) 
 
 And whofoever three times journeys here, 
 With Souls devout, tho' Sicknefs them decay. 
 
 Will find a gracious Anfwer to their PrayW. 
 As near the Ocean 1 intend my Cell, 
 There's one Thing more that I to you mujl 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 me befriend. 
 Whereby I furely fhall receive the fame. 
 
 And now farewell ; but tho' I bid you fo. 
 
 Still I fhall pray for you, where e'er I go. 
 
 So faid, they parted, and that Life ftie led 
 As he defir'd ; and when e'er flie 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 ) Then is at Whitby headless serpentine Stones, of which Camden 
 thus writes. Hild^ antem precibns adscribit credulitas, tanquam ilia commutdsset 
 qua primitiva Saxonnm ecclesia, satrerdotum tonsurce, S- Paschalis juxta Roma- 
 nvm ritum cekbrationi pro viribus obsistebat, synodo his de rebus anno 664 habita 
 in monasterio sm, quod hoe in loco posuerat, &• cui ipsa prima prefuit, 
 
C 102] 
 
 As Christ well knew, that in a Fifli's Mouth 
 There might be found a Piece of Silver laid; 
 
 And order' d (151) Peier for to prove the Truth, 
 Whereby that Ccefar's Tribute might 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 /Eftuary is by BRITONS fam'd. 
 And the fair Creek Port of the Veftment nam'd. (153) 
 
 So great the Virgin's Fame abroad had fpread. 
 That Lords and Bifliops came to Guitherine : 
 
 For that a Martyr dear (hould 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 Shelds Queen. (154) 
 
 Tho' importun'd, flie car'd not to reveal 
 
 Her Pure White Circle round her Iv'ry Neck; 
 
 Until her Virgins Suit did more prevail, 
 Whofe dear Defires (he thought not fit to check : 
 
 But when (he threw her fable Veil afide, 
 
 None could behold the fame, but wept and cry'd. 
 
 Ah I 
 
 ( 151 ) Mai. xvii. 27. ( 152 ) JoH. xjv, 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 Wellh Forth y Cassul. The firft Prefent was a fine wrought 
 Veftment, which St. Bueno placed in the Veftry of the Pariih Church of 
 Clynnog, fituated near the inlet from the Sea. 
 
 (154) n. Chron. h. from beginning to Ver. iz, ' 
 
[103] 
 
 Ah ! wicked Prince, they faid, what flinty Heart, 
 But your's, could a6t fo infafftous a Crime ? 
 
 Thus for to make fo good 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 (he 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 (hining are ? 
 
 That in our holy Churches do refound ! 
 
 And ftiall we fay, that you at length we've found ? 
 
 You, whom St. Bu'no did fo dear efteem. 
 And told your moving from fair Holy- Well P 
 
 At whofe Deceafe, juft. Heav'n did wifely deem 
 That Eight Miles you fliould travel to the Cell 
 
 Of D E I F E R ! and then to Henthlant 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 martyrum, semen Bcclesiw, 
 
[ I04 ] 
 
 What lovely Things 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 modeft. Virgin blufh'd to hear fuch Praife, 
 
 Which more increas'd their high Efteem and Love ; 
 
 She bore the fame, becaufe flie'd not difpleafe ; 
 But gave the Glory to the Pow'r above : 
 
 And in Return (he had fuch Favours giv'n, 
 
 That each Beholder judg'd Her fit for Heav'n. 
 
 For fev'ral Years, whilft Win'fred was rever'd 
 At Finhon's Dwelling, Bu'no was employ'd 
 
 In founding Churches, whilft the People heard 
 Sweet Preaching, that their Souls were overjoy'd : 
 
 And many Converts came, from diftant 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 Cambria came. 
 
 No Labour fpar'd he precious Souls to bring, 
 
 By Heav'nly Knowledge, to the Heav'nly KING. 
 
 King Cad VAN much efteem'd this holy Prieft, 
 Who at one Time appear'd before his Throne ; 
 
 And found fuch Goodnefs in his royal Breaft, 
 As rais'd his Spirits more to beg a Boon. 
 
 Which he defign'd ; a Monaftry to build : 
 
 To which Requeft the pious Prince did yield. 
 
 The End of the Third PART, 
 
Britifh PIETY Difplay'd 
 
 In the Glorious 
 
 Life, ^nffevin^, and Death 
 
 Of the Bleffed 
 
 St. WINEFRED : I 
 
 A Noble Virgin, martyr'd for her renowned T 
 Chaftity, in WcuUs : Where, at Her Cele- S 
 brated Fountain, called Holy- Well, many ^^ 
 afflifted Perfons have been happily freed 4" 
 from their miferable Diflempers in paft J 
 Centuries : The falutiferous Quality of S 
 which Water, continuing in the prefent >^ 
 Age, occafionS its F A M E to be fpread 4< 
 in far-diftant Kingdoms. ^ 
 
 fcT^ ^T^ ^T^ J^ ^I^ w.Tj ^T^ wu ^u ku M^ ku wu J^ ^M M^ M^ w^ ^T^ ^u ^T^ ^r^ 
 ^T^ "1" iC^ ^i^ ^i~ ^ii ^X^ ~i~ ^I^ ~i~ ^X^ ~i~ ^X^ ^i~ ^I^ ~i~ ii i^ ^i^ il^ ^i^ A 
 
 Ecclefia nunquam florentior, quamcum affliSlior inter crucesisf tt 
 gladiss fuorum martyrum ^pugnas &f viSlorias fpellavit. — ►r* 
 Natura rertwi ad Deuvi nos erigit. Quam magnifica funt *t* 
 Opera Tua, D O MINE I 4' 
 
 "DEUS ter Optimus Maximus in aquis fummas excel- 
 " lenttffimas recondivit vires falutares, quarum tanta ejt 
 ■ " prajlantia ut longe multumque omnibus aliis remediorum 
 " generibus fint fuperiores." That is, The Moft Glorious 
 and Omnipotent God has conceal' d the greatejl and mojl 2^ 
 excellent falubrious Efficacy in the Waters ; which have 3^ 
 fo prevalent a Power, that they are far fuperior to all [£ 
 other, Kinds of Remedies. ^ 
 
 kJ^ »-Tj wT-j ^t j »-T j fc.Tj ^.T J ».T J wT-j ».T.j fc-T-j h-T^ t-T-j kX^ tSi ^ kX^ kX^ kX^ ^-Tj kX^ ^.T-j ^I^ 
 
 M^ T^ TT T^ iP Tl Tl /^ jli Tk jIl a TT jT Tk jii Ti Tk Tk Tk T^ * 
 
 PART tU fourth. 
 
 fc.T^ >^T.^ >-T.j h-Tj ^^^ fc-T-j ^T^ fcT^ wu w^ ^u ^u ^'-^ M^ ^u u^ ^U fcT^ J^ fcT^ t.T.j 
 
 pi^ T^ T^ ~A^ T^ jIl a T^ jIl Tl Tk Tk A. Tk i Tl Tk Tt Tk T^TT 
 
 York: Printed and Sold by the Author Tho. Gent, 
 in Petergate, Anno Dom. Mdccxlh. 
 
C io6] 
 
 As CHRIST, when young-, was clafp'd within the Arms 
 
 Of Heav'n's blefl. Virgin, and fecur'd from Harms ; 
 
 So oft it happens, that the Jufl. prote6t 
 
 The Innocent, and not their Caufe neg-le6l : 
 
 Spealc in Defence to Magiflrates of Towns ; 
 
 And for Truth's Sake difvalue Smiles or Frowns. 
 
 Thus B u ' N a6led with religious Heart, 
 
 As you will find perufing of this Part : 
 
 Which I have flrove, with no fmall Pains, to matke 
 
 The Reading pleafant for the Reader's Sake : 
 
 And hope 'twill laft. for Ages yet to come. 
 
 Since to ferve Others I my Life confume. 
 
 " Aliis ferviens meipfum center o." 
 
[ 107] 
 
[ 108] 
 
 The Fourth PART of 
 ^he ^oly LIFE and DEATH of 
 
 S. WINEFRED. 
 
 Continuation of the Tenth Chapter. 
 Containing a further Account of St. Buno's Piety. 
 
 'X*HE King's fair Son, Cadwallon, did beftow 
 
 Some (156) Lands likewife the Stru6ture to enlarge. 
 Whilft the Foundations laying- were below, 
 A Gentlewoman did the work difcharge. 
 A little Child was clafp'd within her Arms; 
 When with thefe Words (he thus the Saint alarms : 
 
 B u ' N 0, fhe faid, 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. 
 
C 109 1 
 
 So at (157) Caermarthen on a Day they met, 
 The young Man fitting near his Father's Throne. 
 
 'Twas wrong, faid B u ' n , 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 Bu'no had requir'd. 
 
 The Priell, thus griev'd, did excommunicate 
 The royal Youth, and from the Court retir'd. 
 
 The noble (158) Gwiddant, 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 fliall 
 Out of my own Ellate free grant to thee : 
 
 A Townfliip fair, to build, and there implore 
 
 Bleffings 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 moft furly Leech, 
 By Riches curs'd, and like by them to fail : 
 
 Your Offer, Sir, faid Bu'no, I receive : 
 
 May' Heav'n reward, and add to what you have ! 
 
 Then 
 
 ( 157 ) Or Caernarvon, called Gear Seiont, ani by the Roman Emperor 
 Antoninus Segontium; where a Church was dedicated in Honour 0/ St. 
 
 SiMPLICIUS. 
 
 ( 158 ) He was Cousin German to Prince CadwellcJn, 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. Dangefms his Tutor. His Father 
 Binfi descended from Cadel Prince of Glefiwig; his Mother from Anna, 
 Queen of the Pidts, Sister to the great K. Arthur. 
 
 ( 159) I. Sam. XXV. 32, 33, &c. And blessed be thou, &e. 
 
[no] 
 
 Then did he (i6o) build a Church mod neat and fair, 
 The Ifles crofs-ways, and ftately to behold ; 
 
 With lofty Turrets foaring in the Air, 
 
 Whofe Spires did glitter like to burnifti'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 fpendirig Time, 
 
 Did them aflifl. 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 Jull around ; 
 And Death at length had mov'd him from Earth's Stage, 
 
 A noble (i6i) Sepulchre his Body found : 
 Whilfl his Remembrance do's with Honour lall, (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 • 
 Caernarvonftiire, almost as large as St. DAVID'S Cathedral. A new 
 Church was erected contiguous to it. 
 
 ( 161 ) He dy'd in 660. His Memory in the Englifh Martyrology 
 is celebrated on the i^th of January. 
 
 { 162 ) In memoria ceterna erit Justus. His Body was bury'd in the 
 Parilli Church, near Forth y Cassul, or the Port of the Veftment, by 
 reafon of the Token fent from S. WINEFRED, where the Sea runs up 
 as an Inlet. His Tomb is faid to be remaining ; and her Hiftory was 
 inoft curioufly painted in the Glafs Windows thereof. 
 
[ III ] 
 
 CHAP. XI. 
 
 Ube argument. 
 
 Hffw WiNEFRED did yield her Breath, 
 With her Tranjlation after Death; 
 And from far diflant Parts did come 
 Pilgrims, who vifited her Tomb. 
 
 'I^'HE lovely Virgin, 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 (he knew inclin'd; 
 Thofe who were tempted quickly (he'd perceive ; 
 And, thro' GOD'S Help, moil ghoftly Councels gave. 
 
 More by Intreaty, than by harfli Command, 
 She over all did fweet Obedience gain ; 
 
 To hear her Praifes (he would never Hand, 
 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 Hymns fhe fung : 
 
 Her Love to JESUS did all Hearts inflame ; 
 
 She always figh'd, when e'er (he 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 llorm. 
 
 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 
 
 (i6s) Her LORD fhe thought, thro' Faith, before her Sight: 
 
 Who fignify'd that Dea,th was drawing near. 
 
 And bid her for her latter End prepare. 
 
 "Thy Will be done;' my deareft LORD! faid flie, 
 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 wi(h for Earth's Enjoyments, here to Hay ? (166) 
 
 Alas ! fweet LORD! dire Sins flrive to furround, 
 And from Temptations none are fcarcely free ! (167) 
 
 Thy Number, foon, accomplifhed, be found ! 
 'Mongft. whom, I truft, thou haft. fele6ted me ! 
 
 Thy precious Arms will thine in Safety clofe : 
 
 O let my Soul with thee find blefs'd Repofe. 
 
 Fear 
 
 ( 164 ) Beaii servi illi, quos cum venerit Dominus, invsnerit vigilantes. 
 
 ( 165 ) Thus did our Bleffed Saviour appear unto St. Paul in 
 Jerusalem, Afts xxii. ver. 18 to zi. And another time, when he gave 
 Encouragement to bear Witnefs of Him in Rome, Cap. xxiii. 11. Befides, 
 Church Hiftory tells us of that Miracle of Grace, and, Nature's Beauty, 
 the fair Saint Potamiana, (martyr'd about the Year 205, along with the 
 Virgin Herhais) who appeared, the third Night after Execution to BaClides 
 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 Christianity; 
 by which he obtain' 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, S-o. Afid Zoe, who had been hung by the Hair, and 
 suffocated, the succeeding Night encouraged S. Sebaftian; who was cruelly 
 wounded with Arrows, and most barbarously whipt to Death. 
 
 ( 166 ) Quid rogamus &■ petimus, ut adveniat regnum coelorum, si 
 captivitas terrena delectat? 
 
 ( 167 ) Nemo tam beatus vivit, quin plurimis obnoxius vivat periculis : 
 &• raro periculum sine periculo vitatur. Drex. 
 
[H3 ] 
 
 Fear not, faid CHRIST; I ne'er forfake my own, 
 But come to ferve them in their greateft Need ; 
 
 Angels ihall guide thee to my Father's Throne; 
 A fecond Time thou Ihalt not for me bleed. 
 
 Watch for the Hour of Death, to waft thee o'er 
 
 Where (i68) Safety dwells, ne'er to be fliip-wreck'd more. 
 
 My Lord, faidjhe, 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 tranflate 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 furtheft. Gate, (170) 
 Where doubtful Spirits can't my Soul turmoil; (171) 
 
 Both Day and Night I (hall my Bridegroom wait. 
 My Lamp fupply with conftant flowing Oil. 
 
 O happy Moment ! when from hence I fever. 
 
 Once more, thro' Death, to live with Thee for ever! (172) 
 
 To St. Elerius flie 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 littiis ! securus partus ! in quo nemo, nisi volens, naufragatur. 
 
 ( 169 ) Finis calamitatum, transitus ad immortalitatem. 
 
 ( 170 ) PsAL. LV. 6. and LXIII. also Psal. LXXXIV. 
 
 ( 171 ) Heb. XI. 25. 
 
 ( 172 ) Quemadmodiim desiderat cervus ad fontes aquarum, ita desiderat 
 anima mea ad te, Deus ! Cupio dissolvi &• esse cum Christo. Vid. Psal. xlii. 1. 
 and Phil. i. 23. 
 
Weep not, f aid pie, 'tis my Creator's Will, 
 
 To follow dear Theonia to Reft ; 
 Nor think but what I ftiall be ufeful ftill ; 
 
 My Pray'rs for you fliall be amongft the Bleft. 
 Unto my heav'nly Spoufe I am to go ; 
 Then joy with me, fince 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 paft. 
 
 That you and I may meet in Heav'n at laft. 
 
 O let my Body near Theonia lye 
 
 Clofe as you may to that bleft Matron's Side. 
 
 So faid, flie look'd around with tender Eye, 
 
 Blefs'd them once more, then clos'd her Lids, and dy'd. 
 
 Peaceful, fhe breath'd her laft within their Arms : 
 
 And as ftie liv'd, fo dy'd with Angel's Charms. (173) 
 
 Whilft doleful Sounds came from the Paffing-Bell, 
 An (174) ancient Cuftom calling all to Pray'rs; 
 
 And Requiems fing, as good Hiftorians 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 ) Mr. Gauther writes, That she deceased Anno Christi 664, 
 ore the nth Day before the Nones 0/ November. (The Nones, or 6th Day, 
 after the Kalends : Which latter is the 1st Day after the Months of March, 
 May, June, and October ; in the rest the ^th.) Others place her Death much 
 later. 
 
 ( 174 ) Quod cum ilia audisset, suscitavit cunctas sorores &• in ecclesiam 
 convocatas, orationibus &• psalmis pro anima matris operant dare monuit." 
 Bed. Van. 
 
For fuch a Saint, who had fo high excell'd, 
 Mofl 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 1 they cry'd, where Heav'nly Joy's in Store ; 
 
 But gone 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 illuftrious thro' the Virgin's Shrine : 
 
 For Miracles, mofl. evident difplay'd, 
 
 Did raife the Glory of this virtuous Maid. 
 
 The Prieft, 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 
 
 Amongft, the Saints, he to fair Cambria fails. 
 
 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 juft 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 ) Jt was near to that of Theonia, when former Saints were interred. 
 Amongst 'em 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, through Obscurity of 
 Writers, ascertain the exact time of Ms Death. ( 178 ) Luxueil. 
 
 ( 180 ) Jn a Church erected to his Name and Memory. 
 
[ ii6J 
 
 Long lay S. WIN' FRED' S Corpfe in Guitherine, 
 To which all Sorts of Pilgrims did refort : 
 
 Amongfl them Nobles vifited her Shrine, 
 
 To feek for Bleffmgs 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 Pilgrims 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, projected 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) Prieft, in Firfl King William's Reign, 
 Had fuch Diftempers 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 fhe told her Cafe. 
 
 O pity 
 
 ( i8i ) Belonging to a famous Monastery begun A .D. 1087, by Earl 
 Roger of Montgomery, ( to whom the Conqueror had given Shropfliire ) 
 and his pious Lady, at Shrewfbury, near Severn, 
 
["7] 
 
 pity me, flie faid, a Virgin poor I 
 
 That can't thy Wonders view ; but yet conceive, 
 
 By what I've heard, dear' God I thy wondrous Pow'r 
 To faithful Mortals, very near their Grave. 
 
 So faid, (he in the Stream did bathe her Head, 
 
 And after that was to the Chapel led. 
 
 Mofl. of that Night (he pray'd, for Wilfrid's Sake, 
 That GOD her feal'd-up Eye-lids would unclofe : 
 
 And that her g-rateful Soul would Off 'rings make, 
 When, lo ! foft Slumber gave her fweet Repofe ; 
 
 And, whilfl awaking from angelick Dreams, (182) 
 
 She view'd, what oft Ihe'd felt, Sol's radiant Beams. 
 
 (183) 
 Twas 
 
 ( 182 ) And, vfon 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 ijiore, becaufe he fays he was a 
 
 Witnefs 
 
L"8] 
 
 '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 Bifliop, and their Suit reveals 
 
 To mitred David, who moft 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 fhou'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 
 
 Witnefs to fome of them : A blind Man and Woman receiving Sight ; 
 the wonderful Cures of Innocmtius and Innocentia ;'o{ a converted Phyfician; 
 paralytick Perfons eafed ; Places and Dasmoniacs difpoflfeffed ; 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 , Dominum J ESV M per Integra virginalia matris 
 enixum, &■ ad discipulos ostiis clausis ingresstim fuisse non credunt. Sed hoc 
 certe qiuerant, &• si verum invenerint, ilia credant. Clarissima fcemina est, 
 nobiliter nata, noUliter nupta, Carthagine habitat : ampla civitas, ampla 
 persona, rem qiuerentes latere non sinunt. Martyr certe ipse, quo impetrante 
 ilia sanata est, in filium permanentis virginis credidit, in eum qui ostiis clausis 
 ad discipulos ingressus est, credidit. Postremo, propter quod omnia ista dicuntur 
 ci nobis, in eum qui ascendit in ccelum 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 
 vidt, &-C. 
 
 (*) 1138. 
 
 ( 184 ) Who preiided over the aforefaid Monaftery. 
 
C"9] 
 Nor without Caufe : For many flood againft 
 
 The Meffengers, '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 great 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, ftruck 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 fineft Linnen they her Bones infold. 
 
 And, whilft 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 Vision of the LORD fore- 
 told the eighth Persecution. Theodoras, 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 Caecilia ; the Apparitions to 8- Sebaftian, Lucina, and several others ; 
 particularly of the Martyr Thecla to the Emperor Zeno, as written by the 
 noble Evagrius Schplafticus, lib. iii. c. 8. An extraordimry Vision 
 (resembling our Biviour's to S. Paul, Afts ix. 3, &c.) was thai to Genefms, 
 a Comedian, in the reign of Dioclefian, whilst ridiculing the Sacrament of 
 Baptism : Whi;h 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 was but like Mount Calvary, which wou'd 
 present 'em with 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 miraculous 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 Man was, it seems, almost bent double; and having 
 been long time in that miserable Condition, his sudden Relaxation and Recovery 
 became wonderful to the People. 
 
[ 120 ] 
 
 When in Proceflion thefe dear Relicks were 
 
 Removing- to Earl Roger's Monaflry; 
 When e'er they pafl, the Streets were dry and clear. 
 
 Whim Rains bedew'd the reft 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 Feaft did on November Third proclaim. 
 
 In Fourteen Hundred Twenty it was done. 
 
 The annual Time when ftie her Race had run. 
 
 In * Sixteen Hundred Six, a famous Knight, 
 Sir Roger Bodenham, of Bath fo fair. 
 
 Thro' Quartan Ague, became fo ftrange a Sight, 
 No Leper foul could worfe than him appear. 
 
 His (189) Do6tor 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- 
 faiSor. He eredled part of the South Steeple ; founded a Collegiate 
 Church at Higham-Fenars, where he was born ; two Universities at Oxon, 
 &c. dy'd An. 1443, and lies in a ftately Monument on the N. Side of 
 the Cathedral in Canterbury. 
 
[121] 
 
 Sienna boafled where he was profefs'd : 
 
 Padua for Pra6tice, and in divers Parts 
 Of Italy, and England, was carrefs'd ; 
 
 For all that knew him lov'd him in their Hearts. 
 He to Augujids College, where he'd been, (190) 
 Sent the Knight's Cafe, and what was done therein. 
 
 That learned Train return'd an anfwer ftraight, 
 
 Nothing in Nature could afford a Cure I 
 Whilft he, diftrefs'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) Namaan: Heav'n can Men excell. 
 
 'Tis very true, faid he ; and I'll try there. 
 
 So faid, his trufly Servants did attend ; 
 And, whilfl he wafh'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 Flefli, like to a Child new-born. 
 All Clean and fweet, appear'd before their Eyes ! 
 Whilft grateful Sounds like Arrows pierc'd the Skies. 
 
 'Twas 
 
 ( i8g ) John David Rhes, born in Wales, of worthy Parents. 
 
 ( 190 ) In the College of Phyficians, London, where he had been 
 Reader to moft of that learned and illuftrious Body. 
 
 ( 191 ) II. Kings V. 14. Then went he down, and dipped, Si-o. 
 
 ( 192 ) The Witneffes of this Cure were Sir Roger's Lady ; Mrs. 
 Mary Sodenham, his Daughter-in-Law ; William Green, and his Spoufe; 
 Richard Bray, John Henley, and other Attendants; particularly Mr. 
 Thomas Beak, Steward, who carry'd the Report of the Knight's Cafe to 
 the College pf Phyficians. 
 
[ 122 ] 
 
 'Twas « Sixteen Hundred Thirty, when a Wretch 
 The Saint derided, and her Pilgrims dear; 
 
 As if the Devil did his Soul bewitch. 
 
