My WISHES

I Wish your Lamp and Vessel full of Oyl, Like the Wise Virgins, (which all Fools neglect) And the Rich Pearl, for which the Merchants toyl, Yea, how to purchase are so circumspect: I wish you that White Stone, with the New Name, Which none can Read but who possess the same.

I wish you neither Poverty, nor Riches, But Godliness, so gainful, with content; No painted Pomp, nor Glory that bewitches; A blameless Life is the best Monument: And such a Soul that soars above the Skie, Well pleas'd to live, but better pleas'd to die.

I wish you such a Heart as Mary had, Minding the Main, open'd as Lydia's was: A Hand like Dorcas, who the Naked clad; Feet like Joanna's, posting to Christ apace, And above all, to live your self to see Married to Him, who must your Saviour be: For ENGLAND, &c.

I Wish that Prince and Rulers, all that guide, May be good, and do good; which is God-like: And that their care appear, so to provide, That those of Strength do not the Weaker strike; The End of Rules from Christian Policy, To live in Godliness, and Honesty.

I wish Religion truly pure may grow, Above Prophaneness, and Idolatry, Which strive to nip it, and to keep it low Throughout the World, from the Seeds Enmity: I wish this present Government surmount All went before, and that in Gods Account.

I wish Religion, Learning, and the Poor May find sound Patrons, and that Holy Life Make the distinction still, and that no Door Be stopt, where Christ would enter to his Wife; And that the Saints would learn to suffer, where Nothing can help, more than a Groan, or Tear.