Of HOPE

Thrice well-come Hope, the Divel keep the t'other, Dispair and Fear are fitting for no other. This is the Passion that of all the rest VVe have most reason to esteem of best: Hope is a blessing, but we so abuse it As to our hurt, more then our good, we use it; Yea, this that was of all the Passions best, VVe have as much corrupted as the rest. But we must note well, that this Passion's double, One Hope is certain, th'other full of trouble. The Hope that's certain we through Faith do gain, And 'tis sufficient to make any pain Seem short and easie: 'Tis the Life of man, And such a comfort as no mortal can Live, if he want it, and yet sometime this Each, nay, as idle as the other is: For often times we see the same is found To be erected on on other ground But Ignorance, and meer Security, VVhich ruin all that do on them rely. Some praise their own Deserts, and on that Sand They fain would have the divine Hope to stand. The other Hope which is of earthly things, That lasts not long, nor yet much pleasure brings, And nothing worth to ground our Hope upon, For in the turning of a Hand all's gon. And therefore now I wish that every man VVould take upon him the best Hope he can In all his outward actions; yet should he Take care on honest grounds it builded be, And therewith be so well prepared still, That if his doubtful Hope do fall out ill, He ne'er repine, but tak't as if the same Had been expected long before it came