 Whim 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, I fev'n Years after, who had much defac'd 
 The Virgin's Image ; and the Iron Beams 
 
 Had took away, which pious People plac'd 
 That Pilgrims 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. Jane Wake man, with a Cancer griev'd; 
 When Do6lors gave Opinion to this Senfe, 
 
 By Amputation (he fhould be reliev'd ; 
 Or elfe mufl wait a loathfotne, ling'ring Death, 
 And in a naufeous Stench refign her Breath : 
 
 To cut it off fhe car'd not to agree ; 
 
 But, in June Sixteen Hundred Thirty Eight, 
 Left London City, and down haflen'd (he 
 
 To WirCfred'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 Kirhstal. 
 
C 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 I 
 
 Three Children afterwards to him (he bore; 
 
 Then quitted Life to live for evermore. 
 
 And fome «' Years after this divine Relief, 
 Once Mrs. Clec a Pilgrimage did take 
 
 On Foot from Worcejier, to eafe her Grief, 
 That many Years did her uneafy make: 
 
 At Kiderminjler call'd on Coufin Cook, 
 
 And told the Reafon flie her Journey took. 
 
 A Bed-rid Woman, kept on Parifti-Pay, 
 Heard what flie 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 Penny take. 
 
 And give it fome poor Creature for my Sake. 
 
 But tell fuch in the Holy- Well to go. 
 
 And pray flncere that I my Limbs may gain : 
 
 My Faith does tell me Heav'n will grant it fo. 
 And that I fhall he eafed of my Pain, 
 
 If 'tis but done, as I cou'd wifh to do ; 
 
 And this dear Miflrefs I T befeech of you. 
 
 'Twas done, and inftantaneous was flie feen 
 Perfedt 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 Waheman, in RonghUy, of Horsham Parifti. He 
 faw the dead Wretch, who had abufed the Pilgrims. 
 
[ 124 ] 
 
 Mifs Mary N um a n , when but five Years old, 
 Thro' Ague 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 flie went. 
 
 And unto Scotia's faireft. Springs 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 ; 
 
 Amongft. the reft was at fair Aquif^rane : 
 In Belgia too, where an Italian Prince 
 Advice did give, but not her Cure evince. 
 
 In * Lufitanian Baths (he oft did lave ; 
 
 But ftill a Cripple prov'd as at the firft; 
 And twice St. Winifred's Well did her receive, ■ 
 
 Which made her think her Cafe to be the worft; 
 'Till calling to her Mind what Bu'no faid, 
 "Three YISITS Jhould unto the Well -he 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 ftie 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 Gefture ftood ! 
 
 And, when ftie had been led a little Way, 
 Walk'd of herfelf within the ftreaming Flpod: 
 
 She wept for Joy, thank'd Heav'n for being heal'd. 
 
 And foon to fair Hibernia's Ifle (he fail'd. 
 
 Hugh 
 
 * Portugal. 
 
[I2S] 
 
 Hugh Williams, but a lad of nine Years old, 
 Tr/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 ifi 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 nonS certain knew: 
 
 For by a Youth a fifliing 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 1 
 
 Cornelius Nich'las, aged feventeen Years, 
 Struck by a Blail, liv'd in corroding Pain ; 
 
 'Till, in a Barrow plac'd, to eafe his Cares, 
 The tender-hearted Weljh drove him amain 
 
 To the fair Well ; when, bathing in the Stream, 
 
 His Strength return'd, and he mofl. found became. 
 
 So Roger Whetstone, fixt^ Years of Age, 
 Much indifpos'd, repaired to the Well ; ** 
 
 To wafh 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 (hall I tell the Joys that fill my Heart ? 
 Bleft Tongue that hither has dire6led me ! 
 
 To raife my Soul, and eafe my Body's Smart ! 
 
 Delightful Spring! Comfbrt of the Opprefs'd, 
 
 O may thy Streams for evermore be blell I 
 
 Long 
 
 * A. C. 1667. 
 
[126] 
 
 Long have have I liv'd in Sidmore, many Years, 
 And mofl induftrious 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, fare 'tis worth my Pains : 
 For what is Life depriy'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 (hall 
 
 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 Tearis did with the Waters glide : 
 He knew not how to ,ftay, 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 Diftempers, which in Bodies lurk; 
 And to his faithful Creatures is moil kind. 
 
 Above the World's Philofophy He knows ; 
 
 And to the Humblefl greateft Pity fliows. 
 
 Now 
 
C 127 ] 
 
 Now let us love CHRIST'S Church with all our Hearts, 
 'Tis orthodox, moft faithful, and divine ! 
 
 And let our Pray'rs afcend like quiv'ring- Darts ; 
 That, as in Suff'rings did Her Martyrs fhine; 
 
 So may She triumph in the Realms above, 
 
 Where all is Peace, and Harmony, and Love, 
 
 Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, fed Nomini Tuo da gloriam. 
 PSAL. cxv. I. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
[128] 
 
 CHAP- XII. 
 
 TLbc Hrgument. 
 
 Si. WINEFRED'S furpaffing Well, (195) 
 Of which the learned DoElors tell : 
 Difeafes run to vajl Extreams, 
 That Jlill are cured hy the Streams. 
 Judgments from either mundane Caufe, 
 Or Miracle, 'bove Nature's Laws : 
 How GOD, who is Omnipotence, 
 Oft alls beyond all human Senfe. 
 
 ■\ T T I T H I N a little Church, near which the Saint 
 *' Was decollated by the Heathen Prince; 
 Mofl. curious Artifls did her Hifl'ry paint, 
 
 Fair on the Glafs, the World for to convince : 
 At lead 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 : Sub hoc Haliwell, i.e. fans sacer, Wenefrid^ virginis memoria 
 qiice fbuprum per vim ohlatum ibi morte luit, &• musco gratissimi odoris longe 
 est celeberrimus, ex quo emanat fluviolus statim eximius, parque mola agenda, 
 tanto impetu proruit. Several have expatiated, v\rith Enlargements in their 
 Tranflations ; of vrhich I ihall 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 "■ 
 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. 
 
C 129] 
 
 Clofe to the fame a pretty Chapel Hands, (196) 
 Ot curious Stone, well wrought, as Authors tell; 
 
 Or from a Rock, which choice laborious Hands 
 Had hewn exa6tly, fliading o'er the Well : 
 
 Whofe lovely Waters beauteoufly do fliine, 
 
 Tranflucent, like X.o {ig'j) living Streams divine. (198) 
 
 Here Pilgrims from remoteft Parts refort, 
 
 And fliivering in the Streams do mingle Tears ; 
 
 When looking up towards the heaVnly Court, 
 
 They pierce the HeaVns with mod pathetick Pray'rs : 
 
 When, lo ! the Heat of blefs'd fupernal Love, 
 
 Superior to the piercing Cold do's prove. 
 
 Courageoufly they fink beneath the Streams, 
 With Vows alacrious in tranfporting wife. 
 
 That Heav'n might help them in their worft. 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. W I N E F R E D : Her 
 Life was written firft by St. EUrius aforefaid ; from him Robertas 
 Salopiensis, (in Latin) who added her Tranflation, dedicated to another 
 Benedictine Prior Guarinus of Worcester, and approved by Baronius, Pitts, 
 Possevinus, and Surius. The learned Mr. John 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) Joh. iv. 10, II, 14. and Chap. vii. Ver. 38. 
 ( 198 ) Rev. vii. 17, and Chapter xxii. i. Verfe 17. 
 
[ 130 J 
 
 Now more they fee than once they only heard, 
 A Spring in Wales had done unnumher'd Cures ; 
 
 Faith here is flrengthen'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 End. (199) 
 
 ( igg ) Mat. xxviii. 20. / am with you alway, &-c. 
 
 The End of the Fourth PART. 
 
p" 
 
 Britifh PIETY Difplay'd 
 
 In the Glorious 
 
 Life. ^nffsvin$, and Death 
 
 Of the Bleffed 
 
 St. WINEFRED : 
 
 A Noble Virgin, martyr'd for her renowned 
 Chaftity, in Wales : Where, at Her Cele- 
 brated Fountain, called Holy- Well, many 
 afiflidled Perfons have been happily freed 
 from their miferable Diftempers in paft 
 Centuries : The falutiferous Quality of | 
 which Water, continuing in the prefent 
 Age, occafions its F A M E to be fpread 
 in far-diftant Kingdoms. 
 
 wu ^u ^!^ M^ M^ ^u Lt^ wT^ wm m^ ^T^ m^ ^u ^u ^u w!^ ^I^ ^T^ ^T^ ^Tj >..Tj 
 ^1^ ^i^ T^ "A" "1" ^1^ F i ^ ^X^ ~i~ ^X^ F 1 ^ ^T^ Ti "1" Vi^ ^I^ ^1^ ^1^ ik^ ^r^ ^r^ 
 
 Ecclefia nunquam florentior, quam cum affliSlior inter cruces &f 
 gladios fuorum martyrum pugnas & vi£lorias fpeSlavit. — 
 Natura rerum ad Deum nos erigit. Quam magnifica funt 
 Opera Tua, D O MINE ! 
 
 " D E U S ter Optimus Maximus in aquis fummas excel- 
 " lentiffimas recondivit vires faliitares, quarum tanta eji 
 " prajlantia ut longe, multumque omnibus aliis remediorum 
 " generibus Jint faperiores." That is, The Mojl Glorious 
 and Omnipotent God has conceaVd the greatejl and mojl 
 excellent falubrious Efficacy in the Waters ; which have 
 fo prevalent a Power, that they are far fuperior to all 
 other Kinds of Remedies. 
 
 J^ ^u ^I^ M^ ^T^ M^ ^T^ ^T^ M^ fcT^ kj^ ^u ^Trf fc T ^ ^u fehU m^ ^m ku J^ ^T^ 
 
 PART ?/le ,^*/a. 
 
 w h-T-j ».T-j h-T J »-T J kx^ *- T .J fc-T J kX^ fc-T J kX^ kZ^ kX^ kX^ >- T-j h^Tj fc^T^ h..T^ *-T ^ ^.T^ ^.T^ ^.T-j 
 fc^T^ I ^1^ ^^ 1^ ~V^ F i^ ^X^ ~i~ ^X^ ~i~ ^X^ ]^ i^ "A" Pi^ ^I^ ~^^ ^1^ ^1^ ^1^ ^I^ ^1^ 
 
 t 
 
 York: Printed and Sold by the Author Tho. Gent, 
 in PeUrgate, Anno Dom. Mdccxlii. • 
 
[ 132] 
 
 IS 
 
 The Fifth PART of 
 ^oly LIFE and DEATH of 
 
 S. WINEFRED. 
 
 Continuation of the Twelfth Chapter. 
 
 'T*HO' to St.- Winfrid'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 thq Bhnd : 
 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 bluilh 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 Bu'no's Days, 
 
 When He and Winfrid 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 pun 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 rifing Sun, by the Death of K. Henry II. and SuccefTion 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 ilrange 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 ftiould 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 seqauta. 
 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 jfohn in Inland. 
 He not only exhibited the Adtions of his Pupil, but alfo the Hiftory of 
 that Nation with great Applaufe. The like Praife he obtain'd by his 
 Itinerarium of Wales and Britain, with a Chronicle of Englifli Tranfadtions, 
 &c. 
 
 (203) Prope hunc locum, Giraldi aiate, erat ut ipse scribit, "dives 
 " vena, fyuctuosumque argenti scrutinium, ubi pecuniam fcrutando itum eft 
 " in vifcera terras." That is. Near unto this Place in the Time of 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 Englifti 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 Pei'sonages, such 
 as S. Urfula, S. David, 8t. Dubricius, St. Patricius, 8. Kentigern, Bishop 
 of St. Afaph, 5. Sampfon, S. Theliau, S. Juftinian, &-c. 
 
 ( 205 ) Et dixit DEU8, cujus nomen faniftificetur ; 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 J 
 
 Thus, hon'ring- Her, HIS Goodnefs Jlill is fhown. 
 
 Frefli Wonders caufe his Power more to fliine ; 
 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 ftrong Faith, revifits Seas and Shores. 
 
 As grateful ' 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 Witifrid's Well, 
 
 They weep thro' Love, and of her Virtues tell. 
 
 Tokens moft dear ! For as learn'd Do6tors melt 
 In Love to thofe who love Them and their Art : 
 
 So Heav'n has often for our Suif'rings felt 
 Grief fympathetick, like a tender Heart : 
 
 For mutual Joys will evermore abound. 
 
 Where due refpeft 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 undifturb'd, or fprung at firfl. from Fear, (208) 
 
 Which proves, if \ Nature nothing doth in vain. 
 
 hs. Fear in All, fo GOD on Earth will reign. 
 
 Did 
 
 } Arift. 
 
 { 207 ) Titus Lucretius Carus, a Roman, who taught the Doftrine 
 of Epicurus, a temperate Man, that placed the stimmum bonum in mental 
 Felicity, but unhappily deny'd divine Providence. " Tully corredted his 
 " Writings. Virgil eagerly ftudied them, as Macrobius and Gellius 
 " vfitnefs ; the latter, like Ovid, calling him Poetam ingenio <&> facundia 
 " pracellentem ; and Coynelitts Nepos hath placed him inter elegantissimos 
 " Poetas." M. Gravina, viho 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 eloquentiae 
 
 faciant 
 
[ 13S ] 
 
 Did not Tiberius, that wife Emp'ror dread 
 
 The Stings of Confcience which did often wound ? (209) 
 
 So poor C A L I G ' L A crept beneath the Bed, 
 "When Lightning blaz'd, and Thunder did refound ? 
 
 And W L s E Y , near his Death, betray'd fad Fears, 
 
 As if that G O D forfook him in gray Hairs I (210) 
 
 But that there is Reward and Punifliment, (211) 
 Throughout the Scriptures, Inilances are found : 
 
 To Hell greai, ' learned, wicked Souls were fent; 
 
 And thofe, lefs knowing ,in bright Glory crown'd : (212) 
 
 Judgments and Mercies in the World have been; 
 
 As have been heard, felt, underftood, and feen. 
 
 What 
 
 faciant : lElegantes in fua qiiifque materia, fed alter humilis, alter 
 diflScilis. — On the contrary, Gravina fays, he was a very great Poet ; 
 of surprizing Facility, and full of Majefty mix'd with Sweetnefs, con- 
 fi'dering the intricate Subjefts he wrote upon. And tho' fome perfons 
 have ftyled him what I care not to repeat after them : Yet Archbifliop 
 TiUotson, who has moft learnedly preach'd and wrote againft Atheifm ; 
 while he profeiTes 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 quibtts ills moiis conjectus, &-c. . Lib. 5. Pag. 142. 
 Englilhed by the Rev. Mr. Creech, pag. 153. Edit. 5. of Epicurean 
 Philofophy ; to both, or either of which, I rrfer my Reader. 
 
 ( 208 ) Primum in orbe Deos fedt 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 praeter modum expavefcebat." So it's less to be wonder'd in the 
 Tyrant his Successor. 
 
 ( 210 ) Upon the account of that great Cardinal, fee my Oflavo 
 Hiftory of York, pag. 80. But this, and the two former Inftances, are 
 pertinently mention'd by the aforefaid Archbifliop againft the Opinions 
 of fnch who may think Religion indented 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, almoft ruin'd 
 thro' Party Feud and Animofity. , 
 
 ( 212 ) Surgunt indocti, &• ccelum rapiunt, S-c. Aug. 
 
C 136 ] 
 
 What GOD defigns, Earth's Power can't put by; 
 
 And, when he pleafes, Bleffings can withdraw: 
 Both give, and take; grant Favours, and deny; 
 
 Pleafe, or affli6t; His Will muft be our Law. 
 When Mortals finn'd ; or if repenting were. 
 His Gifts withdrew, or did His Bounties fliare. 
 
 f Thus when Lysimachus, did, at Epire, {2X7,) 
 
 An Impofl. raife on the Tragafcsan Salt; 
 Heav'n was difpleas'd at fuch at bafe Defire, 
 
 And made it vanifli 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) (Enotria, moft fair. 
 Where beft Calabrids 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 Bleffings he had giv'n, 
 
 And till the Tribute ceas'd, none came from Heav'n. 
 
 So when (215) Antigonus 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 inllantaneous perifli'd all his Gain. 
 
 Thus 
 
 t Thoie three Examples, following the above Mark, I have selected from 
 an excellent Book, intituled. Holy Living and Dying, Pag. 171, written by 
 Jeremy Taylor, a learned Bishop. 
 
 ( 21,3 ) A Country in Greece, hounded E. by Achaia ; on the N. by Mace- 
 donia ; has the Mountains Acroceraunii on the W. and the Ionian Sea on 
 the S. — ^Tragafsea is a Region belonging to Epire. 
 
 ( 214 ) The Name of Italy, from CEnotrius, King of the Sabines. — • 
 Calabria is an Island that lies on the upper Part, 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 Prote6tion, when by Foes beguiVdl 
 Foes moil deceitful, (like to crooked Reeds) 
 Who Villains live, and peri/h thro' their Deeds. 
 
 And as poor honeft Pris'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 myilick Senfe, the Wonders wrought, (216) 
 With Sighs for heav'nly Streams the Juft infpire ; (217) 
 
 And flrike the Soul, from Satan freed, with Thought 
 Of grateful Love, and what we fhou'd defire ! (218) 
 
 Juft, as a Bird efcap'd eludes the Snare ; 
 
 Takes the right Way, and fings that all may hear. 
 
 Or as a Perfon foon reilor'd to Sight, 
 
 Looks round, amaz'd, and thinks he fweetly dreams ; 
 Surpriz'd with Raptures at bright Phcebui 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 ) Tht springs of water were seen, and the foundations of the world 
 were discover'd at thy chiding, Lord. Pfal. xviii. 15. 
 ( 217 ) Now " to the pleasing Springs above I'll go ; 
 
 "The Springs that in the heav'nly Canaan _/Zow." 
 
 ( 218 ) " Quo sitiens igitur peterem de fliimine lympham, 
 ' ' Cum meo tarn varium viscera virus edit ? 
 "Ah! nisi Te nullo sitis hue placatur ab haustu, 
 "Tu potes hanc solus fonte domare sitim. 
 " Sds etenim, mea lux, quam te, meus ardor anheles 
 " Cervus ut irrigui fontis anhelai aquas." HER. 
 
 ( 219 ) And Joseph dreamed a dream, &-c. Gen. xxxviii. 5. 
 
[ 138] 
 
 Why do we wonder (219) GOD has Wonders fliown ? 
 
 What can't He do, who is Omnipotence ? 
 Did not his Servant Moses force hard Stone (220) 
 
 Even to dream for Ifrael's Life's Defence ? 
 Nay, (221) Oyl and Honey flinty Rocks did yield, 
 That He might His feledted People (hield ! 
 
 Did not E L I s H A give the ® Shunnamiie, 
 
 When unexpe6ted, a mofl lovely Son ? 
 And, when % cold Death had took her Heart's Delight, 
 
 II Recall'd fwift Life, a longer Race to run ! 
 So Peter TaUtha did § wondrous raife ; 
 And Eutychus, thro' Paul, f liv'd Heav'n to praife. 
 
 Prophets, Apoftles, Martyrs ; fliining Men ! 
 
 What have not they perform'd thro' ftedfaft 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 fliew'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 ! i 
 
 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 ? 
 
 Did 
 
 * II. Kings iv. 17. \ 20. II 35. § Acts ix. 40. f xx. 10. 
 
 ( 219 ) IsA. xl. 12. Who hath measured the Waters, &-c. 
 
 ( 220 ) Rock Horeb, Exod. xvii. 6. ( 221 ) Deut. xxxii. 13. 
 
 ( 222 ) Mat. xvii. 20. ft ■^ds v. 5th and ipth Verses. 
 
 }J For One, see Dorotheas of the Prophets, who is commended by 
 Eusebius. He hved 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. 
 
[139] 
 
 Did Jewijh Do6lors learn'd Isaiah praife, (223) 
 That GOD, thro' him, had wrought Siloavis Stream ? 
 
 And to that Martyr dear a Tomb did raife, (224) 
 That, by his Pray'rs, they might enjoy the fame ? 
 
 Sure faithful Britons to their Praife may own 
 
 As clear a Spring, and Saint of fair Renown. 
 
 Whilfl W I N ' F R E D 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 throughout Chrijlendom, 
 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 Diftempers mend : 
 Such, mindful of thefe vifionary Dreams, 
 Were certain cur'd, when in the worft. Extreams. 
 
 fCHRIST'S Apparition firfl converted Saul, 
 
 But 'twas a ** Vifion Ananias fent : 
 A Vifion too, behold ! had praying Paul, % 
 
 And with new 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 Mm,assei. 
 
 ( 224 ) His Monument is near thofe of the Kings of jferusalem. 
 
 t Ads ix. 3. ' 10. } 12. II 17, 18. § Acts x. 3, 11, &c. 
 
[ 140] 
 
 Dreams often warn us; fuch when Guardians wait, 
 For whom we pray they may furround 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 reft in Peace. 
 
 Thus when Light's ftreaky Rays o'er Darknefs peep. 
 And Chanticleer' s fhrill Notes ill Spirits fright ; (226) 
 
 The Innocent, in waking from their Sleep, 
 In blifsful Hopes find fpirit'al Delight : 
 
 The dear remember'd Vifions, whilft they pray. 
 
 Rife as the Sun, and flourifh 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 ftiines, 
 
 'Midst Rays, more bright than Gold, before our Sight ! 
 And ftiews 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, S-c. (or 
 our Beds). See the Companion to the Altar, Page 74. 
 
 ( 226 ) See in my Octavo History of York, Page 145, concerning this 
 Tradition, begun in the ^th Century, about aflSiaed or ill Spirits being 
 frighted away at the Crowing of the Coch : However, it was a good Angel 
 that delivered Peter out of Prison in the Night, Adts xii. g. 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. In 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 Booh 
 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 
 hind Readers to determine. 
 
[141 ] 
 
 To pray no Harms againft us may prevail ; 
 
 Or Friendfliip turn to Hatred moll unjuft. : 
 No cruel Hands our kindefl. Hearts affail, 
 
 Nor faithlefs Kindred to betray their Trufl. : 
 And when forfaken, languifliing thro' Grief, 
 To point the Way wherein to feek Relief ! 
 
 To think blefs'd Angels 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 Heav'n, tho' fliaded 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, puUick FRIEND ! lov'd by fair B—rl—gion, 
 Since I mull call You by no other Name ; 
 
 Behold St. Win'/rid'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'll Joys exprefslefs, mount on Angel's Wing I 
 
 May blefs'd ELIZA, Comfort of your Breafl. 
 
 When living, meet you with St. Witif red's Gholl; 
 And never part until Ye all find Reft, 
 
 Thro' Seas of Air, upon the heav'nly Coaft; 
 Unlefs it be, thro' GOD'S Command to do 
 A Guardian's Part, as Angels do for You. 
 
 Let 
 
C 142 1 
 
 Let not my wand'ring' Thoughts the leafl. offend, 
 Since to learn'd Judgments I fliall e'er give Place. 
 
 The Soul's Extenfion blifsful Hopes attend. 
 Swift, as on Turtle's Wings, that fly to Peace. 
 
 Err, fure mine may; like thofe who rove thro' Dark, 
 
 'Till, with Faith's Branch, it finds Religion's Ark. 
 
