A Parable to Cousin F. R

On Shiloh's fruitful Banks, in Valleys low, A pleasant Garden flourish'd, where did grow And spring, with early Dews, each curious Plant, Some rich in Beauty, some in pleasant Scent: Among the rest, a Lilly budded forth, Which flourishing a while in Native Worth: One Time look'd out, t'observe and take a View Of some strange Plants, which in the High-way grew, To her a Scarlet Poppy then resorted, And with fine Accademick Phrases courted; Yea, did with florid Subtilty invade Her Innocence, and charmingly perswade To quit that close Confinement, and become An Object more admir'd and gazed on: The Lilly seem'd to listen, till thereby She was almost seiz'd by a Lethargy; Scarcely regarding, that in unfenc'd Land She might be nip'd by some rash careless Hand, Or that she in the inclos'd Garden might Flourish, secur'd from Storm both Day & Night; And know the precious Dew of Hermon's Hill Daily upon her tender Leaves distil. A Neighbouring Plant observing this, dismay'd, Unto the Master of the Garden said, (In Sympathizing Bowels) Dearest Lord, Be pleas'd to send thy pure prevailing Word, To guard thy Lilly; let it not remain Without thy Fence: Ah, with thy early Rain, Bedew and quicken! Let it know that there Is Blasting and Decay, but Safety here Within thy Walls, which are Salvation round About thy Garden, for 'tis holy Ground.