 Return, O Mufe, from dear St. Win'/rid's Ghoft, 
 To clofe my darling Subjedl of her Spring : 
 
 An endlefs Theme ! Joy to fair FUntia's Coaft ; > 
 Where faithful Patients her high Praifes fing : 
 
 Humbly mount Heav'n thro' Extafies and Pray'rs ; 
 
 Which God, that fees, thro' Christ, in Mercy, hears. 
 
 O Scarb'rough 
 
C 143 1 
 
 Scarh'rough I did thy Waters firft 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 fince 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 Jordan's Streams, nor various Spaws that are ; 
 Nor the hot am'rous Baths of Za Chapelie. (227) 
 
 1 will not fay compare; tho', fince divine. 
 Fair Holy- Well above the mojl may fliine, 
 
 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 Clifif 
 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 Chapelie, Aquisgmnum, or Aachen, a City in Westphalia, 
 belonging to Germany. See fome Account at the End of the firft Volume 
 of my Hiftory ot England, amongft 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 Diftempers ; and 
 are of very great Service to Pofl;erity, if we may believe the following 
 Epigram made of its procreative Vertues. 
 
 " Vidit Aquisgranum, terras dum luftrat & urbes, 
 
 "Alma Venus; geniumque loci mirata lacufque, 
 
 " Hoc, dixit, locus est haud dignior uUus araore. 
 
 "Jam valeant arcus, ignitaque fpicula. Pofthac 
 
 " Unda cupidineis incendet pedtora flammis. 
 
 " Sic fatur, natumque vocans, jubet ire liatatum, 
 
 "Caerulaque ardentem deferre in balnea taedam. 
 
 " Exequitnr mandata puer : cum lampade in undas 
 
 " Infilit, 
 
[144?] 
 
 For Here not only Hearing to the Ears, 
 
 And Fruitfulnefs is given to the Womb : (228) 
 
 Not only pleafant Sight, and Speech that chears ; (229) 
 Dear unto Thofe born, haplefs, deaf, and dunib I 
 
 But, thro' thefe Streams convulfive Pangs depart ; 
 
 And Daemons fly each Siris 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 fhould they deferve Efteem : 
 
 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 foolifli Clowns. (234) 
 
 A flerile Fifth deftroys the fruitful Womb, (235) 
 
 And a blind Sixth proves like Cimmeria's Gloom. (236) 
 
 So 
 
 "Infilit, & niveae fparguntur gurgite pennas. 
 "Dum natat, algentes cecidit fcintilla per undjis, 
 " Incaluitque vadum. Liquidae contagia flammas 
 " Senfit pofteritas. Quicunque hie lavit, amavit." 
 
 (228) "DEUS DAT Incrementum." 
 
 ( 229 ) " Sanflorum patrociniis terra Isetatur." 
 
 ( 230 ) " Martyrum orationibus propitiatur DEUS populi peccatis." 
 Confess. S. August, de Sanctis. 
 
 ( 231 ) In Islandid est fans, qui nm quamlibet injectam in lapidem tmns- 
 mutat : S- alius, qui gustatus Mortem adfert. 
 
 ( 232 ) In Hyiernid est fans, mjus aqua pilis aspersa illos cams nddit. 
 Est &■ alius, quo si quis ablmtur, non canescit. Est <&■ alius qui, taftus ab 
 homine, ftatim 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 fans vinei saporis, qui potantes facit temvlentos. 
 
 ( 235 In Sicilid est fans acetosus, quo indigent utuntur pro aceto. Ibidem 
 sunt duo fontes, quorum unus fcecundat sterilem, alter faecundam facit sterikm. 
 
 ( 236 ) In Italy. But in Sardinia are different Fountains that cause and 
 cure Blindness. 
 
[HS ] 
 
 So Ethiopia's red-ilream'd Fountain makes 
 The thirfly Stranger turn dire6tly mad : (237) 
 
 Much like Avernus or Tartarean Lakes, 
 
 Where nothing reigns but Grief, or Torments fad! 
 
 But let us tell the Vertues of what Springs 
 
 Seem to promote the Happinefs of Things. 
 
 What tho' one Well an un6tious Surface grace, (238) 
 Or from another ufeful Waters flow; (239) 
 
 Or Lybia's Fountain freezing in hot Days, (240) 
 And in hard Nights like boiling Liquids glow; 
 
 Or Egypfs, which extinguifli and caufe Fire ; 
 
 Or cold Illyria's 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 fome Cures have done ; 
 For which they're ftyled Baths of Caroline, (241) 
 As dear to them, and held in part divine. 
 
 What tho' a Fountain of fam'd Palejline, 
 
 Blefs'd IdummcHs call'd. Three Months appears 
 
 Like raging Waves ; then, turning red, combine 
 The other Three to ftrike the Mind with Fears : 
 
 For Three Months more do (how a lovely Green, 
 
 And the lafl Three like cleareft Cryflal feen : 
 
 What 
 
 ( 237 ) In Mthiopid est fans rjiber, e quo bibit, fit lymphaticus. 
 
 ( 238 ) In Scotid, Si. ( 239 ) In Sicily, as aforefaid. 
 
 ( 240 ) In Lybi& est fans, qui Sole orto &■ occaso est tepidus, in meridie 
 frigidus, media tiocte calidissimus. Dicitur/ons Solis. — Apud Garamantes fans est 
 tarn algens interdiu, ut bibi non queat, tarn calidus node, ut ferri non possit ipsius 
 caliditas. Vid. Alfted. Cursus Philosophici, Pag. 1422, &-o. 
 
 ( 241 ) In Bohemia commendabiles funt Thermae Carolin/e. A Differ- 
 tation upon thofe hot acid mineral Waters, which had their Original from 
 Mines abounding with Pyrites, or Flint Stones, was A .D. 1708. publiflied at 
 Wolfenbuttel, &c. by a dignify'd Phyfician, under the following Title : Sacra 
 Majestati Regis AUGUSTI dicata de Thermis CAROLINIS Commentatio, qua 
 omnium Origo Fontium calidorum itemque acidorum ex Pyrite ostenditur. Auctore 
 Joanne Gothofredo Bergero, Archiatro Regio &• Professore Medico. (In 4to. 
 Pag. 157.) 
 
C 146 1 
 
 What tho' Mouni-Falcon' 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 ftout Venetia's Sons bear jufl Command : 
 
 Yet All thefe can't compare with Win/red's Well : 
 Their Streams but partly heal ; but Her's the whole. 
 
 Heav'n, for her Sake, who did all Vice repell. 
 Cures ev'ry Pilgrim, comforts ev'ry Soul ! 
 
 To Flintia, then, may Thofe diflrefs'd repair, 
 
 And feek true Health, fince they may find it there. 
 
 The Catholicks, unihaken 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, (241a) exhibited, reveal 
 
 That Love and Pow'r, they own, to p?-ay, 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 Afflifted, 
 O Singular Example of Chastity, O Radiant/ 
 
 s 
 
LH7] 
 
 And, fure, whatever Happinefs can be 
 
 In Heav'n or Earth, All wifh for to acquire. 
 
 We are like Pilgrims to Eternity, 
 
 And might be loll, or in our Journey tire, 
 
 Thro' Sin's foul Burden, if we fought not Aid 
 
 From Chrift, 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 Sanaity, 
 
 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 
 
 s 
 
 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, 
 That we all may ever fear God, and fulfil his Holy Will, 
 That we may have both Spiritual and Corporal Health, 
 That we may devoutly affect Chastity and Purity of Life, 
 That we may fervently love Humility and Mildness, 
 That we may delight in pious Prayer, Fasting and Charitable 
 
 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/ 
 
 
[h8] 
 
 'Tis fcarce deny'd, that Heav'n hears ev'ry Pray'r, 
 And Hymn that's oifer'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 Off '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 
 
 <5" 
 s 
 
 
 >5 
 
 That the Souls in Purgatory, and all Afflidled Persons, may 
 
 obtain heavenly Consolations, 
 That our Benefadlors, and all that labour to save Souls, may be 
 
 blessed wfith 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 perfed 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 adorned 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. 
 
 Another Prayer. 
 A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, we humbly beseech thee, that 
 blessed S. Winefride 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 liveth 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 wi(h'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 laft He fends All where they wilh 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 Wenefrids 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. 
 Cradoch this Sacred Maid did kill, 
 
 And him Hell swallowed ppsently. 
 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. 
 
[150] 
 
 Ev'n fo 'tis here : Tho' All would Health attain, 
 And ev'ry Soul defires to find Relief : 
 
 Heav'n firfl. will fearch their Faith before their Pain, 
 And eafe the Humblefl of their fharpefl Grief : 
 
 At length give Joy to All who weep and mourn, 
 
 And to their Homes with Gulls of Blifs return. 
 
 Two Hundred Forty Tons S. Wirifred's Well 
 And comely (242) Ciftern, do together hold ; 
 
 But, when difcharg'd, as worthy Perfons tell, 
 Two Minutes do reflore the Number told : 
 
 Scarce Alteration of the Weather taints it; 
 
 And to the Eye mofl 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 
 Minifler, feveral learned Perfonages, and others. 
 
For here no other Argument's allow'd, 
 
 But that the Red came from the Virgin's Blood. 
 
 Some Blood-Stones, of a reddifli Iron Hue, (244) 
 
 In Germany and Britain's Ifle are feen : 
 A diff'rent Sort, but of kind Nature too, (245) 
 
 Shews fanguine Veins flreak'd in a duflcy 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 fince all are in lovely Order plac'd. 
 United Beauties gild the cryflal Streams. 
 
 Like flow'ry Pots fome look, in Flora's Prime, 
 
 When Meadows, Groves, and Gardens look fublime. 
 
 And tho' the Streams with dimpling Eddies play, 
 Not far they run, but in Mseanders twine : 
 
 But where 'tis deeper, fmoother make their Way, 
 And like bright Cryftal do the Waters (hine. (246) 
 
 So quick the Vafe emits, fo fafl. it fills, 
 
 As to fupply feven large and ufeful Mills. 
 
 And thus it has obtain'd fo great Renown, 
 
 That, as to Bath, great Quality refort ; 
 So from a Village to a Market-Town, 
 
 Is Holy- Well, or rather like a Court : 
 
 Where kind Afliftance to the Poor is giv'n, 
 
 Who pray for Bleffings to defcend from Heav'n. 
 
 Hail, 
 
 (244) See Dr. Quincy's Difpenfatory, Edit. 8. pag. iii. under 
 Lapis Hamatites; good in Hemorrhages, 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 caft 
 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 
 rfefpeft of the Saint's angelical Virtues. 
 
[152] 
 
 Hail, Patroness, divine ! blefs'd Saint renown'd 1 
 May blooming Youth and Virgins fair attend, 
 
 Whilft Hymns of Praife, with Mufick's Charms, refound 
 Thy Life, harmonious, and thy precious End ; 
 
 Thy Angel's State ; thy Country fam'd thro' Thee ; 
 
 Efteem'd by All, and lov'd mofl. dear by Me. (247) 
 
 St George within our fair Cathedral flands, (248) 
 As tho' he with a bloody Dragon fights ; 
 
 Worfe than abforbing Brutes, who fwallow Lands, 
 Or hinder good Men to renew their Rights : 
 
 And thus his Image, which Time long has fpar'd. 
 
 For fair Sabrinds Sake, fhews him rever'd. 
 
 If not Britannids Guardian dear confefl. 
 
 How comes that Saint's Refemblance to be feen. 
 
 In ftiining Armour, glitt'ring on the Breaft 
 Of every valiant King, and lovely Queen ? 
 
 Long may He be rever'd, whilfl Truth prevails ; 
 
 And fight for England, whilft She prays for Wales. 
 
 ( 247 ) In my juvenile Years, being driven by Storms into Douglas, in 
 the Isle of Man, I met with such kind Usage from the Family of Mr. Corris, 
 Mr. Kendale, and other Inhabitants, that on a lofty prominent Rock near 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 ; I was obliged to land at a Place (famous 
 of old thro' St. Kiev, 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 a'nd 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 illuitrious Dean, and other worthy Dignitaries 
 of the Church. 
 
 The End 0/ the Fifth PART. 
 
Britlfh PIETY Difplayd 
 
 In the Glorious 
 
 Life, ^nffevin^, and Death 
 
 Of the Bleffed 
 
 St. WINEFRED : 
 
 A Noble Virgin, martyr'd for her renowned 
 Chaftity, in Wales: Where, at Her Cele- 
 brated Fountain, called Holy-Well, many 
 afflidled Perfons have been happily freed 
 from their miferable Diftempers in paft 
 Centuries : The falutiferous Quality of ' 
 which Water, continuing in the prefent 
 AgCj occalions its F a m e to be fpread 
 in far-diftant Kingdoms. 
 
 Eeclefia nunqtiam florentior, quam cum affliBior inter cruces & 
 gladios fuorum mariyrum pugnas &" viBorias fpedlavit. — 
 Natura rerum ad Deum nos erigit. Quam magnifica funt 
 Opera Tua, D MINE I 
 
 "DEUS ter Optimus Maximus in aquis fummas excel- 
 "lentiffimas recondivit vires falutares, quarum tanta ejl 
 " prafiantia ut longe multumque omnibus aliis remediorum 
 " generibus Jini fuperiores." That is, The Mojl Glorious 
 and Omnipotent God has conceaVd the greatejl and mojl 3* 
 excellent falubrious Efficacy in the Waters ; which have *S* 
 Jo prevalent a Power, that they are far fuperior to all 
 other Kinds of Remedies. 
 
 ►J< ^ ►Ji ►{< ^ >J< ►J* ^ ►p >Ji ►{< hjl ^ »^ ►J* ►{< ►J* ►J* ^ ►Ji^ 
 
 Printed and Sold by the Author T h o. Gent, 
 in Petergate, Anno Dom. Mdccxhi. 
 
[154] 
 
 / thought it convenient to add the following Epitome, in 
 order to oblige fome Readers; who either may think it 
 more eafy to be underjiood, or affljl them the better to 
 perufe 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 fhe grew up, fhe appear'd a perfedl 
 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 flourifli'd a very religious Prieft, 
 called BuENO, who fprung from noble Parentage. Whilfl. he 
 was paying a Vifit to his Relations in Flint/hire, in a particular 
 manner he fliew'd his Refpe6t to the aforefaid Lord Thewith, 
 his Brother-in-Law, whofe Spoufe was his Sifter. In a long 
 Difcourfe with him, he befought a Piece of Ground, that he 
 might ere6ta Church upon for the Good of Souls in general; 
 and to pray for the Happinefs of the Family in particular. 
 The gdod Lord quickly condefcended to the pious Requeft. 
 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 Baikets with Materials to encourage others to follow 
 on the Work. When it was finiflied, there appear'd in all a 
 conftant 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 
 
thofe that mourn'd, was liberal in her Alms to the Poor; 
 and never a Word proceeded from her Lips but what was 
 angelically divine. 
 
 One Sunday, while the Family was at Church, her being 
 not well occafion'd her to ftay at home. She was fuddenly 
 furpriz'd at the unfeafonable Vifit of Prince Caradoc. When 
 (he modeftly alked him, What his Pleafure was ? He begun 
 to boaft of his being Son to King Alan ; and of his vafl 
 Riches, which Ihould be at her Service, if flie would but con- 
 form to his Embraces. Struck to the Quick with jull Anger 
 and Difdain, (he blu(h'd, and held down her Head : But, re- 
 covering her fainting Spirits, (he told him. That he might 
 efpoufe a far more noble Lady than (he 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 
 Satisfadlion, when Things were a6led in a lawful Manner. 
 But the haughty Prince, accounting his Will to be a Law, 
 fuppofed himfelf like another Caligula, who was accuftom'd 
 to ufe this infamous Exprefllion : Memento omnia mihi, &. in 
 omnes licere. So, faid he. Remember, that 'tis lawful for me to 
 ufe all Women, in Love-Affairs, jujt as I pleafe ; and now, fair 
 Lady, I will enjoy you. Thus the Villain, burning with Lud, 
 and impatient of Delay, began to be violently rude ; fo that 
 (he 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 (he was 
 efpoufed in the Spirit, through her Vow of perpetual Vir- 
 ginity; that he would not further attempt to violate her 
 Chadity, 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 ; (he 
 then feem'd to comply with his Defires ; but befought him, 
 
 fince 
 
[156] 
 
 Cnce 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 flie would make all the hafte poffible to 
 anfwer his defired and fervent Expe6lations. 
 
 No fooner was (he parted, but as it were a Gleam of 
 Lightning (he foftly attain'd to a private Portal; out of 
 which, as faft as her tender Feet would permit her, (he ran 
 towards the Church : But the Prince, fearing her Delay might 
 frudrate his Defign, quickly burft 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 (he deceiv'd me ? Never will 
 I forgive this Affront ! cry'd the foolilh, vain Prince ; and, like 
 a Coward, who would a(rault 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 juft as (he was defcending 
 the Hill. Then, brandi(hing his Weapon like a fimple Tra- 
 gedian, and as fuch ufmg the mod illiterate ExprelTions, as 
 tho' Life and Reputation were in his wilful Power, or to be 
 adjudg'd fafe and undrain'd according to the ridiculous Sen- 
 tence of a mod arbitrary Villain, he thus fooli(hly roar'd out: 
 Dod thou fcorn me, falfe and deceitful Creature ! thus vainly 
 to fly from the fuperlative Happinefs of being embraced in 
 my princely Arms ! What do'd thou deferve for this mod 
 heinous Contempt of my Perfon, honoured by every charming 
 Lady, excepting thee ? Be obfequioudy quick, thou treacherous 
 Damfel, in yielding to my Defires; or, hy Jupiter, (who enjoy'd 
 his beloved lo, the charming Princefs Alcmena, and oDher 
 terredrial 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 un(heath'd for 
 the ..fame Purpofe ? Be wife, therefore, while you may ; and 
 
 do 
 
[157 J 
 
 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 almoft touched her milk-white 
 Neck, which he held there by way of Terror. " Prince, faid 
 "Jhe, 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 leafl Senfe to difcern 
 " how amiable He was ; and with what Meeknefs he fuffer'd 
 " his moft precious Blood to be ftied 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 Contra6t, which, in my ferious Opinion, no 
 " Power upon Earth can, or at leaft ought, to diffolve. Did you 
 " but know what a Comfort He has been to my languilhing 
 " Soul, how He has preferved me from the Snares of Tempta- 
 " tion, fupported me under the moft 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 condu6t you to Glory. O may thefe 
 " pious Arguments of mine, moft noble Prince ! have far 
 " greater Power over you to embrace a Life of Chaftity, than 
 " your fad Threatnings to affright me from my profefTed Vir- 
 " tue ! But if Heaven, to try my Conftancy, thinks not fit to 
 " grant me this Petition for your Converfion ; and that, as I 
 
 fear 
 
" fear by your Countenance, your Heart, like PharoaKs, 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, inllead of 
 "violating, tO defend; here, behold, I Hand 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 dearefl 
 " Saviour : And if I prefently am to exifl. no more on Earth 
 " through the Effe6ls of your cruel Faffion here ; I know 
 "that my Redeemer liveth, who has promifed again to 
 " raife me with his Saints, and will be a moft 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 ftiall endure I 
 
 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 Humility 
 to GOD, funk gently on her tender Knees, with her fmall 
 white Fingers prettily infolded ; the Tears gliding down her 
 beautiful Cheeks; whilft, her foft melodious Voice, in the 
 moH moving Accents, was imploring Heaven to look upon 
 her! — What Tyrant could have beheld fuch an aife6ting 
 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 ftie was repeating, JESUI have Mercy 
 
 the mercilefs villain flruck her fo forcibly on her beautiful 
 Neck, that feparated her lovely Head from her well-fliap'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; 1 
 
 Whilll the horrid Prince was wiping his Sword on the 
 
 Grafs, he found the late glittering Steel had receiVd fuch 
 
 a fanguinary Tin6ture 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 Punifliment fliould be infli6ted on him, he loft 
 
 all Motion to go oif 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 burft forth as it were 
 
 from its opening Veins ; the mingling Streams of which, 
 
 flowing down the Hill, never appear'd a more beautiful 
 
 ConjunSlion I In the mean while, the Head, no way unlovely 
 
 thro' the ufual ghaftly 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 ftruck with Amazement! The holy Prieft, 
 
 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 ftanding fome little disftance from the holy 
 
 Virgin's bleeding Bpdy, as tho' without Power, or Concern. 
 
 Villain ! faid Bu'no, could neither thy Birth, her Innocency, 
 
 or the fear of Judgment, keep the^ 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 punifh 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. 
 
 Th^ 
 
[i6o] 
 
 The holy Prieft, 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 (he lay: And after he had told them of her 
 angelical Virtues, he earnellly befought Heav'n to reftore 
 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 Spe6tators ; who obferving a white 
 Circle round her Neck, they chang'd her Name from, 
 
 BkUENA to WiNEFRED. 
 
 Her Well became in great Eftimation for moft wonderful 
 Cures : The Stones at the Bottom were tin6tur'd with her 
 Blood; from which a pretty cemented Mofs emitted a 
 charming Smell like Incenfe, or fweeteft Perfume. 
 
 After her Refufcitation from Death, flie 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 Dire6lions of their pious Daughter, whofe Fame was 
 fpread to diftant Nations. 
 
 In the meantime Bueno had founded a Monaftery near the 
 Sea Shore ; and dy'd about the feventh Year of her being 
 Abbefs near Finhon. The Prieft, 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 dire6t 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, (he haded to holy Saturn. That Hermit, having^ 
 met her with great Refpefl, conduced her to his Chapel, 
 and then accompany'd her fome Part of the Way to the 
 Valley of Clutina. At parting, he told her of the famous 
 
 Abbey 
 
[ i6i ] 
 
 Abbey built by St. Elerius, who would place her over pious 
 "Virgins, among- whom (he fhould fpend the Remainder of 
 her Days. Thither (he bent her Courfe; and was in Pro- 
 ceflion 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 flie cured the 
 Bodies of fick Perfons ; and by her Wifdom comforted 
 affli6led Minds. At length, as one Night (he was ardently 
 praying, fhe faw our Bleffed Saviour, who told her, that her 
 DilTolution 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 Ihe was interr'd 
 at Gutherine ; after which feveral devout Perfons were mira- 
 culoufly cur'd at her Tomb, thro' faithful and ardent Prayers; 
 which ftiew'd how dear (he 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 : 
 
 O Almighty and Everlajling GOD, who haft honoured ihe 
 bleffed Virgin Saint Winefred with the Reward of Virginity ; 
 grant to us, we befeech Thee, by \ her Interceffion, that we 'may 
 defpife the Allurements of this World, and together with her obtain 
 the Seat of everlajling Glory. Amen. 
 
 To conclude : We may remember to have read, that St. 
 BuENO told the lovely Sufferer, If the Well did not anfwer 
 Expellations in a firfl, and fecond Pilgrimage ; the Third Vifit, 
 as if to try the perfevering Virtue of devout afflided Perfons, would 
 infallibly cure all their Grievances. I wi(h 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 noftras offerre Deo. 
 
[162] 
 
 to allow it the ;Honour of a third Reading : Not only to 
 weigh more maturely the EfFefls of what has proceeded 
 from ferious Contemplation, join'd with laborious Study, 
 iii order to delight Them; but that they might the more 
 efteem the Merits of the fair Sufferer, and admire at the 
 wonderful Effulion of her Spring, which have in paft 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 1 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 bleifed 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 moft, happy in His Prefence to all 
 Eternity ; for which End his moft, precious Blood was flied 
 upon the Crofs. 
 
C 1633 
 
 An INDEX 0/ the Chief Paffages, &c. 
 
 A. 
 
 •:[fr-$— :;*• POOR lame Youth, named Cornelius Nicholas, (Son of John, 
 Ya a" °f Tnmaine Parish, Cardiganshire, about 2 Miles off the County 
 •^!^^!^-:|^ 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. Pag. 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. Part 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. 
 
 AngUa, Preface, pag. 40. 
 
 Anthonv, Hermit. Part II. page 73, and V. pag. 140. 
 
 Antigonus, King, offends Heaven. Part 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 
 
1 64 INDEX io iAe feveral Parts. 
 
 Author of this Book, who writ the Original by a Sort of Inspiration on 
 Recovery from Sickness, his Desirei it may be acceptable to the 
 Publick, considering his Misfortunes, (One of which was the loss of 
 an Estate thro' } y^/eafe^i— Death— which is generally more kind 
 than to cause the svdden Destruction of vihoU 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 Charaaer 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. 109. 
 
 Basingwerhe, 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 ^yas begun in 1131. Ranulph Earl of Chester and 
 his Barons, King HENRY II., the Princes Llewellin and David 
 of North-Wales, viere Benefadors. Part V. p. 133. 
 
 Base Aaions 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 Wittefred, Part II. 71. 
 
 s BUENO 
 
 t To the Mattes 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. 
 
 rAMENTBD SHADE I Thy Kindness done to Me; 
 
 But, what was dearer ! Pity shewn to MINE! 
 Tho' new amongst the shining Saints You be, ' 
 
 Thy Fate WeHl mourn, and venerate Your Shrine i 
 'Till Heav'n, like You, 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 EtuiTH II. 
 he applies to Lord Thkwith for Land to ereft a Church, which 
 was granted, ib. p. 4s. has the spiritual tuition of that Nobleman's 
 Daughter, and obtains her Parents' Consent to live a sandimonial 
 Life, Pag. 47. Excellent Instruftions that he gave her, Pag. 48 
 to SI- 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, %ives 
 Charge to Winifred there to instruft young Virgins, foretells her 
 Call to Guitherim, 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 eredl 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. 91. 
 
 Clunock Vaur, a most stately Monastery there, Part IV. no, 
 
 Clutina'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 
 
1 66 INDEX io ihe feveral Parts. 
 
 Cradoc, Prince, his strange Visit to S. Winifred, 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 swallow'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 ihake 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. 
 
 Elbrius, St., meets S- Winefred, and on the decease of the Abbess 
 Theonia prevails with her to accept of the Oifice, 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 Effedls, Part V. 144. 145. 
 Friendship, A most Heavenly Comparison, Part V. 137. 
 
 G. 
 
 GEORGE, St. tutelar Guardian of England, Part V. 132. 
 
 Genesios, a Comedian, converted from a ridiculous Buffoon, becomes 
 a glorious Martyr, Part IV, page iig. 
 
 GlRALDUS 
 
INDEX to the feveral Parts. 167 
 
 GxRALDUs CamhrensiSt who he was, Part V. page 132. 
 Glyceria, a martyr'd Virgin, Part IV. page iig. 
 
 GOD ALMIGHTY, His Wonders; and the stupendous Aaions 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. 109. 
 
 Guithering, 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 Henthlfint, described. Part II. 77. 
 
 Holy-Well, its powerful Vertues, Part III. loi. IV. 128. 
 
 House of Hospitality 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 Winefred, and to warn her of her approaching 
 
 Dissolution, IV. 112. 
 Jews, their Respeift for the Prophet Isaiah, V. 139. But their amazing 
 
 Cruelty towards our Saviour, III. 89. 
 
 Impatience in Affliction 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 Glascow 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 INDEX io iAe feveral Parts. 
 
 Life, A Shadow, Vapour, &c., Part I. page so- 
 Lysimachus, His great Disappointment, Part V. 136. 
 
 M. 
 
 Mary, Blessed Virgin, Her Grief compar'd. Part III. go. 
 
 Marriage State, when a Blessing, &c.. Part III. 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 England, page 35. 
 
 Minerals, from whence they do proceed. Part V. 132. 
 
 Miracles, Part II. page 69. Likewise Part V. page 136. 
 
 Musich, 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, &c- 
 Part IV. 124. 
 
 O. 
 
 Obedience, How necessary to Happiness, Part III. 93. IV. in. 
 
 oppressors, who unmercifully seize the Effefls of their innocent Fellow- 
 Creatures dying without Restitution and Repentance, are in great 
 danger of being absorb'd in the Jaws of Destruftion, 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 Nichums 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. 
 
 rassing-Bell, its Tolling of great Antiquity, Part IV. 114. 
 
 Persecution, An Encouragement to bear it, Part III. 96. 
 
 Philosophy, according to tlie Do6trine of Zoroaster, II. 74. 
 
 Physicians, &c. worthy of great Respedt, Part V. 134. 
 
 Pilgrims, their Admiration at St.. Winefred, 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. 
 
 Priesi, cured of complicated Distempers, Part IV. 116. 
 
 Q. 
 
 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. 73. The Situation of his Hermitage, 
 Chapel, &c., 77. Description of his Person, ib. He hastes to meet 
 S. Winefred, condudts her towards the Valley of Clutina, gives proper 
 Direftions, blesses her, and bids farewell, 78, &c. 
 
 Scarhorongh, on its past Loss thro' the falling of the Cliff, and present 
 Happiness in Recovery of the Bpaw, 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 mDEX io ihe feveral Parts. 
 
 Bighs 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. 8z. 
 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 afiSrm'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, 8; 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 Instrudtions 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. 
 in. 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. 
 
[I70 
 
 PETER-Gate, YORK- 
 MDCCXLIII. 
 
 To all Ingenious Lovers of Art and Induftry. 
 
 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 Profeflion, for the Prefervation 
 of my Family, with uncommon Care and Induftry, to the 
 prefent Time : I take this happy Opportunity in giving- 
 ^ Notice, That I am now removed into PETER-G&te, (that 
 which is called the Lower Part of it) but a little Way from 
 Stone-Gate. — I humbly hope, thro' Divine Affiftance, that the 
 favourable Munificence of my Friends, confidering the Con- 
 tingencies in Life, will generoufly extend to the Place of my 
 new Settlement, repair' d to withftand the Inclemency of the 
 Weather, /ri?i?(^ from all filthy Incumbrances, and by credible 
 Apartments fit to entertain the better Sort of well-bred 
 Lodgers, or Cuftomers that rightly encourage the true typo- 
 graphical Artifts ; thofe only that become fuch by Vertue of 
 lawful Indentures, &c., and not by interloping, furreptitious 
 Methods, to the Ruin of honeft Pra6titioners : 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 Englijh ; alfo Mathematical Work ; 
 
 Warrants, 
 
172 7%is Author's Advertisement. 
 
 'Warrants, Hand-Bills, &c. may be printed in a neat and cor- 
 rea Manner. Likewife all Sorts of curious Printing- Work, 
 that Gentlemen and Others fliall have Occafion to ufe, can 
 artfully be done to Satisfa6tion ; Travellers furnifti'd with 
 various Sorts of Chapmens' Books ; Paper, Pens and Ink to 
 be fold ; as alfo the celebrated Daffey's Elixir, with 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 Aynlly, and extenfive County; I 
 have fome Reafon flill to hope for further Encouragement, by 
 exhibiting the following Books, colle6ted 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 Hiftory of the famous City 
 of YORK; and in a particular Manner of its Magnificent 
 Cathedral, commonly called York Minfler. As alfo an 
 Account of St. Mary's 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 colle6ted, 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 Conjiantius, who both dy'd 
 in this City : Of the Kings of England, and other illuflrious 
 Perfonages, who have honour'd Yorli 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. Publifhed in the Year of our Bleffed 
 Lord 1730. Price 4s. 
 
 n. The 
 
BOOKS puUiJhed by T. Gent, of YORK. 173 
 
 II. The Hiftory of the Loyal Town of Rippon : Intro- 
 duc'd by a Poem on the furprizing Beauties of Studley 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 Hes ihterr'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 Minfter, fince 
 its firft Foundation : Its prefent happy State ; with the Arms, 
 Monuments, and Infcriptions, alphabetically digefted. An 
 exadt Lift of the Wakemen 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 Hiftory of 
 YORK, for their Infcriptions and Epitaphs, to which This 
 is very fupplemental. Adorn'd with many Cuts, preceded by 
 a South-Weft Profpe6l (and a new Plan) of Rippon. Befides 
 are added. Travels into other Parts of Yorkjhire. i. Beverley, 
 an Account of its Minfter : The Seal of St. John : The Beauty 
 of St. Marys : And a Lift of the Mayors of the Town, fince 
 incorporated. 2. Remarks on Pontefradl. 3. Of the Church 
 at Wakefield. 4. Thofe of Leeds : With a Vifit to Kirkjlal, and 
 Kirkham. 5. An Account of Keighley. 6. State of Skipton 
 Caftle, &c. 7. Knaresborough. Of the Church and its Monu- 
 ments ;. St. Roberts Chapel, &c. 8. Towns near to YORK : 
 As, Tadcajler, Bilbrough, Bolton- Percy ; Howlden ; Selby, 
 Wijlffw, Cawood Church and Caftle ; Acajler and Bijhopjlhorpe ; 
 Acomb, Nun-Monkton and Skeltqn, &c. with their Antiquity and 
 Infcriptions ; Alfo the Delights of a rural State. Publiftied 
 in 1733. Price 4s. 6d. 
 
 Ill Annales 
 
174 BOOKS fold by T. Gent, in Peter-Gate, YORK. 
 
 III. Annales Regioduni Hullini : Or, TheHiftory of the 
 Royal and Beautiful Town of King/lon-upon-Hull, from the 
 Original of it, through the Means of its illuftrious Founder, 
 King Edward the Firft: Who (being pleas'd with its beauti- 
 ful Situation whilft hunting with his Nobles on the pleafant 
 Banks of the River) erefted the Town, Anno Dam. 1296. 
 And from that remarkable .(Era, the Viciflitudes of it are 
 difplay'd, 'till the Year 1735. In which are included. All 
 the mofl remarkable Tranfa6tions, Ecclefiaftical, Civil and 
 Military. The Ere6tion of Churches, Convents, and Mon- 
 afleries : with the Names of their Founders and Bene- 
 fa6tors : Alfo a fuccin6t Relation of the De la Pole's Family, 
 from the firft Mayor of that Name, to his SuccefTors, who 
 were advanc'd to be Earls and Dukes of Suffolk. The Monu- 
 ments, Infcriptions, &c. of the Churches of Holy Trinity and 
 St. Marji. The Names of the Mayors, Sheriffs, and Cham- 
 berlains; with what remarkable Accidents have befallen 
 fome of them in the C6urfe of their Lives : Interfpers'd with 
 a Compendium of Britijh Hiftory, efpecially what alludes to 
 the Civil Wars, (for the better Illuftration of fuch Things as 
 moft particularly concern'd the Town in thofe troublefome 
 Times;) and fince then, with Regard to the Revolution. Set 
 forth in 1735. Price 5s. 
 
 Xatels pubUsbeO, 
 
 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 Britifli Sceptre fince the Conqueft: 
 The Hiftory of the Kings of Frana and Scotland: Particularly ot the 
 
 latter 
 
BOOKS puhUJhed by T. Gent, of YORK. 175 
 
 latter Kingdom, from the Reign of the famous King Fergus, Anno 
 Mundi 3618, 'till King James the Firil united that Crown to the Englilh 
 Diadem : And an impartial Account of the Roman Pontiffs, from St. 
 Peter's Crucifixion, to the prefent Pope Benedict XIV. 
 
 As LIKEWISE 
 
 V. A fuccina History of ROME, from its Foundation by Romulus 
 'till the Fall of K. Tarquin, occafion'd by the Rape of the chafte 
 LUCRETIA : An Account of the Confulate, Triumvirate, Higher and 
 Lower Empires; the Removal of the Imperial Seat to Constantinople: 
 Divifion of the Eaftern and Weftern 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 illuftrious 
 Perfonages that have proved ineftimable Bleffings to this extenfive County: 
 Paurticularly 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, fhewing their 
 Dimenfions; with modern Infcriptions and Epitaphs over the Graves of 
 eminent Perfons of both Sexes, who in Life have been juitly celebrated 
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[176] 
 
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THE 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE and MIRACLES 
 
 Of our Bleffed Saviour, 
 
 JESUS CHRIST; 
 
 ^rom 96is BSirth to SfCis Crucifixion, 
 
 AS ALSO, THE 
 
 LIVES, SUFFERINGS and DEATH 
 OF THE 
 
 Evangelists and Apostles. 
 
 Taken from the Holy Scriptures, and the Learned Writings 
 
 of Eminent Divines of the CHURCH to thefe Times. 
 
 With explanatory Notes, relating to thofe Prophets, who 
 
 foretold of our Bleffed Saviour's Coming upon the Earth. 
 
 By T. G. 
 
 Alfo the Refpefi, even of Heathens, fhewn to our Bleffed [ 
 Saviour: As a Letter of Invitation fent to CHRIST 
 by King Agbarus ; with our Saviour's Anfwer. And 
 another Letter fent by Publius Lentulus to the Senate 
 of Rome coruerning our Redeemer's Per/on, Dodrine, 
 Miracles, and Behaviour. 
 
 Done into VERSE, for the Delight and Improvement of • 
 the weakejl Capacity, and not unworthy the Perufal of < 
 the mojl knowing. The like never comprehended in fo 
 /mail a Volume before, and is particularly adapted to the 
 Memory of Children. 
 i<^**-*-***«**?^**ii^** ********* 
 
 YORK: Printed and Sold by Tho. Gent. 
 
Ci78] 
 
 To the Eternal Fountain of Goodnefs, 
 JESUS CHRIST, 
 
 Sfhe> Saviour of ManMnd. 
 
 "pOUNTAIN of Fountains I let thy Streams 
 
 Dijlil into my thirjly Soul: 
 O Sun of Heav'n, impart thy Beams, 
 
 To which SOL'S radiant Beams are foul ; 
 That fo, while I prefume to fing. 
 
 Thy quick'ning Spirit may infpire, 
 With rapturous Joy ; and with the Wing 
 
 Of fweet Devotion mount me higher. 
 
 Thy Life and Death's too too divine 
 
 For any mortal Man to write : 
 Vet, Bleffed Lord/ 1 accept each Line, 
 
 Which Love and Duty do excite ; 
 Drawn from the Pens of Holy Men, 
 
 Who did with Thee on Earth converfe ; 
 Who con'd thy Anions, where, and when. 
 And thy Original rehearfe. 
 
 Vet, farther. Lord, I thee befeech. 
 
 To help me 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. 
 
 The 
 
L 179] 
 
 
 The LIVES of the Bleffed JESUS, 
 and His Apostles, &c. 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 A LMOST Four Thoufand Years had pall, 
 ■^^ Whilfl Sin had fpread invenom'd Wings, 
 'Till in Augustus' Reign, at laft, 
 Appear'd the Glorious KING of Kings. 
 
 Like to the Dawn, » AURORA fair. 
 The Bleffed f V I R G I N may be flyl'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 : 
 
 MARY obey'd the Heavenly Will, Luk. I. 38. 
 
 Which Joseph's Vifion did unfold. Mat. I. 20, &c. 
 
 When Great AUGUSTUS rul'd in Rome, 
 The Thirty Seventh of Herod's Reign, 
 
 Joseph and Mary, to the 'fown 
 
 Of Bethlem, in Judea, came. Luk. II. 4. 
 
 The 
 
 * Qua est ista qua progreditur quasi Aurora consurgens. i.e. What is flie 
 that goeth forth as a rifrng Morning ? Serm. of John Bishop of Rochefter. 
 
 t When the Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Ghost, she was but 
 fifteen Years of Age. 
 
 i Isaiah, who is cail'd the Evangelical Prophet. Hofea, of his flying into 
 Mgypt. Micah, of Ms Birth. Jeremiah, of 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. Malachi, the Restoration of 
 Jerusalem. John Baptift, (Son 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 conftrain'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 I 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 firft. reveal'd 
 Glad Tydings, whilfl. all others flept. 
 
 An ANGEL brightj 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 Manger laid." 
 
 'Thus fpake the Angel, and forthwith 
 
 'Appear'd a Ihining 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 Angels fung 
 When GOD created Heaven and Men, Joh 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 of Chaldea, 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 pafling unto Bethlehem Town, 
 
 The Star, obfequious, ftopt above : 
 Proftrate the Eaftern Kings fell down, 
 
 And (hew'd their Loyalty and Love. 
 
 Thofe Produ6ls, which their Countries yield. 
 Bright fliining Gold, and Odours fweet; 
 
 What grac'd their Perfons, or the Field, Mat. 
 
 They laid 'em at our Saviour's Feet. II. u. 
 
 Herod enrag'd, when well he knew 
 
 His Sanhedrim's prognollick 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 Sights did fill the Plain I 
 
 The Children, dragg'd from Mothers Arms, 
 Were fluck on Spears, or cut in twain I 
 
 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. 
 
 A T Twelve Years old, mofl ftrang-e to hear. 
 
 He in the Temple plainly ftiow'd, 
 To Jewifli Do6lors fitting there, Luke II. 46. 47. 
 
 Such Knowledge like the Son of God. 
 
 When in Judea's Defart brought, Matt. IV. Luke IV. 
 
 Enabled forty Days to fall, and Marli I. 
 
 In vain the Tempter did accoll. 
 
 And \ 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, fohn II. 15. 
 
 With Woman, at Samaria's Well, fohn. 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. Some say the six Water-Pots held eighteen hundred Quarts. 
 
[183] 
 
 The Son of Chuza, Herod's Steward, ver. 46, bfc. 
 
 Our Saviour with a Word did heal : 
 That, and the Father's Faith, rpftor'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, Luk. IV. 33. 
 
 With Sin, and Satan's Power Stung; 
 He from convulfive Pains reliev'd. 
 
 For which Chrift's Fame was loudly rung. 
 
 Peter's Wife's Mother he reftor'd Mat. 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 ; 
 Chrift did the Impotent reftore, 
 
 And heal'd the believing Soul from Sin. Luk. 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 Matt. VIII. 16. 
 
 Near Galilee, a Widow's Son, Luk. VII. 12. 
 
 Deceas'd, was borne upon a Byer; 
 Chrift' fpoke the Word, the Work was done. 
 
 The Youth arofe, whilft 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. 
 
[184 J 
 
 A poor Demoniac, blind and dumb, Mat. XII. 22. 
 
 Reftor'd to Ufe of Speech and Sight, 
 Declares him to be David's Son, 
 
 Againfl, 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 Cliffs and Mountains hide their Head. 
 
 Two Creatures poor, poffefs'd in Mind, rer. 28 
 
 One with a Legion wounded fore; to 32. 
 
 Chrift 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 Chrift was fed. Mat. XV. 36. 37, (sfc. 
 
 With two fmall Fifties, Loaves but feven ; 
 He on the Sea, as Brafs, did tread; Joh.NY. \<). 
 
 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 Apoftles heard a Voice from Heaven, 
 
 " Hear him, my pleas'd beloved Son I" ver. 35. 
 
 No greater Sign could fure be given. 
 Nor more amazing Wonders done. 
 
 A poor 
 
[ i85 1 
 
 A poor Man's Child, by Spirit vile, Mai. 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, Zuk. XIII., v. 12. 13. 
 
 Abus'd a Woman eighteen Years : 
 A Man too, who had been born blind, /oh. IX. 7. 
 
 Chrill eafes them of both their Cares. 
 
 Four Days was LAZARUS in his Tomb, /oA. XI. 
 
 'Till Jefus call'd him out from thence. ly. io 44. 
 This prov'd the Great Meffiah come, 
 
 And fliew'd divine Omnipotence. 
 
 Many the Scriptures do declare 
 
 Of Wonders gireat beyond my Verfe; 
 
 Which not the Books that written are, 
 
 Or ftiould be writ, could full rehearfe. /ok. XXI. 25. 
 
 CHAP. III. Containing our Saviour's Sufferings 
 and Afcenfion. 
 
 "VT'E Prieils and Scribes, mofl. unbelov'd, 
 
 -*■ As much as falfe Things are to true : 
 
 The Earth felt Earthquakes ; how unmov'd. 
 
 How could you, Monilers, how could you ? 
 
 King AGBARUS a Letter fent 
 
 Unto our Bleffed Saviour dear : 
 Words that are holy, permanent, 
 
 And do require attentive Ear. 
 
 ^ ^J^ 4^ -^ 
 
 King AGBARUS' S Letter. 
 " r\P thee I've heard, and of thy Fame, 
 ^-^ " Beyond all Natural, Human Skill ; 
 "Thou cur'ft the Leprous, Blind and Lame, 
 "And cafts out Devils, thro' thy Will. 
 
 "I hearing 
 
[186] 
 
 " I , hearing- thefe, my Belief is this, 
 "Thou mull be God, or elfe His Son: 
 
 "For in this World, none fure there is, 
 "Can do thofe Wonders thou haft done. 
 
 "Wherefore fince I do underftand 
 " The Jews do ftrive 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 Saviour's Anfwer to King AGBARUS. 
 
 " TDLEST are thou, O AGBARUS, King, 
 ■^ "In whofe Heart Faith divinely reigns; 
 
 "And me, thy Saviour, yet unfeen, 
 " My Honour undefil'd maintains. 
 
 "Tis writ of me, They which have feen, 
 
 " Should never on me ftedfaft believe ; ; 
 
 "That thofe, who have not happy been 
 " In feeing me, fliould believe, and live. 
 
 "But as to what thou feem'ft intent, 
 
 "Thefe are to intimate to thee, 
 "I muft return to Him that fent, 
 
 "When all Things are fulfill'd of me. 
 
 "Yet after my Afcent to Heaven, 
 "A Bleft DISCIPLE thee fliall cure; 
 
 " Thy fad Diflemper quite be driven, 
 " New Life be given, found and pure. 
 
 'And 
 
 * ^1% Letter, and. the Answer to it, was translated by EUSEBIUS, out 
 of the Records of EDBSSA , written in the Syrian Tongue, 
 
[187] 
 
 "And not to thee, O King-, alone, 
 
 " But unto all who round thee wait ; 
 "Knowledge thro' Me fliall blefs thy Throne, 
 
 "And bring Thee to my Father's Gate." 
 
 Thus Lentulus, in Tiberius Time, Josephus. 
 
 Governour of JUDEA fair, 
 A Letter wrote to thofe of Rome, 
 
 Concerning Chrifl 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 1 
 "Rev'rence his Countenance reveals, 
 
 "Which caufes Fear, yet Love withall. 
 
 "His Hair of Chefnut Colour ripe, 
 
 " And plain down almoft. to his Ears : 
 " From thence 'tis fomewhat curl'd, more bright, 
 
 "O'er Shoulders, waving, it appears. 
 
 " Mid'il of his Head, a Seam of Hair, 
 
 " Goes parting like a Nazarite : 
 "Smooth doth his lovely Face appear, 
 
 "Which, mix'd with Red, attra6ts the Sight. 
 
 " His Nofe and Mouth fo comely, fair, 
 
 " Nothing can reprehended be ; 
 " His Beard thick, coldur'd like his Hair, 
 
 "Eyes grey, and quick with Majelly. 
 
 " When 
 
[i88] 
 
 "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 Do6trine feeks. 
 
 " No one has feen this good Man laugh, 
 " But weeping, fearing others' Harms ; 
 
 "His Body ftrait, of beauteous Shape: 
 "Delegable his Hands and Arms 
 
 " 111 Speaking, temp'rate, modeft, wife ; 
 
 "A Man for fing'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 ftiould 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. Faiiier than the Children of Men. Besides this, 
 Josephns gives a great Character of our Blessed Saviour. 
 
[189] 
 
 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 fliould beguile. 
 
 WEDNESDAY. 
 The Priefts 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 ! 
 Then mock'd, they robe him in Difgrace, 
 
 And fend to Herod too and fro. 
 
 That 
 
 * They were called Staders, or Shekles of the Sanftuary, which 
 amount to Three Founds Fifteen Shil. of our Money. 
 
[ igo ] ■ 
 
 That Chrift, (O ftrange it is to tell I)' ' 
 Should Subllitute his Heav'nly Frame, 
 
 With Mocks and Scourg-es here fliould 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-, whilft curfed Jews deride, ver. 35, 
 
 Could Cruelty be more compleat ? 
 
 Yet, 
 
[ 191] 
 
 Yet, far from calling Vengeance due, 
 Chrift prays for them, whofe Sins were moll. 
 
 Forgive they know not what they do 1 ver. 34. 
 
 Then bowing, yielded up the Ghoft. 
 
 The Temple rends, the Rocks are fplit. Mat. XXVII. 51. 
 
 While different Orders change their, Place: 
 The f bright Sun, as with Horror fmit, 
 
 In Deteftation, veil'd its Face. 
 
 O who can tell the Virgin's Grief! 
 
 A Sword feem'd piercing to her Heart : Luk. II. 
 Her Son, the Lord o'er Heaven and Earth, 35. 
 
 To feel for us fuch bitter Smart 1 
 
 Cruel Longinus ! could'ft thou bore 
 Thy Saviour's Side, with fharpen'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 J^SUS 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, aiit 
 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 Magdalen, with more, 
 Went the next Morn, to pay their lafl 
 
 To Him, whom they in Life adore, 
 Were at th' amazing Sight aghaft. 
 
 The Guards lay proflrate, tho' as dead. 
 No Stone was found againfl. the Door ! 
 
 The Napkin left, which bound Chrill's Head, 
 And Shroud that vail'd his Body o'er. 
 
 Inflead of which, they ftrait beheld 
 
 Two Angels fhine with Glory bright ; Luk. XXIV. 4. 
 Back, fent to Peter, they reveal'd 
 
 Chrifl'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 flie 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 lived a solitary 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 hafte, 
 
 Where Peter did his Saviour fee : 
 JESUS to all appears, and afks Luk. XXIV. 
 
 For Meat, and eats, to fliew 'twas He. v. \i. &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 thruft thy Hands into my Side. 
 Thomas his Unbelief abhorr'd : 
 
 My Lord ! My God ! he then reply'd. v. 28.' 
 
 Seven of the Apoftles fifti'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 hafte did fwim therefore, 
 And with the reft did hafte to Land: 
 
 Chrift dines with them upon the Shore, 
 
 And gave to Peter ftri6t Command, ver. 15, 16, 17. 
 
 Another Time, our Lord appear'd Mat. XXVIIL 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 eje6ted be likewife, Mark IIL 15. 
 
 The Sick recover'd by their Care. 
 
 St. James too had our Lord's bleft Sight, I Cor. XV. 7. 
 
 When forty- Days were almoft fpent ; 
 O inexpreffed fweet Delight, 
 
 Extatick Joy, and fweet Content! 
 
 The 
 
[ 194] 
 
 The Apoflles privately beingf met, 
 
 With others at Jerufalem, 
 On the lafl Day, as They were fet, 
 
 Chrift. 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 (hew'd thofe Wounds, which for us bled. 
 
 His Benedi6lion then he gave, 
 
 Whilfl. they ador'd, with bended Knees; 
 With wiftiful 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 1 John Baptist, who is commemorated the 24th 
 " of June." 
 
[195] 
 
 The LI VE S of the Evangelijis and Apojlles. 
 
 St. MATTHEW, Evangeliji and Apojile. 
 
 'T'HRO' Perfia, and throughout 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 caft, him in a Flame, 
 
 Which not confuming his moft precious Life, 
 Quite thro' his bleeding Heart a Halbert came. 
 
 And thus he left this World of Care and Strife. 
 
 TAti Evangelist was an Hebrew, Son of Alplieus, a Galilean, and of Mary, 
 Kinswoman of the Blessed Virgin ; and was also Collector of the Jews, 'till 
 our Saviour call'd him at Capernaum. His Festival is on the 21st September. 
 
 St. MARK, the Evangeliji. 
 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 Evangelifl 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 Evangeliji. 
 
 'yHIS fliilful 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 Mailer lives eternally. 
 
 His Festival is on the iSth of October, 
 
 St, 
 
[196] 
 
 Si. JOHN, the Evangelijl and Apojile. 
 
 "DY our dear Lord he was moil lov'd, 'tis plain, 
 Chrift calls him Boanerges, Son of Thunder. 
 Some thought he fliould live 'till he came again, 
 
 Yet tho' he did not, here appears a Wonder. 
 Domitian, Emperor, call him into * Oyl, 
 
 In horrid Caldron over burning Fire ; 
 Cool turns the fame, and back the Flames recoil, 
 
 As, lo 1 this Sight averts the Tyrant's Ire. 
 Howe'er to Patmos Ifle 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 laft, will fhine, 
 'Till rolling Ages (hall the fame declare. 
 
 At Ephefus this bleft Beloved dy'd. 
 To Him our Lord bequeath'd his Mother dear. 
 
 When He upon the Crofs was crucify'd. 
 Hh 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 Glals of the 
 Eaft Window in York Minfter, which equals (if not exceeds) any Church 
 Window in this Kingdom ; the Defcription of which has been publiihed in 
 the History of York, compil'd by the Author of this little Book. 
 
 Si. PETER, the Apqftle. 
 
 "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 scourg'i, and then crucify'd with his Head downwards, in 
 Humility to his Blessed Master Christ Jesus. 
 
 St. 
 
C 197 ] 
 Si. ANDREW, the Apqflle. 
 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, ftill 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. 
 TTE was a fervent Preacher of the Word, 
 
 And for the fame by Herod loft his Head : 
 But Time will everlaftingly record, 
 Jerufalem, the Place he fuffered. 
 
 His Festival is July 25. 
 
 St. PHILIP, the Apojile. 
 TN Phrygian Land this Saint did much exclaim 
 
 Againft 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 againft thofe Sons of Hell, 
 Whofe Superftition would the Truth withftand. 
 His Festival is August 24. 
 
 -5"/. THOMAS, the Apojlle. 
 T T NBELIEVING Thomas, once he was a Jew, 
 *^ But when converted, for his Saviour ftood ; 
 And tho' a while he doubted what was true, 
 Yet foon convinc'd, for Chrift would lofe his Blood. 
 
 To 
 
[198] 
 
 To Perfians, Medes, Hyrcanians did he preach 
 
 The Word of Truth moft' faithful, without Art, 
 'Till Indian Priefts with cruel Spears did reach, 
 
 And pierc'd the bleft Apoftle to the Heart. 
 
 His Festival is December 21. 
 
 Si. JAMES the Lefs, Apoftle. 
 S. FTER our Lord's Afenfion he was chofe 
 ■^*- By the Apoflles 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. 
 
 Si. SIMON, the Apoftle. 
 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 I pity that our Land his Blood fliould ftain, ' 
 
 where ' now the Word of Truth is glorify'd. 
 
 His Festival is October 28, with St. Juie's. 
 
 St. JUDE, the Apoftle. 
 ''T*WAS in Judea, Galilee, fo fair, 
 Samaria, Idume, Mefopotame ; 
 The Word of Chrift 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 ascover'd all his Body o'er: 
 Thus in a painful Manner did he die, 
 For Chrift his fake, whom all the World iadore, 
 
 St, 
 
[ 199] 
 
 Si. MATTHIAS, the Apojlle. 
 TN fair Judea he the Gofpel preach'd, 
 
 In Macedonia, Ethiopia too ; 
 But while that in Jerufalem he teach'd, 
 The Jems, accuril, with Stones this good Man flew. 
 His Festival is February 24. 
 
 Si. PAUL, the Apojlle. 
 A T Tarfus born, was noble and well taught, 
 ■^^ And firft a Perfecutor of the Word ; 
 'Till ftruck by Heav'n, by Light exceeding Thought, 
 
 Became a Preacher for his bleffed Lord. 
 Then fent to Rome, by Nero loft his Head, 
 
 Faithful to Death this good Saint did remain : 
 And tho' his Perils were unnumbered; 
 
 Now, paft them all, with Jefus Chrift doth reign. 
 His Festival is June 29. 
 
 St. BARNABUS. 
 /^F 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 moft bitter Smart. 
 Yet learn'd Men unanimous declare 
 
 That at Salmatia he was crucify'd. 
 Or fton'd; but either Way it doth appear. 
 That for the blefled Word of Truth he dy'd. 
 His Festival is June 11. 
 
 The Soul's Expostulation with our Blessed Saviour JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 ALAS ! 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. My dearest Redeemer, I acknowledge my 
 Unwbrthiness, not fit to be called thy Son, ungratefully repaying thy 
 L.ove, 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 I How 
 patiently didst thou offer thyself to Reproaches, Blasphemies and the 
 
 vilest 
 
[ 200 ] 
 
 vilest Usage from the most ignominious among Manlcind ; 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 SatisfaSion. 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 Eifedts of thy 
 bitter Passion, shew Pity upon me. I cast my inordinate Affeftions 
 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 Objedt of my Affecftions ; 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 perfedl Purity. 
 
 O my God ! in all the Adversites I have been subjefl: to, whether 
 in Poverty, Sickness, Temptation, or any other Extremity, I never found 
 so effedlual 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 
 Affedlion 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-DejeSion 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 Meroy 3)isplay6cl. 
 
 Set forth in the unhappy Birth, wicked Life, and miferable 
 End of tliat deceitful Apoftle, 
 
 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, incloCng him in a little Cheft, threw him into the 
 
 Sea ; where he was found by a King on the Coaft 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, lafl;ly, feeming to repent of his wicked Actions, he followed our 
 bleffed Saviour,- and became one of his Apoftles ; 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 
 
 Temperet a lacrymis ? ViRG. Lib. H. 
 
 But who the Sufferings of JESU hears. 
 Can ceafe from Sighs, or flop his falling Tears ? 
 
 By Mr. THOMAS GENT, Author of the History of YORK, 
 in 1730; thofe of the fine Scriptural Great Eajlern WINDOW 
 of the Magnificent Cathedral of St.Y&i^r; Rippon, and Hull ; 
 a Pafioral 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. 
 
 YORK: 
 
 Printed at the New Printing - Office, in Fofgate, 1772. 
 
 [ Price Twopence. ] 
 
[ 202 J 
 
 To the READER. 
 
 "IT THAT here is writ, pathetically, Jhows 
 
 *' Young ]vjiks' Jirange and mqft Jlupendous Birth. 
 It tells his Parents Sorrows, Grief, and Woes, 
 
 For (what they knew) his fad untimely Death. 
 With Projects vain, they Jirive f anticipate 
 The Thing, which was decreed hy certain Fate. 
 
 Inclosed in Wood, amid'fl impetuous Waves, 
 
 Where rolling Billows hoijl'roufly do roam; 
 Where many Thoufands find unfathom'd Graves ; 
 Ah I there the Infant's bani/h'd from his home. 
 But, lo t a royal KING the Child did find ; 
 Endearing prov'd, like tend'reji Parent, kind. 
 
 Yet, when at Age, the Sov'reign's Son he kill'd. 
 
 And then efcaped to a Land unknown. 
 Here, hy his Hands, his Father's Blood was fpilVd, 
 
 And wed his Mother when thefe Crimes were done I 
 Next turn'd Difciple ; Jlrange to think of this; 
 At lajl betray d our SAVIOUR with a Kifs I 
 
 This is the Argument of what I write ; 
 
 Concluding with the Manner of his End : 
 The various Griefs and Paffions I indite 
 
 Of JESUS CHRIST, our heft and fur est Friend. 
 May none, like Judas, ever interpofe. 
 To fell {as He was fold) the Church, His Spoufe. 
 
 Accept the darling Offspring of my Mind, 
 
 Wfien hrdour ftrove to help my Judgment weak: 
 
 For, now, you'll truer Satisfa£lion find ; 
 
 And I more Life in Things I write, or fpeak ; 
 
 Since whate'er Scriptures do afford I bring ; 
 
 How foul a Traitor looks, how fair a KING. 
 
 CHAP 
 
[203] 
 
 CHAP. I . 
 
 0/ his Birth ; the Dream of his Mother ; and how he was unnaturally 
 committed to the raging Ocean. 
 
 npHAT, by the Means of yUDAS, CHRIST was flain, 
 -*■ The Sacred WRITINGS tell us very plain; « 
 But no where fliews his ill fore-boding Birth, 
 Who prov'd the faddeft Wretch upon the Earth I f 
 
 My prefent Ta(k, far as TRADITION'S Truth, 
 Shall be improving Lines, begun in YOUTH ; 
 From various Authors; || who the Mind engage. 
 By Heaven infpir'd, and known from Age to Age. 
 
 Coeleftial Sense is beft, right underftood; 
 But, next, undoubted TESTIMONY'S good; 
 From whence bright Knowledge, 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 (hould deck. 
 By San6lion's Pow'r, thro' King Melchizedek.J 
 
 An INSTITUTION, laftingly remember'd, 
 CHRIST'S nat'ral Body on the Crofs fo render'd; 
 Held, by the Learned, conftantly to prove, 
 Appeafing Anger, and obtaining L VE ! ff 
 
 But Judas' Name, that bears the fad Tranfgreffion, f** 
 
 Derived is from Prai/e, and true Confeffion. 
 
 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, Orosius, Sozomenes, &c. 
 
 % Gen. xiv. 18. 
 
 tt See Dr. Marfhall,, Bt. 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 Wine, ver. 26. M^omet wrote, that one of the Name suffered on 
 
 the 
 
C 204 J 
 
 The firft, call'd Macchab^us, once did fliine, 
 For Deeds of Valour, thro' all Palejline ; 
 Prieft of Medine, his Father, of high Note, 
 As from JO SEPHU S various Authors quote. 
 
 The fecond, fam'd ; a Carpenter by Trade ; 
 Eileem'd as Husband by a Bleffed MAID: 
 From Him, dillinguifli'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 flourifli'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 fhould be ever llain'd. 
 
 Indeed, if we a folemn Record mind, 
 The SON of GOD as doom'd to Death we find ! 
 Jull 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 TJiings ; 
 Let gradual Fate, portentive, bear the Sway, 
 Jufl, as the Twilight ufliers 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 Joppa's Shore. 
 
 Beauteous 
 
 the Cross instead of Chnst. Even that Impostor honom'd the Son of GOD as an 
 holy Prophet ; but Tacitus exhibited very unworthily of Christians in general, 
 because their holy Tenets were contrary and averse to Heathenism. 
 
 * See St. Mat. as above. And Ver. 14, 15. Likewise John xiv. 22. 
 
 } John xiii. 27. 
 
 II Si ad naturam vixeris, nunquam eris pauper: si ad opinionem, nunquam 
 dives. Ad Lucil. Ep. XVI. 
 
 t II. ESDRAS, vii. 28, 29. 
 
[205 1 
 
 Beauteous the Country, blefs'd with aereal • Gleams, 
 O'er Jordan's River, like Kilkenny Streams ; 
 Limpid as Cryflal ; fmoaklefs Flames arife ; 
 Nor Mills annoy the ambient facred Skies. 
 
 No g-loomy Fog, oifenfive Smoak, or Mud, 
 Difturb the Air, the Fire, or the Flood; 
 Infpiring POETS with delightful Themes ; 
 So, like the cleareft, were fair Jordan's Streams. 
 
 But uncongeneal to parental Race, 
 And to the Nature of the holy Place, 
 He feem'd ; where now the Turki/h Crefcents Ihine, 
 With Worfliips ftain'd, that blemilh Pale/line. 
 
 Howe'er, his Mother was a noble Dame, 
 Styl'd in fome Books fair BERENICE by Name.* 
 What will not Riches do? Who S IMO N ^riz' A; 
 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 fhe conceiv'd. 
 
 By nightly Vifions flie was forely griev'd. 
 Sleep, dear Repofe ! that lulls all Cares to Refl, 
 Had not one Charm to calm her troubled Bread. 
 
 While, gradual, waking, follow'd Sighs and Groans, 
 As tho' diffolving with her piteous Moans : 
 To that Extent fo pungent were her Dreams, 
 Her fcreeching Voice did found like Bedlam's Screams ! 
 
 The Husband, often flung ; but more, one Night : 
 " What is't," faid he, " that doth my Dear affright ?" 
 She anfwer'd, "Jewel, were you but to feel 
 "My Grief; I'm fure, you'd foon the like reveal. 
 
 "My 
 
 • 3ome 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 Sea-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, 
 
[206] 
 
 " My tender Child, that moves now in the Womb ! 
 " Oh ! that he were but in the filent Tomb I 
 "But he'll fpring- forth, on purpofe to betray 
 " The Lord of LIFE, whom cruel Jews will flay. 
 
 " For this ungrateful A61, fo black, fo foul, 
 " I'm 'fraid jufl; Vengeance will fall on his Soul. 
 "Howe'er, I'm fure, fliou'd he msk^J ESU bleed, 
 " His Body, pendent, muft attone the Deed. 
 
 "No Peace on Earth to eafe a wicked Mind. 
 
 " They fly are loft. to hang, or drown, inclin'd. 
 
 "His Lot the former, like Ahithophel.* 
 
 "When Confcience Wounds, Life foon becomes an Hell. 
 
 " What muft. we do ? How from our Sorrows fever I 
 " As foon as born, ( better that it were never 1 ) 
 "Let gulphing Seas prevent fuch direful End, 
 "And drown thofe Woes that you and me attend." 
 
 This faid, the Lady burfted 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; predicting, fure, the Rood I 
 Near that fad Mark, a Gibbet, ty'd with Batid, , 
 Amaz'd their Eyes, as, trembling, they did ftand ! 
 
 Tho' thefe confirm'd the Mother's frightful Dream ; 
 Yet Fondnefs turn'd her Mind from Death's Extreme. 
 " My Love," Jhe crji'd, " a Thought has ft.ricken me, 
 " To lofe the Infant not its Exit fee. 
 
 "Tho' this be Sin, fure it is better far 
 "Than flied the Blood of fuch a blooming Star, 
 
 "My 
 
 • II. Sam. xxvii. 23. 
 
[207 ] 
 
 " My Counfel is, Commit it to the Deep 1 " 
 
 Thus fpoke, their Eyes bewell'd, and both did weep. 
 
 But that indulgent Providence might fave; 
 Nor piercing Cold aflfe6t each threat'ning Wave ; 
 A little Ark, or Chell, 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, affli6ling her Embrace. 
 
 "O cruel Mother! am I not?" faid Jhe. 
 " Foolifli, to judge my Dream was Heav'n's Decree ; 
 "And were I afcertain'd, how fmful I, 
 "To doom my Child to FATE'S Uncertainty? 
 
 " Strange ! I ftiould 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 I 
 
 " O Heav'ns ! suppofe that fafe to Land it gains, 
 
 " Unlefs it haps amongft young Nymphs and Swains ; 
 
 " What may I think of dreary Rocks, and Sands ? 
 
 " Or Monfters, fierce, if falling in their , Hands 1 
 
 " Nay, 
 
 * Jonah iii. 5, 6, &c. 
 
[ 208 3 
 
 "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, an4 fkip, 
 " Whilft Life they take, and rob thy little Ship ! 
 
 " O whither muft my pretty Lamb now go ! 
 
 " See how it looks. Alas ! it does not know. 
 
 " Burft, Heart of Grief, fince true Affe6tion's vain ; 
 " So flrong the Impulfe, and fo great my Pain ! 
 
 " My Soul's diflreft Yet fomething bodes I may, 
 
 " If Fate proves kind, fee him another Day. 
 
 " Difl.ra6lion fure doth feize on every Side. 
 
 " I with I'd ne'er been born, or Young had dy'd. 
 
 " It muft, it muft depart fome Spirit tells, 
 
 " That tunes my breezing Sighs like Paffing-Bells I 
 
 " Ye Powrs, unfeen 1 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 ! " 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. 
 
 TT7HILST thus fuccumb'd lov'd Berenice thro' Care, 
 "' Let's turn our Thoughts upon the Father dear. 
 Alas I 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 
 
[209] 
 
 Since nothing could thofe Marks eradicate ; 
 Thofe deep-prefs'd Stygmas of Life-lafling' Fate. 
 
 A trufty 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 ftalk'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 fl.ill themfelves lamented at his Fall ! 
 And well they might conclude the Infant loft. 
 In merc'lefs Waves, or perifli'd on bleak Coaft. 
 
 But let us now tell what's become of Him ; 
 Who on inceflant moving Waves did fwim. 
 He is preferv'd by Supernat'ral-POW'R, 
 That nothing, but Himfelf, can Life devour. 
 
 Toft 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 Breaft, or Nurfe with helping Hand. 
 Extenfive GOODNESS him in Safety keeps; 
 Who, heav'd by changing aqueal Pillows, fleeps. 
 
 From hardeft Rocks, that are mqft high and fteep, 
 Proceed the largeft Rivers, fmooth and deep : 
 
 Idoneous 
 
C 210 ] 
 
 Idoneous Places to mount PHAROS high; 
 Or tower'd Caftles near fair azur'd Sky. 
 
 On fam'd Ifcariot's Coaft was fuch a Mount; 
 Blefs'd with a Spring; a ufeful, limpid Fount; 
 Clear as Saint WIN 'FRED'S falutary Well; ** 
 Still frefti in Virtue, that few can excell. 
 
 Near Dales, and Rifings, with falubrious Air; 
 Where chirping Choirefters adorn'd the Sphere ; 
 Nothing appear' d but Harmony and Love, 
 Like what concentred in thick ID A ' S Grove. 
 
 To this Retreat of old did Princes come ; 
 Pleafant as that imperiall Ifle, near ROME : f 
 But far more holy, as from Luft. unftain'd ; 
 No Blemifh that an Afylum 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 regale; 
 And took Delight to view Ships under Sail. 
 
 AURORA fcarce had uflier'd in the Morn; 
 And Phcebus, 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 cafl. away, 
 And this but P^rt 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 I 
 
 The Cloth, well-oil'd; and tight with Pitch 'twas lin'd ; 
 The Babe unhurt, from Water, or the Wind. 
 
 With Food likewife, that, ftiould 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 Retirement in Justin, Suetonius, &c. 
 
 II Some have exhibited, that it was Valerius, of Consular Dignity. 
 
L2U] 
 
 Upon its Breaft. a Parchment did proclaim : 
 Wou'd me you know ? Why, JUDAS is my Name, f 
 
 The KING, at this Adventure, was amaz'd ; 
 And, wond'ring- at the Navigator, gaz'd 1 
 Whilft Jie, inflead of weeping at his Cafe, 
 With lift-up Eyes, fmil'd in the Monarch's Face. 
 
 Thou /halt be calVd Ifcariot, (faid the KING) 
 Befide thy own, thou pretty, little Thing I 
 So all the World will know, that, when near loji, 
 Thou wert from Death preferv'd 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 ftrange 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 Pll fpare. 
 
 'Twas done and wond'rous did the Child improve : 
 
 For royal Bounty much attracted Love. 
 
 Still more and more his Charms allur'd the Sight ; 
 
 All, but the Marks ; and thofe were veiled quite. 
 
 thus having fliown his Birth, and firil Succefs ; 
 From infant Scenes to future Wickednefs ; 
 'Tis juft, in Order, that I hence proceed. 
 In the next Place, to tell what fudas did. 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 How, naming 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, furprizirig I foon to Letters bent. 
 The Hebrew Knowledge ; T h i n g s he prized beft. 
 That form the Speech; of them became poffeft. 
 
 Soon 
 
 f Or Jehuda. By Counsel of one of the ancient Patriarchs, so call'd, 
 young Joseph was sold, Gen. xxxvii. z6, 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 
 iniigitate, Psal. xli. 9. and Iv. 12, 13, 14. 
 
 J Or IsHAMOT, Distinguished. Mat. xxvi. 14. Mark xiv. 10, 11. Luke 
 xxii. 3, 4, s, 6.— 21, 22.— 47. 48. 
 
[212 ] 
 
 Soon after ikill'd in Latin, and in Greek, 
 So as, with niceft. Art, both Tongues could fpeak : 
 And Genius, moft occult, made him defcry 
 Inveftigation of P HIL O SOPHY . 
 
 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 Perfe6tions 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 Priefts, 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 1 how oft are fliort-liv'd Favours great ! 
 One Minute's Chance foon changes happy'fl State. 
 A Thoughtlefs A6tion, cruel Wound, or Thrul^, 
 May Life betray, and Honour lay in Dujl I 
 
 So 'twas with Judas, paffionate, and fieTce ; 
 Who knew the Sword, and what were cart and tierce; 
 How to recoil ; or, when to fpring a Lunge ; 
 Or, as Equejirian, fatal Spear to plunge I 
 
 One glitt'ring Day, he, with the King's fair Son, 
 Refolv'd on Pallime, left the Court, and Town ; 
 And, drinking hard, in Mid'ft of Cups, no doubt, 
 When Wine was in, thefe hot-brain'd Youths fell out. 
 
 With fliining Weapons, made of fineft Steel, 
 Such Wounds they gave required Art to heal. 
 O curs'd Encounter 1 Ruin to impart : 
 For Judas ftabb'd the young Prince to the Heart I 
 
 Who 
 
[213] 
 
 Who, rallying, fpoke : " Stay, Spark I 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 forgive ; rejoicing, at my Death, 
 "That Heav'n with-held my oft-vi6torious Arm, 
 " From doing You, my fweet Companion ! Harm. 
 
 " Yet flay, and do not. Cruel ! hally go ! 
 
 " One lafl. Embrace for paft Affe6tion 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 News, did hear ! 
 No tearlefs Eye in the fair Ifle was found. 
 Which gen'ral Grief had quickly fpread around. 
 
 Now Judas, Lord High Chancellor, in Stealth, 
 Flies from the Purfe, late State, and mighty Wealth ; 
 Prefers the fhortefl 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 Compun6tion feiz'd his troubled Breafl, : 
 For, fure, the Guilty never can find Reft. 
 Nemefian Vengeance with its Stings impart, 
 Diftra6t the Brain, and captivate the Heart. 
 
 But ftill he had a Call deep to repent ; 
 And oflien wifli'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. 
 
 NOT 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 defir'd. 
 
 And 
 
[214] 
 
 And here behold inconftant Fortune's Change I 
 One, rich poffefs'd, forc'd from high Domes to range 1 
 He, who did lord o'er others, muft 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 muft yield to ferve a Gentleman. 
 
 >Nay, more to vex him, in a low Degree, 
 Of (kipping Footman, poor, fubmitted he : 
 And even then; a Life moft unfecure; 
 Becaufe high Pride could not mean Things endure. 
 
 His Miftrefs, walking forth to take the Air, 
 Efpy'd fome Fruit, moft delicately fair! 
 'Twas in a Garden, where wide-fpreading Trees 
 Adorn'd the Walls; regal'd with gentle Breeze. 
 
 She, longing much to tafte the lufcious Juice; 
 As right conceiving what they muft produce:. 
 Here, take this Money ; go, faid (he, and buy 
 Some of that FRUIT, fo pleafant to mine Eye I 
 
 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 ftruck 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 (how'd. 
 The One, a young and griping Thief to tam6 : 
 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 1 
 Behold, as tho' the (laughter'd Victim lies, 
 And feparating Slumbers clofe his Eyes I 
 
 Go, 
 
[2IS3 
 
 Go, Parricide I 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. 
 
 "ITTHEN circling Year its annual Courfe had run, 
 ' ' Judas return'd where firft, his Life begun. 
 In J OP PA, like a fubterraneous Stream, 
 Days heedlefs pafs'd, as tho' Time prov'd a Dream. 
 
 Handfome, and ftraight; 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 beft. Perfedtions, when the People knew, 
 Procur'd 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 1 
 
 Some Time they liv'd together in fweet Love, 
 That from her Breafl. paft Sorrows did remove ; 
 'Till that the dire predi6ting Signs appear'd; 
 And flruck her Heart with what before flie 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 I 
 
 "Tell 
 
[216] 
 
 " Tell me, faidjhe, my Deareft, 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 defundl, 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 Huf band'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 frefli 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, fince You are far from Blame : 
 " For my connubial Love fliall 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 wbrft, 
 "Let's not provoke the Pow'rs to be accurft. 
 
 "There is on& 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 ftiun the Gulph of Hell, and Heav'n obtain. 
 
 " Hafte 
 
[217] 
 
 "Hafte, hafte, my Son; to MrJER U SALEM. 
 " Steer by his Rules ; of Prophets, fure, the Helm. 
 " Amend your Life ; be mindful of yourfelf : 
 " Turn to the LORD, and flight all pompous Wealth. 
 
 " He fpeaks, I hear, , as never Mortal fpake : 
 " His Perfon, tall, and lovely, wond'rous, take. 
 " So beautiful does ev'ry Action fliine ; 
 " All paft Defcription, from thefe Words of mine. 
 
 " The heavy-laden He invites to Reft. Mat. xt. 28. 
 
 " SuflScient GOD to all that are oppreft. Isa. Ixvz. 1 3. 
 
 " 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. diflinguifli'd Good, 
 " Salvation gain'd by fliedding- precious Blood. 
 
 " Alas, my Dear, we evermore mufl; part I 
 "At leaft, withdraw a tender Comfort's Heart. 
 " We cannot, fure, but mull 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 gmhd 
 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 gave ; refl.or'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. &-e. 
 
[218] 
 
 Whofe Miracles did caufe the Jews to frown ; 
 The Heathens mad, their Idols ftiould fall down ; 
 That Perfecutions follow'd; Blood, and Fire; 
 When many Martyrs did for Truth expire 1 f 
 
 Accurfed Jews 1 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 diilreft, 
 Should long for CHRIS T to falve his wounded Breaft ; , 
 Who pafs'd that Way : And then it was not long 
 Before connedled with th' Hofanna Throng. 
 
 For num'rous of the changing People came ; 
 As Wind, inconftant, juil 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 fincere : 
 Zealous as PETER did he feem to be, 
 As if none loved JESUS more than He I 
 
 As tho', like him, could draw the frightful Sword ; 
 Smite any Champion that durft feize his Lord; 
 Was paft Rebuke from Canticleer's Abufe ; 
 Nor valu'd Hell, tho' all its Train broke loofe. 
 
 Or tho' from HeaVn he Mercy fliould obtain; 
 Tho' blackeft Traitor, yet elude hot Pain. 
 But, marvellous, our Lord ftiould wafli his Feet; 
 And, yet accufe him while he fat at Meat 1 
 
 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 R E D E E M E R fold : 
 So mean the Price, fuch forry Silver told I 
 
 Abandon'd Wretch 1 What Madnefs feiz'd thy Soul ? 
 What Fears, what Horrors, mull your Thoughts controul ? 
 Deaf to Regards, our High-Priefl, to forfake ! 
 Could no Relu6tance fuch Intention (hake ? 
 
 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 ought to make us cleave to JESUS dear. 
 
 Tho' great Afflifitions 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 P 
 Or yet that fulfome Emp'ror Nero's Ire, 
 Who laid on Chrijlians fetting Rome< on Fire ? 
 
 Quite diff'rent did the Holy JESU prove ; 
 Whofe Life was Beauty, and his Do6trine Love I 
 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 Home, 
 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 firft, made Christ admire ; 
 Rais'd him Apoftle ; 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 fliall we write ? Since the Decree was made, 
 The Son of God fliould 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 Flefti, and drinking of his Blood, 
 Were Myfteries, by them not underftood. 
 
 That Life eternal was here juilly meant; 
 Becaufe Life-giving- F A T H E R had H I M fent : 
 And as he liv'd by him, fo thofe that eat Ver. 54, &c. 
 
 Should even live, thro' that coeleft'al Meat. 
 
 Thus Bread and Wine were fweetly made adjun6t; 
 Not like to Manna, eat by Sires defun6l, ver. 58. 
 
 But everlafting Bread, that nought could fever 
 From Heav'n's Enjoyments, which fliou'd laft. 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. 1 
 
 Well might fuch believe, who faw the Deaf, and Dumb, 
 And knew the Dead, releafed from the Tomb ! 
 So Jefus did: and left Difciples Pow'r 
 To bind and loofe, to make his Church fecure.* 
 
 When thefe were finifli'd, ftill he thought of this. 
 How Judas fliould betray Him with a Kifs ! 
 An ancient Sign of undilTembled Love ; 
 But here defac'd, as much as Hell could prove. 
 
 Reader, but ponder Treafon to a King, 
 
 'Tis not ftupendous fliould Defl.ru6tion 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 laft Supper, thus fhould fay. 
 That an Apojlle Jhould his LORD betray ? 
 
 They were furpriz'd : Each, with exploring Eye, 
 Look'd ghaftly round, and afking, Is it IP 
 Should all forfake him; yet St. PETER faid. 
 Such Words, as if he ne'er ftiould be betray'd. 
 
 yudas fpoke, pertly, too : And is it IP — 
 
 You'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 hung up in Chains I 
 
 Mean time our Saviour goes to weep, and pray, 
 The bitter Cup from him might pafs away ! 
 In Gethfemerle' s Garden fair he flood; 
 Then kneel'd, and fweat, 'till trickled Drops of Blood 
 
 And, coming to his griev'd Difciples, found 
 Them fad afleep upon the humid Ground ; 
 But they, awaken'd at his dear Return ; 
 Their Afpe6ls Ihow'd how deep their Sou!s did mourn. 
 
 Peter, faid he, what I had'Jl thou not the Pow'r 
 Ear Me, thy Lord, to watch one fingle Hour P 
 Then thrice intenfely cry'd. As I am Thine ; 
 Thy Will be done, O Eather, and not mine. 
 
 And, now, departing, who fliould ftalk along. 
 But Traitor Judas, with an armed Throng ? 
 Who, when approach'd him, Majler, hail I faid he. 
 The previous Token of his Treachery ! 
 
 Do'Jl thou betray me with a Kifs P Christ faid. 
 Then, 'ftead of Dauntnefs, Majesty difplay'd 1 
 Aflc'd, Whom 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 arra/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 ftrong fecur'd, he's to Tribunal brought; 
 Falfe Witneffes, like JezaheVs, are fought : I. Kings xxi. 8 to 15. 
 Expbs'd, and flouted, as the mofl accurft ; 
 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 
 Ag-ainfl. his deareft Friend, GOD'S only Son. 
 
 No fooner he the yews Defigns did know; 
 What Funifliment the LORD (hould undergo ; 
 But he reftor'd the Silver, when he faid. Mat. xxvii. 
 
 That Blood moji innocent he had betray d. 4, 5. 
 
 I've fmrid, cry'd he. See thou to that, faid they. 
 
 He threw the Money down, and went away. 
 Now Grief and Horror do torment his Mind ; 
 Before him Juflice, 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 expe6t. 
 But judge you vile, tho' pleas'd at your Negle6t ? 
 
 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 CHRIST he believed not GOD'S Son to be; 
 Yet is affur'd the befl of M e n was He. 
 
 Two 
 
[223 1 
 
 Two fanguine Murders he before had done ; 
 Saw Blood of Parent dear, and King's fair Son ! 
 But now to think what JESUS ftiould endure, 
 So deep prick'd Confcience, there could be no Cure. 
 
 Vifions and Dreams torment him Day and Night 1 
 Impending Vengeance drives away Delight. 
 Thus Self-condemn'd, as tho' the vileil Elf; 
 The Scriptures tell, He went and. hang'd himfelf. 
 
 And fo he d/d whofe low-ilretch'd Body found. 
 
 The Bowels gufti'd; and welt'ring on the Ground, 
 As tho' ferpentine, caufe my Pen to Ihake; ' 
 
 Internal wound — my trembling Heart to ake I 
 
 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 fliews he did not Punifliment extend 
 'Yond Hades Bounds, but 'till ihis Life Ihould end. 
 Here change the Scene to what CHRIST underwent ; 
 What pungent reafon Judas to repent. 
 
 While many People did our Saviour hem; 
 How folemn rode he to Jertcfalem I 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! 21 to 24. 
 
 Who water'd frefli the City with his Tears; 
 Drengh'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 ^& Judgment- Hall ; 
 Judas, ^e friendlefs Friend, in Triumph mov'd; 
 And difF'rent Voices various Traitors prov'd. 
 
 Far from Ho/anna to meek SION' S King, 
 Another Tune, with Scorns and Mocks, they fing. 
 Inftead of Branches ftrawed on the Road : 
 Their Hearts are turned from the Lamb of GOD. 
 
 Weep 
 
[ 224 ] 
 
 Weep not for me, ye CITY'S Daughters fair, 
 "Qvii for your f elves, and for your Children dear! 
 Thus cf/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 Flefh fore rented ! 
 
 Then, previous to the deepeft 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 not what they do. 
 
 He's crucify'd between two wretched Thieves : 
 One, far from Sorrow; but the other believes. 
 
 Thus did the Proto-Martyr, STEPHEN, dye! 
 Fill'd with the Holy Ghoft! Who did he 'fpy. 
 But GOD and JESUS ? Lay not this to them, A6t. vii. 6o. 
 From Murd'rers fprung, of old ferufalem. ver. 52. 
 
 King CHARLES the Firft, how worthily difplay'd; 
 As Tranfcript, fair; becaufe, like Him, he pray'd. 
 
 Read but the ICON There the Royal Mind, 
 
 As well as Per f on, fet forth true, 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 fhin'd before. 
 
 Now view the Lamb, the holy Lamb, in Pains ! 
 What precious Blood proceeded from his Veins ! 
 Some of thofe Drops did pious Jofeph bring 
 To Arviragus, when ( of Glajlon ) King, f 
 
 Thus to a Period brought, as firft. propos'd, 
 The Birth of Judas ; Life, and Death, difclos'd ; 
 
 Let 
 
 * Luke xxiii. 34. 
 
 t See my instructive History of England, pag. 20, S'c. 
 
[ 225 1 
 
 Let Inftance, fad, our Paflions vile reilrain ; 
 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 was Addition to that Queftion flrange : 
 What can by Man be' given in Exchange P 
 
 Let what we feek be interceffive LOVE; 
 Salvation's 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 fame Remarks I'll now conclude; 
 I hope 'twill be for publick Good. 
 
 Againft. Ra/h 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 oppreft. 
 With Glimpfe of Peace, or Sight of promis'd Reft. 
 
 No holy Scripture of the Traitor tells, 
 That Hell refounds, like Dives, with his Yells! 
 Or how, in Torments, he could fee Heav'n fair; 
 And Abr'ham's Bofom, with poor Laz'rus there. 
 
 So none may judge his Soul, if fav'd, or loft. 
 GOD only knows, who was concerned moft. 
 It would be rafli, 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 Alls, he fain wou'd fet him free : 
 But they preferr'd a Robber more than He. Joh. xviii. 40. 
 
 Relu6tant Chief! few Writers could upbraid. 
 
 'Twas not his Will CHRIST ftiould be Viaim. made! 
 
 Or fcarce a Fault, when fuch coercive Crew 
 
 Forc'd him averfe to what he meant to do. 
 
 For 
 
 } Mat. xvi, 26. ' II Hebr. xii. 2. 
 
 § See my History of the Gnat Eastern Window. 
 
[226] 
 
 For in no Judge or Jury Crime appears, 
 When the true Knave in falfeft 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 Switzerland was found.; * 
 Whofe pallid Ghofl, judicial like, near Banks, 
 Was dreaty feen, by People of all Ranks. 
 
 But GOD'S dear Son, what Charafiter has he. 
 Read LENTULU S, full fatisfy'd you'll be. 
 And tho' ISAIAH high is in Efteem, 
 The former differs, fweet in Words, from him. 
 
 Againfl. T R E A C HE R V and M U R D E R. 
 
 How came off Joab, for his treach'rous A6ls ? IL Sam. 
 Did he not fuflfer for his bloody Fa6ts ? iii. 27. xx. 9. 10. 
 And did not the Avenger, SOLOMON, , L Kings 
 
 The Curfer punifti, who leafl. thought thereon ? ii. 44, &c. 
 
 What was the End of wicked Jezabel ? 
 From Tower thrown, as if cafl into Hell ! IL Kings 
 
 And, partly, found, by Jehu's jufl Commands, ix. 33. 35. 
 How look'd the Remnants of her late fair Hands! 
 On righteous Judgments and Punijhments. 
 
 Elijah's Fires, and Elijhdls Bears, IL Kin. i: 10, ii, 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. 18. 
 
 Or, as King David, 'ilead of Vengeance due. II. xvi. 5 to 1 3. 
 Examples, bright, that Chriflians 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 Money but a VIRGIN'S Heart ! 
 
 Sweet 
 
 * See " The Legend of Mount Pilate," on p. 229 of the present 
 volume. (Editor). 
 
[227 1 
 
 Sweet Innocence, and Virtue, Z O VE affuag'd. 
 My ADELIZA long was pre-engag'd : 
 Yet filver Thames can witnefs how I griev'd, 
 From fweet Parthenia's Care too foon reliev'd. 
 
 I was the firft, the World may plainly fee, 
 That wrote, and nam'd, my Work YORK Hiflory. 
 Approv'd, it fold : And printed Lines exprefs, 
 My COMMENDATION, by Learn'd F.R.SS- 
 
 And as I am a Printer of right Strain, 
 With Emendations I will more explain ; 
 If GOD but grants me Health; and that I fee 
 Some kind Subfcriptions for to ftrengthen me. 
 
 My PICTURE drawn, by Artift's fkilful Hand; 
 And Both accepted in this famous Land; 
 Bleft by PHILANDER, who - perceiv'd my Cafe; 
 And, in meer Pity, kept me in my Place. 
 
 DEATH, moil inexorable! to tranflate, 
 
 From Me I my Spouse to fair St. MA R Y Gate : 
 
 Where, near King Olave's Church, (he ' refls in Peace, f 
 
 Beyond hard Fate io jockey from that Place. 
 
 Whofe 
 
 • EBORAC. Pn}. p. 8. 
 
 t "P. M.S. Near are depofited the Reijiains of Mrs. ADELIZA 
 
 "GENT: Once amiable for Beauty, Virtue, and Beneficence: 
 
 "Who died April i, 1761. ^tat. 78." 
 
 T Thought in thet 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 I 
 
 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 I accept this Tribute, due ; 
 
 Which, with my Tears, I consecrate to YOU I T. G. 
 
 READER, while sacred Monuments you see. 
 
 Think of Bless'd Fate, and Immortality. 
 
 Rev. ii. 10. Ksto fidelis usque ad mortem, & dabo tibi coronam vits. 
 
[ 228 ] 
 
 Whofe Chara6ler will ftiine, tho' in her Grave ; 
 Near lofty Trees, which gentle Zephirs wave ; 
 And the diffolving Ruins, beingf nigh. 
 Make People think on FA TE, 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 BriHJh Crown, 
 Adorn'd with Beauty, Wifdom, and Renown ; 
 Who, when diflinguifli'd 0/ iam'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. 
 
 F INI S. 
 
[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 Fradus, 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 !^mperor 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 
 
C 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 
 conflia with another dire speflre, 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 efifedl, 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 bpholds 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 ^ietij : 
 
 OR, 
 
 Tryals of Patience. 
 
 BEIN'G 
 
 The Moft Faithful 
 
 Spiritual Songs | 
 
 Of the Life and Death of the once 
 
 Afflicted JOB. 
 
 In Five Books. 
 
 Shewing , 
 The abundant Riches of that Great and Good Man, 
 in his Family, Goods, and Cattle : The latter of i 
 which were deflroy'd ; all about him reduc'd ; and 
 he himfelf, fmitten with Boils, in the moft. de- 
 plorable Condition ; In all which Poverty, and 
 Miferies, as he never charg'd GOD fooliflily; fo 
 it pleafed the Divine Being, not only to reftore 
 him again to his Health, but to give him a dou- 
 ble Portion of his former Plenty and Profperity. 
 
 Quifeminant in Lacrymis, in Exultatione metent, Ps. 126. 
 
 SCARBOROUGH: 
 
 Printed by THOMAS GENT, in the Year of our 
 
 Bleffed LORD, 1734. 
 
[232] 
 
 To Mr. /. F. 
 
 ■\ 1 rHEN / hegan to tell you 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 hind. 
 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 Fountain Streams too clear, the Mount too steep 
 
 For me to drink of, or for me to gain : 
 Both climb to Truth : yet diffrent Ways perplext ; 
 Which made me keep the middle Path, the Text. 
 
 But too, too copious is the Whole to trace; 
 
 And yet as much as this small Booh will bear ; 
 Withall, the best, and what suits eu'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 Troubles free. 
 But often moans mthin this Vale of Tears ! 
 
 Tho', it is true, none suffers such 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 belongs, 
 
 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 A bove, for ever, and for ever ! 
 
 Thomas Gent. 
 
[233] 
 
 The Pattern of Piety. 
 
 BOOK I. loh' % Affliaiom. 
 
 TN Idumea's Land, or Uz by Name, 
 
 lUuilrious 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 Chefts and Coffers ftately to behold; 
 Some fill'd with Garments, others. Store of Gold. 
 
 As 'twas the Cullom of the bounteous Eaft, 
 His beauteous Sons and Daughters held a Feafl. : 
 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 JSHO VAH'S Sight : 
 Satan prefum'd amongft. 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 exceU'dP 
 
 "Yes, 
 
[234] 
 
 "Yes, I obferv'd him, (Satan makes Reply) 
 " But don't at all admire his Piety : 
 " His Subftance thrives, and thou haft hedg'd him round, 
 "No Wonder then he ihould be righteous found. 
 
 But do, to try him, draw thy Bleffings Store, 
 And give 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 ftretch not forth thy Hand. 
 Then Satan vanifh'd, as he had command. 
 
 Upon a Day, JoVs eldeft Son did make 
 A Feaft 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 I As th' Oxen plowing were. 
 And Affes feeding by them very near; 
 The Sdbeans came, and took them quite away. 
 When they had flain thy Servants in the Fray I 
 
 They arm'd with Swords, nothing we had to quell 
 Thofe savage* Robbers; fo like Vi6tims fell! 
 I, Only I, efcap'd to let thee know. 
 What melts my Soul, to caufe my Matter's Woe. 
 
 Scarce had he fpoke, ('tis very feldom known 
 That one Affli6lion vifits us alone) 
 But comes another Meffenger, who faid. 
 Thy Sheep are perifli'd, and thy Servants dead. 
 
 The Fire of God from Heav'n has fallen down, 
 And quite confum'd them, faving me alone : 
 Me, the diftreffed Meilenger, 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 brings the News) were flain. 
 
 Then Job arose, and ftraight his Mantle rent, 
 Shaved his Head; and, as tho' God had lent, 
 Fell to the Ground, did worftiip, yet did mourn. 
 Naked came 1, and naked mujl return. 
 
 The Lord hath given, from the very Womb; 
 He takes away, and brings us to our Doom. 
 Thus gives, and takes, as bell it feemeth fit; 
 His Will be done; to Him I do fubmit. 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 JOB affliHed with painful Boyh. 
 
 'T*HE 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 paft Difgrace, 
 You then fliall find he'll curfe thee to thy Face. 
 
 The Lord then faid. Go, tyrannize thee o'er 
 His Perfon, as thou didft, his Goods before; 
 But fpare his precious Life: Prefs not in vain 
 For what thou never, never (halt obtain. 
 
 So 
 
L236] 
 
 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 Potflierd took, 
 To do the Office of the cryftal Brook: 
 That was, to fcrape, who could not wa(h his Sores, 
 In Aflies laid, and open all his Pores. 
 
 To add Affli6tion, 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 finful Sinners, never feel his Rod ? 
 Thus did Job fuffer, yet his Lips were pure. 
 He trufted flill that God would grant a Cure. 
 
 Now Eliphaz, the noble Temanite, 
 Soon heard of his poor Kinfman's fearful Plight : 
 B I L D A D, his valiant Friend, who reigned o'er 
 The Shuhites, knew the fame, which griev'd him fore. 
 
 Z 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 Phoebus gilt the radiant Eaft, 
 And pafs'd along, declining, to'ards the Weft: 
 As often Cynthia's pallid Face was ftiown 
 To nightly Trav'llers, when the Day was gone : 
 
 Before the Tempeft, ftriving 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 perifti, when that I was born;* 
 
 Alfo the Night, when faid, that I, forlorn, 
 Was then conceiv'd. Let horrid Darknefs move. 
 Nor God regard that Day from Heav'n above. 
 
 Death's ftiady Stains and difmal Clouds then dwell, 
 That Night be Darknefs: Let no Number tell. 
 That it is join'd unto the paffing Year; 
 Nor Sun, or Moon, or Stars fo bright appear : 
 
 Bedaufe it (hut 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 perifli'd; then, upon the Breaft 
 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 iind 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 wilhing 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 Infl.ru6tor, Strengthner of Men's Hands, 
 Why faintefl. thou, or confidently flands, 
 As tho' thy Ways were juft ? 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 Juftice, they fliould reap the fame : 
 God blalleth them, and yet is not to blame. 
 
 The Roarings, Voice and Teeth of Lions break : 
 The Old Ones perifti, 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 foolifli Wretch doth flay. 
 Man's born to Trouble, as Sparks fly away. 
 
 If, therefore, Joh, thou doll 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 Ihalt defpife : 
 And to the Grave defcend, like Shocks of Corn : 
 Thy Soul to Heaven by blefled Angels borne. 
 
 To 
 
[ 239 ] 
 
 To this, Joh faid, O were my Sorrows weigh'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 beil of Friends thou art. 
 Return, Companions; too hard you conclude, 
 'Caufe I'm affli6ted, I was never good. 
 
 Is't not appointed that all Men fhould die ? 
 My Flefti 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 1 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'ft me with flrange Sighs and Dreams, 
 My Soul can't bear, nor Life endure Extreams. 
 I hate, I lothe it ! Why do'fl. love ppor Man .? 
 Yet ev'ry Moment try'fl his Life : A Span ! 
 
 O thou preferver ! Why fet'ft. 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 Jufl^ice ? Doth he Judgment break ? 
 Tho' he thy Children for their Sins has flain, 
 If yet thou'dft pray, thy Prayers wou'd not be vain. 
 
 As bright Aurora might thy Age then fliine : 
 Even Noon-Day fliould unto thee decline : 
 Secure in Hope, thou fafe fliall dig about thee, 
 And reft in Safety, tho' thy Foes might flout thee. 
 
 Nay, fliould make Suit: But, ah I the Wicked fail ; 
 
 Efcape not Snares, becaufe their Sins prevail: 
 
 Endeav'ring not, like tott'ring Barks are loft, 
 
 And all their Hope's like giving up the Ghoft. , 
 
 Job 
 
[240] 
 
 J oh to his Friends did make this found Reply: 
 Wife cis 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 juft, and never can 
 Do Wrong to me, or, any mortal Man. 
 
 Yet fee no Caufe, why me Jehovah hath 
 Thus fingled out, to bear his burning Wrath ; 
 Nor can I blame ipyfelf for any Crime, 
 Which you unjuftly urge Time after Time. 
 
 Says Eliphaz, provok'd. Thou cafts off Fear, 
 And what God loves, keeps ,back, thy fervent Pray'r. 
 Was thou the firft, Man born ? Nor firft fliall fade : 
 Or yet before the Hills and Mountains made ? 
 
 What's Man that he fliould think himfelf fo clean ? 
 Of Woman born, can God perceive no Stain ? 
 He puts no Trufl ev'n in the very Saints, 
 And Heav'n feems unclean, where his Mind's againft. 
 
 Sure then, more filthy finful 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 Joi, to me, who many fuch Things hear. 
 When I was rich, and did in Splendour fliine/ 
 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 
 
C 241 ] 
 
 But ftill 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 aflonilh, yet not caft us down. 
 
 Yet, yet my Days are pad : 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 (hall fee ? 
 
 Then Bildad faid, When will you make an End ? 
 Or why thus treat you ev'ry faithful Friend ? 
 The Wicked's Light (hall be extingui(hed : 
 His Strength (hall fail, and Terrors make him dread. 
 
 No Kindred (hall remain to fpread his Fame, 
 But his Remembrance peri(h with his Name : 
 From Light to Darknefs, chafed from the World, 
 And to moft 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 (light me, wretched is my Life. 
 
 Pity me. Friends 1 See, fee the Cafe I'm in ! 
 Behold my Bone cleaves to my very Skin I 
 God's Hand has touch'd me : Like him, perfecute not. 
 Spare, fpare Reproofs, and with you I'll difpute not. 
 
 Oh I that my Words were written in a Book ; 
 Or 'graVd with Lead and Iron on a Rock : 
 With Iron Pen, that fo the Letters never 
 Might be obfcure, but feen, and laft for ever 1 
 
 For fure I know, that my Redeemer lives. 
 And that he (hall ( 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 fhall deftroy 
 This Tabernacle ; yet, in Flefli, with Joy, 
 Shall I fee God; mine Eyes thus pleafing doom'd, 
 Altho' my Reins within me are confum'd. 
 
 Zophar, replies, Know'ft thou not Truth fublime ? 
 The Wicked triumphs but a little Time; 
 Flies as a Dream ; and, as a Vifion gflides ; 
 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. 
 
 Job 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 thejr Prime, 
 Death takes their Lives within a Moment's Time. 
 
 And hence I know their Judgment's manifefl; 
 The Happy and Unhappy are at' Reft : 
 That is, alike they in the Duft lie down, 
 And Worms ftiall cover them, when they are gone. 
 
 The Wicked is referVd to future Time, 
 When Wrath ,(hall be infli6ted for each Crime. 
 Then EUphaz reply'd. Can Man, fo poor. 
 Profit his God, and not himfelf much more ? 
 
 Are thy good Deeds a Pleafure to his Sight ? 
 Or, were they fo, when didft thou him Delight ? 
 From thy dear Brother thou a Pledge has took 
 For nought, and kept the Water of the Brook 
 
 From wfeary'd Trav'Uer; yet more may be faid. 
 Thou haft depriv'd the Hungry from their Bread; 
 Stript the poor Naked, fent the Widows empty. 
 And let the Orphans tafte not of thy Plenty. 
 
 Therefore 
 
[243 1 
 
 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, the' 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 fliould flow, to eafe my troubled Mind. 
 
 I know his Mercy's great : He'll not ufe Power ; 
 But llrengthen 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 Deftru6tion'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 moifl. Caves, 
 Murder the Innocent, or make them Slaves. 
 
 Exalted, thus, a while they do remain ; 
 But HeaVn doth fee, and bring them down again; 
 Made impotent, as tho' at firft, 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 juftify'd : Not even Cynthia, fair. 
 Or Stars are pure, tho' fpangling in the Air. 
 Thus each repeated Argument requir'd 
 JoVs Anfwer, which in Grief was more infpir'd. 
 
 As 
 
[ 244 J 
 
 As God doth live, who long my Soul hath vex'd, 
 My Lips ftiall fpeak no 111, tho' fore perplex'd; 
 Nor, 'till my lateft. Moment, when I die, 
 Will I remove my firm Integrity. 
 
 For, let the Wicked ftill againft me rage; 
 The Sword, at length, their Anger fliall 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 fliining Luftre crown'd ! 
 
 When God was prefent ftill to give me Aid, 
 And pratling round me my dear Infants play'd ; 
 Whilft mighty Hoards of Corn the grateful Soil 
 Return'd, repaying well the Peafant's Toil. 
 
 When every proper Fund did freely ftream : 
 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 mofl profund Refpe6t did meet; 
 When young Men fled, and hid them from my Sight, 
 And rifing Elders ftraightway ftood upright : 
 
 When talking Princes from their Words reftrain'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 Bleffings 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, begg'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 nafty Spittle in my Face : 
 Deride with Songs, their Children pufh my Feet; 
 And thus Afflictions ever do I meet. 
 
 My Bones are pierc'd ; my Sinews take no Reft. ; 
 As Dull and Afties, I'm by all confeft. 
 Lord, I have cr/d; but me thou heardeft. not; 
 And if I Hand, alas ! thou me regardeft not. 
 
 Cruel Oppofer I caufing me to ride 
 Ev'n on the Wind, diffolv'fl. me every Side ! 
 I know thou'lt bring me at the laft. to Death; 
 Tho', when I pleafe, you'll never take my Breath. 
 
 My fympathizing Soul would oft unite 
 With poor Affli6led 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 ftalk'd : 
 
 Me, weigh'd in Balance, let th' Almighty try, 
 And fee my faithful true Integrity. 
 Oi-, 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 ftvould deferve, or worfe beguil'd. 
 
 If 
 
[246] 
 
 If I my Servant's Caufe did ne'er defend, 
 When they, with Juftice, might with me contend; 
 Then may God flight me when my Tongue bewrays 
 The trueil 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 Vi6tim 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 Breaft; 
 Or, like old Adam, 'glory'd unconfefl : 
 Let God for all thefe Things now punifli me. 
 As beft agreeth to his Majefty. 
 
 Would he but pleafe my righteous Caufe to hear. 
 And my Contention with my Foes fevere ; 
 Upon my Shoulders, I fliould take the Talk, 
 To anfwer juftly every Thing they aflc. 
 
 Like as a Prince, I'd alk 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 3 
 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 A61 ! to plunge their Families in Strife : 
 
 Let pricking Thiftles grow, inftead of Wheat ; 
 Cockle, inftead of Barley, be my Meat. 
 At which Joh ended ; filent were the reft- 
 Who fpoke ; then thus El'hu himfelf expreft. 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 TDEHOLD I'm young, and ye are very old. 
 
 ■^ Tho' Days fliould fpeak, Heav'n gives a Spirit bold 
 
 By Infpiration : Let me Joh addrefs, 
 
 And, 'ftead of Gody^ with Argument exprefs. 
 
 Amaz'd they were, and filent did become ; 
 So Elihu did his Difcourfe refume. 
 Now, hear me, Joh, 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, ftiall not on thee be laid. 
 
 Surely, fays he, Yotive Jpolien in mine Ears, 
 Saying, I'm clean, no Sin in me appears ; 
 And yet he finds Occafion againjl me ; 
 My Feet imprijons as an Enemy. 
 
 In this, O Joh, behold thou art not juft; 
 Why ftriveft 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 (hades us from the Light; 
 Or elfe in Slumbers opens he our Ears, 
 
 And feals Inftru6lion, Which the Righteous hears. 
 
 He 
 
[ 248 ] 
 
 He brings him low, ev'n to the Gates of Death ; 
 Again reftores 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 Miniftry, while his blell Angels wait : 
 He to Repentance doth the World incite, 
 To bring their Souls to everlailing Light. 
 
 If thou canft fay againft 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 fliould his Hands fome finful 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. Job ; 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 flopt again. 
 
 One while it bleffes, then doth overflow. 
 And drown the Produ6ts of the Earth below. 
 He vifits Kings, eftablifli'd in their Throne; 
 And, by juft. 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 mull revere. 
 
 The fpreading Clouds, can any underfland ? 
 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 dire6ts them all: 
 His Lightning ilrikes the univerfal Ball : 
 Thunder fucceeds ! Amazing is his Voice ! 
 Sometimes we tremble, other Times rejoice. 
 
 Thus Rain or Hail, He fends foif Reafons good; 
 Seals up Men's Hands ; whofe Work is underflood : 
 The Beafts retire unto their Dens and Caves : 
 The Whirlwind, coming from the South, out-braves. 
 
 Cold froni the North; From Breath of GOD Froft's given: 
 Waters reftrain'd by Wall 'twixt them and HeaVn : 
 The thick Cloud wearies, and the bright One fcatters. 
 And for Corre6tion, or for Mercy, waters. 
 
 Stupendous Counfels 1 ever turning round. 
 Mull 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. 
 Hafl thou with Him fpread forth the limpid Sky, 
 As in a Glafs, apparent to the Eye ? 
 
 Oh 1 who can fearch the wond'rous Works of God ? 
 Or find Him out, in His Mofl. High Abode ! 
 Whofe Power, JuHice, 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 Jol I 'tis Time now to give o'er ; 
 Let Tears and Prky'rs prevail, difpute no more. 
 
 BOOK. 
 
[250] 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 'T^HUS fpoke the Youth, when foon a Whirlwind rofe, 
 -^ The LORD did anfwer, and himfelf difclofe : 
 What Man is this, who, with blind Reafon duril 
 Vie with his GOD, as tho' in Wifdorai firftf 
 
 Come tell me, now, how this moft. beauteous Frame 
 Of all Things from the Womb of Nothing- came ? 
 When Earth's Foundation was with Wonder laid, 
 And faften'd; where was you when all were made? 
 
 Who gave forth Meafures, ftretch'd the utmofl. Line, 
 And fix'd the Corner Stone by Power divine ? 
 When all the Morning Stars did fweetly fing, 
 And Sons of GOD made Hallelujahs ring. 
 
 Who fliut the Sea in Bounds, or within Doors ? 
 Limits the Tide by fleep or pleafant Shores ? 
 Gave it a fix'd Degree, fo far to come ? 
 So far, no farther, dare its Waves prefume. 
 
 Can'ft 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 FoOr, or Great ? 
 
 Proclaim thy Power, or withdraw its Beams, 
 From thofe who run into the worft Extreams ? 
 Or haft 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 diif'rently to flow ? 
 Or yet a Way for Lightning quick to go ? 
 
 Where 
 
[2511 
 
 Where no Man is to caufe it there to rain ? 
 To make the parched Ground not third in vain ? 
 To help the tender Herb forthwith to fpring ? 
 The Rains and Dew to yield their Offering ? 
 
 When came the Froft, or Ice, that every Brooli 
 Seems in a Glafs, or does thro' Diamond look ? 
 Can'ft bind the Influences o' th' ** Pleiades, 
 Or loofen f Orion's Bands for Winter's Eafe ? 
 
 Canft thou bring- \ Mazzaroth in Seafon fair? 
 Or guide § ArSlurus, make his Sons appear? 
 Do'ft thou the Ordinances of Heaven know? 
 Or fet Dominion in the Earth below ? 
 
 Canft. lift thy Voice up to the very Clouds ? 
 That Waters ftiould 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 fl;ay ? 
 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 canft number ? Tell when forth to bring 
 How young ones grow, and how like Corn they fpring? 
 
 Can'ft 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'ft him affright with vain and idle Fear, 
 
 And make him fportive like a Graftiopper? • 
 
 No; 
 
 * Pleiades, the 7 Stars, avuing whin the Sun is in Taurus; That is, 
 in the Flowery Spring. 
 
 f Orion, a Ccelestial Sign, (consisting of 33 Stars, or as other write i6) 
 that introduceth Winter. 
 
 X Mazzaroth, the Twelve Signs. '^ 
 
 § Arcturus, the North Star, with Attendants. 
 
[252] 
 
 No : The Horfe tears with a6tive Feet the Ground, 
 And ftoutly prances at the Warlike Sound. 
 
 Mocks at all Fear, and in the Vally paws; 
 Laughs at the Trumpets; fwallows with his Jaws 
 The yielding Ground; and, without dreadful Fears, 
 Meets Death or Conqueft 'midft 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 (he fpys her Prey, 
 Which, feized foon, flie quickly bears away; 
 With bloody Dainties feeds her youthful Guefts, 
 Each quickly on the welcome Vi6tuals feafts. 
 
 How long, O Man, wilt thou thy God reprove ! 
 Inftru6ls thou me, who pities thee in Love ? 
 Lord, I am vile, faid Job, Pity, therefore ; 
 Once, twice, I've fpoken, but I'll fay no more. 
 
 Then fHom 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 Inilance had ? 
 
 Haft thou an Arm of Length, or Force like mine ? 
 So great a Voice ? Then let thy Power ftiine 
 To bring the Proud, eVn 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 amongft the tender Flocks. 
 
 None of them fears him, none that he doth fear, 
 Moves like a lofty ftately Caedar fair : 
 Strong are his Joints, with Ribs like Iron-Bars, 
 His Bones like Brafs, firm, fitting for the Wars. 
 
 His 
 
 'Tis thought to be an Elephant. 
 
[253] 
 
 His Strength 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 iharp Sword fall quickly down again. 
 
 Thro' Snares he pierces, thro' the Willows looks. 
 And drinks the Waters of the purling Brooks ; 
 The Mountains feed hirti ; and fair Jordan's Stream 
 To fwallow up, trufts he can do the fame. 
 
 But fee another Obje6t of my Power, 
 And if thou canft fubje6t, and make him lower ; 
 The Great Leviathan amidll the Deep, 
 . Of Fiflies King, who Sov'reignty doth keep. 
 
 Canft thou, with Angle, draw him tb the Shore ? 
 Or, with a Cord, thou letteft down, explore, 
 And feize his Tongue ? Or, with a piercing Thorn, 
 Bore thro' his Jaw, like Captive moft forlorn ? 
 
 Soft Words or Supplications will he make ? 
 Or wilt thou him for ever Servant take ? 
 Bind him for Maids ! Play with him as a Bird ? 
 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 ftand againft him, thro' their Fear, 
 Who then fo bold before me dare appear ? 
 
 Who has oblig'd me, that I (hould 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 durft 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 Neefings 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 
 
1:254] 
 
 Out of his Noftrils thickeft Smoke proceeds 
 Like that from Caldron ; his ftrong 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 fliining Paths doth roani : 
 The Deep feems hoary: Like him's none befide, 
 Beholding high Things ; yet King over Pride. 
 
 Then JOB, fubmiflive, anfwer'd. Mighty Lord, 
 Thou can'ft, I know, do all Things at thy Word : 
 No Thought fo fecret, but you may difclofe ; 
 No A6tion 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 (hould 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 wafli your Sins, which led you quite aftray. 
 
 So 
 
C2SS1 
 
 So Eliphaz arofe ; to Zophar went, 
 And Bildad, then to Job moll innocent ; 
 Offer'd the Vi6tims they commanded were. 
 The Lord was pleas'd, the good 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 gave 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 bleft ; 
 More than at firft, his Riches were increafl. 
 Sheep fourteen thoufand feed upon his Plains, 
 Six thoufand Camels his bleft Land contains. 
 
 Befides two thoufand Oxen ; Aifes Store ; 
 She-Ones a thoufand ; no doubt He-Ones more. 
 Seven Sons he had, and charming Daughters three, 
 For Wit and Beauty bleft 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 wifti for more ? 
 
 At length b'ing old, and very full of Days, 
 From Earth to Heav'n God did his Servant raife : 
 There, ftill a greater Happinefs to gain, 
 With God and Angels evermore to reign. 
 
 B" I N I S'. 
 
[2S6] 
 
 Ruins of Fountains Abbey. 
 
$ 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 -^ 
 
 ^ 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 ^ 
 
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 >fc 
 
 -« 
 ^ 
 
 PIETY DIfpIay'd: 
 
 IN THE 
 
 Holy Life and Death 
 
 Of the Antient and Celebrated 
 
 St. ROBERT, 
 
 Hermit, at 
 
 SHEWING. qg 
 
 How he relinquifh'd the, Hopes of an Inheritance, ^ 
 
 as having been the Heir of his Father, who was :^ 
 
 twice Chief Magillrate of YORK; and lived ^ 
 
 abftemioufly upon Herbs, Roots, Esfc, on the ^ 
 
 narrow Banks of the River Nid : Near which, :^ 
 
 in the Rocks, are to be feen his mofl folitary ^ 
 
 Cave, and wonderful Chapel, at this very Day. :^ 
 
 Collected from Antient and Authentick Records. By T. Gent. ^^ 
 
 Videre vitam beatam donum eft Altiffimi. 
 To fee a Life that's pure and bleft, 
 Is, fare, the Gift of Heav'n confeft. 
 
 "^■ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 Quidquid Cceli anibitu continetur inferius ab anima ^^ 
 
 humana eft, qua foBa eft, ut fummum bonum fuperius -<^ 
 
 pofflderet, cujus poffefflone beata fieret. August. Sol. ^^ 
 
 Cap. 20. ^ 
 
 The Second Edition, with Additions, 
 adorn'd with Cuts. 
 
 ^ YORK : Printed by Thomas Gent', near Stone Gate, 
 
[258 J 
 
 B 
 
 
 ^^^^^M 
 
 
 
 ^fefMflttii^^ilM^MH 
 
 CHAP. I . 
 
 0/ Si. ROBERT'S Str/A, and Holy Education. 
 
 A BOUT the Year of our Bleffed Lord, 1159, this Saint 
 ^ ^ was born, in the antient City of Yorli, when Roger, 
 furnam'd The GOOD, who built the famous Choir of the 
 Cathedral, was Archbifliop of the See, whilft Savaric pre- 
 fided as 4th Abbot of the Monaftery, 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 
 Cockdiff; by others. Took Floure, or Tocklefs Flower: He 
 was Chief Magiflrate, or Mayor, Anno Chrijli 1 195 ; alfo a 
 2d time, in the fame Reign, when King Richard the Firft. 
 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; whoimbib'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'dby 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 
 Monallry, founded by St. Hilda, Daughter to Duke Hereric. 
 Here it was, that King Oswy, of Northumberland, ( according 
 to his Vow, for obtaining a Vi6tory 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. Si. 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 Archbifhops of Fork ; and which 
 was afterwards deftroy'd by Hunguar and Hubba, cruel Danes, 
 who had obliged Titus the Abbot to fly to Glajlenbury with 
 the Relicks of its moll excell^ent Foundrefs : Upon thefe 
 deplorable Ruins, William de Percy, who accompan/d the 
 Conqueror, and one of his Pollerity in the Reign of Henry 
 the Firjl, rebuilt another Abbey, confecrated to St. Peter and 
 St. Hilda. ( a ) 
 
 The Monailery, in the Time of St. Roberts Youth, having 
 been in a flourifliing Condition, was thought by his indulgent 
 Parents to be the moll proper Place for holy Improvement. 
 Here he continu'd for about S or 6 Years, in the fable Habit 
 of a Benedifline J and, thro' his conftant Study, with unaf- 
 fe6ted Piety, became very confpicuous: The fuperiour Clergy, 
 feeing fo happy a Conjun6tion, juflly concluded. That fa un- 
 fpotted 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 York a while, to fee his younger Brother, who 
 was at the New Monailery 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 mofl. (hining 
 Pattern of Goodnefs : When, taking a kind Farewell, the Con- 
 vent {b) gave him their unanimous Benedi6lion ; and fo, re- 
 turning to York, was received by his Parents with great Joy. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 («) The Ruins of it, at Whitby, are yet to be feen ; withoiit any In- 
 fcriptions therein, except the following, in Saxon Charadlers, cut on a 
 Pillar in the N. Crofs Ifle. Johannes de Brumton, quondam famuliis Domino 
 De-la-phe, has columnas enxit in metum &> honorem beata Maria, 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 Bernardine Monks, of Fountain's Abby, 
 
 about 
 
26o Si. Robert's Holy Refolution. Chap. II. 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 Hffw S. Robert privately left his Parents. 
 
 "DEING at home a while, and confidering the fliort State 
 ■^ of this Life, with the Immortality 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, Bafil, 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 Eippon: Some of whom, encourag'd by Arch- 
 bifhop THURSTAN, had departed from St. Mary's Monaftery, YORK, 
 about the Year, 1311 ; 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 
 York, &-C. To which. King RICHARD I., Earl Allan, Archbifliop 
 Henry, Hugh de BoUhech, William de Casule, Aalizi de Gant, Bertram 
 and William de Haget, Richard de Hedum, Roger de Lacey, Ralph 
 Lord of Middlekam, Roger de Mowbray, (who gave g Lordships, and whose 
 Effigy, as tho' armed in a Coat of Mail, is still preserv'd): Alice de Rumeli, 
 Robert de Sam, and Swane de Tornetun, were Benefaftors : It was, at 
 the Diffolution, rated at 1073Z. 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 beautifuj Image of the Virgin Mary, with 
 another of the Bleffed Infant in her Arms : And round, on every Side, 
 is faid to be this moft devout Sentence : Soli DEO Omnipotenti sit Gloria 
 per Sacula Saeulorum. Amen. 
 
 (c) A Town in the Weft-Riding of Yorkshire, in Clara Hundred, 
 remarkable upon thefe Occafions, viz. i. The Sweet Spaw, or VitrioUne 
 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 Knaresborough. 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 I that feeming fanClify'd Perfon, thro' the Devil's 
 Inftigation, returning to the World, left St. Robert to a more 
 filent Solitude. His Cell was at firft 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 abftradted Manner was his Body but 
 poorly fubfifled ; whilfl his Soul became richly fed by Prayer 
 and Contemplation. 
 
 One Time, walking to the Houfe of a rich Matron, not 
 far diftant, and befeeching Alms, flie gave him St. Hilda's 
 Chapel, (fome Ruins of which remain in the Parifli 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 flolen away, 
 he went to Spofforth aforefaid, where People daily affembled 
 
 to 
 
 Manner ornamented : The Waters of which, tho' unfavoury, and idath- 
 fome both to the Tafte, 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 Bifhop 
 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 Subftance, 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 Teutonick Language, (of which our's is but a Branch) 
 fignifying a Limit, S'C. This lail Petrifying Well is lefs for Utility, 
 than CurioCty : Which may yet lead the Mind projfitably 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 Si. Robert's Mother departs this Life. Chap. II. 
 
 to hear his moving Eloquence, with his harmonious Elo- 
 cution. Endeavouring- to ftiun Praife, by fecretly preparing 
 for Departure ; the Monks of Adley, by a Meffenger, invited 
 him to their Monailery. Here, entering into the Fraternity, 
 he was admired by the antient Gentlemen, for his chearful 
 SubmiiTion to their regular Difcipline : His white, thin Gar- 
 ment, ferv'd rather to veil, than nourifli his mortiiy'd Body : 
 The Bread, he eat, was 4 Parts of Barley-Meal, ftirr'd about, 
 to give it fome Subflance. But thefe, and other Aufterities, 
 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, Philadelphia, 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 ; mofl 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 Diftemper, that (he 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, (he was both comforted, and afHi6led, thro' different 
 Apprehefions, as tho' made fenfible by good, or bad Angels, 
 according to her former Virtues, or Vices. At laft, having 
 been releas'd from the Prifon of Mortality, (he was fump- 
 tuoufly 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 James Flower, Armour Bearer to John 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 whilet on the verdant 
 Grafs, by a fliort Repofe : But his filent Slumber was foon 
 dillurbed thro' the feeming' Appearance of his tender Mother 
 Semen I A aforefaid, pale, confus'd, trembling', and weeping, 
 about the third Day after ftie was laid in her Grave. He 
 thought he heard her fay. My dear Svn, I have now pafs'd the 
 fable Waters of Death, and am no more in this World: Wherein, 
 tho' I feemed to lead a pious Life ; yet now I find I am to fuffer , 
 fevere Punifhments for Ufury, and feveral private Sins, unlefs 
 relievtd hy the Efficacy of your Prayers I 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, (he re- 
 appear" d, with a chearful, fliining Countenance; when, giving 
 him hearty Thanks, (he glided up on high, fmging Praifes 
 melodioufly to the King of Kings. 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 Htm St. Robert was perfecuted, and preferv'd. 
 
 T T 7ILLIAM EsTOTEViLL, Lord of the Forreft, paifing 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 deftroy it. 
 
 Then St. Robert, bearing this proud Infult with the moft 
 
 Chriftian 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 ( </) Estotevill to attempt 
 
 his Overthrow. 
 
 That 
 
 (d) He was alfo Lord of the Caftle, (a Tower of which contains 
 an Iron Cheft, wherein the Forreft Laws, &-o., 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 moft part on a 
 Rock, (near the River l^ii) faid to have been erefted by a Relation of 
 
 MONOCULUS 
 
264 EsTOTEviLL intends his Ruin, 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, (/aid he) that I expell'd my Forreft ? 'Tis 
 
 the 
 
 MoNocui-us, Lord of Knanshorough, 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 laft Loaf away to a poor Stranger, that 
 Nobleman, hearing of their Diftrefs, pioufly fent them a Cart-Load of 
 Provifions from his Caftle ; which, after his Deceafe, became the Seat of 
 the EsTOTEViLLS, who were of 3. Norman Extraiftion. In the Reign of 
 King Stephen, Robert Estotevill (or de Stouteville) bravely aiTifted, 
 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 Normandy) 
 by King JOHN'S Permiffion, built Cottingham Caftle, about three Miles 
 from the Place, where, Hull 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 Kirksted, 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 Strudlure, &c.) fome of their Lands at Buttercram, Cukewald, 
 Edelingthorp, Harton, Hovingham, Kirby, Langton, Btraingham, Wreth Ifland, 
 and the- Fiflieries : 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 Benefaftor) 
 in the faid City, bv poirelEng the Mafter and Brethren with Eftates at 
 Kawthorne, Little Aton, &c. — Kirby-Moreside, in the faid County, and 
 Liddel-Castle, Cumberland, were in the Poffeffion 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 Gaunt, afterwards of Lancaster ; to which 
 the Town belongs, and is an Appendage of the Crown. 
 
Chap. IV. But is prevented, thro' a Vifion. 265 
 
 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, when the Curtains of Heaven were drawn, about the 
 Middle of the Night, while Estotevill was in a deep Sleep, 
 there appeared a Vifion of Three Men, fearful to behold I 
 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 Injtrument of the 
 Devil, arife quickly, and make Choice of one ofthefe to defend thy- 
 felf for the Injuries thou intendefl to do againjl 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 Proteilation of Amendment: Whereat the 
 frightful Vifion vanilhed ; and that Lord, coming to himfelf, 
 prefently conftrued this was a juil Revelation from God for 
 the Violence done and intended againft St. Robert : There- 
 fore, the next Day, he gave him all the Land between his 
 Cell and Grimball Bridge ( or Cragg ) Stone, for perpetual 
 Arms. Tho' fome Writers mention it Grimbald; yet, I think, 
 more trulyi Grimoald: Not only becaufe it was the Name, and 
 might be in Memory, of a mofl. pious King of Lomhardy, 
 who ere6led the Church of St. Ambrofe 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 againft the 
 wicked Effe6ts 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 ftiould not lie untill'd, 
 that he prefented St. Robert with two Oxen, two Horfes, and 
 two Cows, for his better Support, 
 
 CHAP. 
 
266 The Saints 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 
 Diftributer 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 knew of his Afflic- 
 tion. Making hafte therefore to his AiTillance, he mofl. 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, reftored 
 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, Estotbvill, to beftow 
 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, flie went home 
 with him as meek as poffible. The wicked Servant, before- 
 mention'd, told Lord Estotevill of the A6tion ; 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 Afliftance, 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 GOD, faid 
 he, has given to me what Jhould feed the Wants of me and vtine ; fo 
 a Part of His Bleffmgs fhall be return' d to Him again, in fup-. 
 plying the Neceffities of you, and your' s. There is my hejl Cow, 
 to nouri/hyou 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 fame AffliiKons, you pretend to fuffer, 
 ■will certainly he the juji Reward of fuch fmful Hypocrify. And 
 thus it prov'd : For when this Deceiver thought to depart 
 with the Cow, and had unloos'd the String, by which his Leg 
 and Ham were ty'd together, he found them more clofely 
 united, by a vindi6tive and fupernatural Power. Let not a Chrif- 
 tian doubt of this, fince Cicero, tho' an Heathen, writes. Nihil 
 ejl quod Deus efficere non pqffit, & quidem fine labor e ullo. As much 
 as to fay. There is nothing, however fo great and furprizing, hut 
 what God Almighty can accomplifh, either as a Puni/hment of a 
 wicked Sinner, or the Reward of the juJi Perfon ; and truly with the 
 greatefi Eafe, or without any. Labour. This the Wretch felt with 
 a Witnefs; and thereupon cry'd out, O Holy St. Robert, 
 pardon the Injury I intended againji you ; and befeech the Divine 
 Being, in Behalf of me, his unworthy, hut ripenting Servant. The 
 indulgent Father mercifully comply'd with his Requefl; when, 
 having reilor'd him to his former Ability, he returned to his 
 beloved Cell, and Was received with Joy. 
 
 A Company of Deer, from the Forreft, haunting his 
 Ground, fpoiled his Corn, and did him much Harm : Where- 
 upon, making Complaint to the Lord Estotevill, received 
 this Aniwer : Good Robert, / give thee free Leave to impound, 
 and detain them, 'till you obtain ample Satisfailion. 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 fliut 
 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 depi6ted, 
 in a Window belonging to the North Ifle of Knareshorough 
 
 Church, as tho' he was plowing with the' Deer. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
268 He forms a moji furprizing Chapel. Chap. V. 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 How St. Robert form'd a Chapel in a Rock. 
 
 \ ND now the ' Saint began to work at his New Chapel, 
 ■^*- within a folid and high Rock ; which, in Procefs of 
 Time, he accompHfh'd; making convenient Steps, to the 
 nearer Banks of the Md: A River famous, becaufe that 
 near its Streams a noted Synod was held, in the -Reign of 
 'King OsRED, A.B. 708, when St. WILFRID, Abbot of 
 Rippon, and Archbifliop of York, was obliged to be content 
 with the See of Hexham, in Northumberland, made fuch by 
 Theodoke, 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 Paflage 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 teriafy'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 vifded by the King. 269 
 
 Rock; and yet a further Space or Nitch is feen behind 
 the Altar, very probable, either for the Image of the Bleffed 
 Virgin Mary, or a Reprefentation of our dear Redeemer's 
 bitter Crucifixion 1 Before which, according to antient 
 Cuftom, he would often prollrate 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 Chrijlus folus, qui de Cruce pendet. 
 
 King John, in his Travels, fometimes courfing 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 th'e Renown 
 of St. Robert's San6tity ; 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 
 moft courteous Manner, with extraordinary Piety, and becom- 
 ing Gravity, In fliort, the Monarch was fo charm'd with 
 his Converfation, that, commiferating his Poverty, he granted 
 him 40 Acres of wafte 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- 
 di6tion, 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, you will 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 
 Fountains Abby would make an Attempt to take his Body 
 from them by Force : But, (faid he, to Thofe of his Houfe) I 
 
 befeech 
 
270 S/. Robert vifited by Sicknefs. Chap. VI. 
 
 befeech j)ou to refijl them ; and, if there be Occafion, do not fail to 
 call fecular Power to your Affiftance : For, in fame Part of the 
 Place, belonging to That, where I Jhall give up my latejl Breath ; 
 there, indeed, would I have my Body remain, in Peace, I hope, 'till 
 a Bleffed RefurrelUon Jhall recall it from the Dujl. Accordingly, 
 his Defire, of being- buried at Knaresborough, (which Town 
 he loved exceedingly) was effefted, as mentioned in the 
 following Chapter. 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 Of the lamented Death of St. Robert; his decent Burial; and 
 of the Monajlery, founded to his Memory, for Religious 
 Perfons, cdll'd Robertines. 
 
 'TpHE 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 Viaticum for his Heavenly Journey. At 
 which Time, the Monks of Fountain's Abby, hearing of the 
 Saint's approaching Death, made Halle to come unto him : 
 Not only to yield their Affiftance, in his lateft Agonies, by 
 their fervent Prayers ; but alfo brought with them a Cijlercian 
 Habit, to Inveft his Body for Interment. To whom the dying 
 Saint, with great Humility, faid, / thank you for your Care of 
 my departing Soul, but as for the perilling Body, my ordinary 
 Garments are really fufficient ; neither, indeed, 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 laft Bleffing : Which he willingly gave them, in 
 the moft reverend Manner; and, in that, with other pathetick 
 Exercifes, pioufly yielded up the Ghoft, about the Year of 
 Salvation, 1216; in which his Royal Benefa6lor, King John, 
 departed this mortal Life, in a Caftle, at Newark-upon- Trent ; 
 and his Son, Henry III., then but a Child, reigned in his Stead. 
 
 the 
 
Chap. VI. The Saint's Remains honourably intomb'd. 271 
 
 The Saint's Body was, with due Reverence, made ready 
 for, the Grave : And fome of the Monks of Fountain's Abby, 
 (who no doubt had waited 'till the Time of his Diffolution) 
 left the Habit they had officioufly . brought, that his Corps 
 ~ mig-ht 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 Monaftery ; which they certainly would 
 have accomplifhed, had not a Company of armed Men, that 
 belonged to the Caftle, refilled thfem; 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 June, in the Old Englijh 
 Kalendar, where he is ftyl'd both Abbot of Knaresborough, 
 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 ( « ) 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- 
 borough, North of the Altar) over the Body of Sir Henry Slingsby, 
 who was behea.ied, Anno Dam. 1658. The Inscription runs partly thusi 
 Sancti ROBERTI, hue Saxum advectum est, sub eodemque nuncjacet Heneicus 
 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 Walhingham, 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 confirms, 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 Dufl. : And then his 
 happy, immortal Soul, difunited from its Earthly Manfion, 
 and hovering- on the Wings of Bleffed Ang-els, was, no 
 doubt, carry'd up into Heaven, where it mingled with the 
 g-lorious Company of Martyrs, Confeffors, 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, arid greatly happy, even whilfl he exilled 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, 
 
 In the Church, on the North Side of the Altar, are these Epitaphs, beside those 
 exhibited in the History of York, Page 249, &c. 
 
 DEO, Omnipotent!, Magno. Gulielmus Slingesbeius, eques auratus, ex inclyta Slinges- 
 beiorum familial in agro Eboracensi oriundus ; Francisci, optimi viri, et Marise, unicfe 
 sororis Thomae & Henrici Percy, comitum Northumbriae, femins honoratissimEe, et 
 pientissimffi, filius ; Knaresburgi, 29 Jan. Anno 1562 natus : In armis, aula, et magistratu, 
 sub quatuor Regibus sic claravit ; ut in bello, exercitus Elizabeths, quo oppidum, dassis, 
 insulaq; Cadiz, felicissime, intercepta sunt, munitionum publicarum commissarius 
 generalis, anno 1596 : In aula, sub serenissimo Jacobo Rege, Annae Reginse illustrissim£e, 
 ad mensam cibicida honorarius, 1603 : In magistratu, ab eodum Jacobo Rege, Scotiam ver- 
 sus, progrediente, Middlesexiae comitatus, primorum locum tenentium : unus sub magno 
 sigillo Anglis constitutus, 1617 : qui, etiam, negotia adeunda, in singulis commissionibus, 
 pro ejusdem comitatus regimine, sub Divo Carolo etiam cum laude transegit, 
 
 Vado ; sed nee me taedet vivere, nee timeo mbri. August, 1634. [Thus Englished ;] 
 
 To the Great Omnipotent GOD. William Slingesby, Knight, 
 (descended from the illustrious Family of the Slingesbies, m Yorkshire- 
 Son of Henry, one of the best of Men, and Mary, one of the most piot^ 
 and honourable of Women, the Sister of Thomas and Henry Percy, 
 Earls of Northumberland) was born at Knaresborough, the zgth 
 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 wham, a Town, Fleet, and 
 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 
 Qtieen 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 Saint's Memory. 273 
 
 troublefome World: Which agrees with what the Roman 
 Orator truly afferts : Nemo magnus fine aliquo afflatu divino 
 tinquam fuit ; that none but the Perfon, whofe Soul is warm'd 
 with fuch Coeleflial Refpiration, can be truly dignify'd. But 
 we muft go ftill farther: For tho' this Good Man was repofed 
 in the filent Grave; yet Matthew Paris, a Benedi£line Monk of 
 St. Albaris, makes the Trumpet of Glory ftill louder, by 
 writing thus : Claruit fama Sanili R b e r t i Heremita apud 
 Knaresburg ; cujus Tumha Oleum medicinale fertur abundanter 
 emififfe: That is, The Fame of St. Robert, Hermit at Knares- 
 harow^, Jhone very confpicuous ; from whofe Sepulchte a medicinal 
 Oyl plentifully iffued forth ; which, as we are further affured, 
 occafion'd many wonderful Cures. Thus did his Merit feem 
 to former Ages. And tho' the healing Unguent has ceased 
 long fince to flied its oily Streams ; yet the fweet Odour of 
 his San6tity is ftill refreihing to our defiring Spirits, notwith- 
 ftanding fo many Centuries paft, and ever will be whilft the 
 Remembrance of the fuji fhall be bleffed. And fo much was he 
 efteem'd by Richard Plantagenet, the young King's Brother, 
 (who was then Earl of Cornwall, and in Procefs of Time 
 became King of the Romans') that two Years after, A.D. 1218, 
 he erected a Monaftery for Religious Perfons, who were 
 called Robertines, from the Name of the holy Saint, as tho' he 
 indeed had been the original Founder. The Eftate, that St. 
 Roberts kind Patronefs had given him ; the Lands, with the 
 Appurtenances of Swinefco, prefented by King John, as alfo 
 
 Halikelde- 
 
 Who, also, passed thro' other Preferments, with great Applause, in their 
 respective Commissions, for the Government of the aforesaid County, in that 
 Monarch's Reign, as likewise in that of the Pious King CHARLES the First. 
 
 I depart ; but neither am I weary of Life, or afraid to die. August, 1634. 
 Three other Inscriptions are as follow : 
 
 Hie jacet Henr. Slingesbie filius & haeres Franciaci & Maris, mense a pride anno 
 XLIV. Eliz. R. milit. (jui obiit Decern, die 17. Anno Dom. 1634. .Etat. sua: 74 annos, et 
 zo menses. Bed omnia vanitas. 
 
 Here lies thie Body of Dorothy Slingesby, late Wife of Sir Thomas Slingesby, of 
 Scriven. Bart. Daughter and Coheir of George Cradock of Careswell Castle, in Stafford- 
 shire, Esq. She died the Z4th Jan. 1673. by whom he had,3 Sons: Henry, Thomas, and 
 George ; and 3 Daughters, Dorothy, Elizabeth, and Barbara,' 
 
 Perfectum fuit hoc opus p. Hen. Slyngesb. 24. Junii 1602. Unitrino Deo consecratum 
 Anno Mint, suse 42, et 5 Mens, Anno Eliz. R, 44. Mors vitara aufert, & affert, 
 
274 Pathetick Obfervation on the Grave. Chap, VI. 
 
 Halikeldefyke Wood, that lay North of the River; all thefe 
 were conferr'd upon this Society, ftyled De Redmptione Captt- 
 vorum, alias SanEla Trinitatis. The Church, Convent, and 
 other contiguous Buildings, were, it's fuppos'd, puU'd down 
 at the Diffolution, in the Reign of King Henry Vlllth ; but a 
 Gate thereof is flill remaining. The Ccemiterium, 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 Little 
 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 Breaft downwards, are 
 thefe Letters, (but in Saxon Charadters) HIC JACET 
 J . B E M E R : That is, Here lieth John Bemer : Before the 
 firfl Article {HIC) are thefe Letters, I.O.Y., &c. as fuppos'd, 
 being almofl. worn away : But, after the venerable Name of 
 J. Bemer, are thefe : B. B. O. V., which, perhaps, might be 
 for Baccalaurius Beata Ordinis Viginis : So that, probably, it 
 was a Gentleman of another Order, related to fome Perfon 
 belonging to This, of the Mo/l 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 mofl. renowned G U Y, once in the 
 fame Station, in the Reign of King Atheljlane. The Land, 
 belonging to this Convent at Knar esbor dug h, 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, colle6l 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 Conclufion to the Whole. 
 
 27s 
 
 the Third, in the 12th Year of his Reign, (and his moil un- 
 fortunate Grandfon, Edward the Second, in the 5th of his) 
 confirm'd, with fome Additions, there feyeral Benefactions 
 (which, thro' charitable Piety, at Sundry Times, had zealoufly 
 been given them) by their Royal San6tion. 
 
 About a Year after the Death of St. Robert, Walter Grey, 
 Archbifliop of York, departed this Life; whofe Monument 
 (hereunder partly imitatecj) 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 eftabliihed 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 " Book 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 
 Blandusise, 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 tlfe 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), 
 
 K 
 
 
 
 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 
 
C 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 hasin, ten feet in diameter, canopied by a most graceful 
 stfellar 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 
 1 63s ; the fate of Winifred's effigy, to which a Countess of 
 Warwick O439) 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 i688, and received the shift worn by his 
 great-grandmother at her execution, for his pains. Pennant 
 found the roof of the vault hung with the 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. 
 
 ' AnhoBological Journal, iii. 148. 
 
t 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 ceutury, 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 ] 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Editor's iNTRODupTiON 
 
 Life of Thomas Gent (by 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 Knaresborough 
 On Holy Wells (by R Chambers) 
 
 25 
 
 35 
 
 6i 
 
 85 
 
 105 
 
 131 
 
 153 
 
 171 
 
 177 
 
 201 
 
 229 
 
 231 
 257 
 276 
 
A v 
 
 \