Thy love in order to its' w·e 11 known ends, Shew'd. me great mercy in meet guides and friends: Antient and grave divines, solid and staid, Who from experience both preach"d and pray'd : Learned, yet counting Christianity The chiefest learning and philo~ophy. These; as the fathers of my untaught y-outh, Were willing to communicate the truth. Their help and fruitful converse was my stay, And great encouragement in all my way; More pleasant to me than my youthful games : My love doth grudgingly suppress their names. The company thou gav'st me was not vain, Not proud or factious, sensual or profane: But serious; sober, and obedient, · Whose time was in their peaceful labours spent~ Humble and meek, who made it their discourse, To stir up faith, and penitent remorse. Minding the lowest, and the hi'ghest things ; Not meddling busily with states and kings. Making the holy word their chief delight, And meditating on it day and night : Spending that day in works of holiness ; Hating profanenes~, lewdness, and excess Content with little, yet aspiring high; Sparing no pains for immortality: Low in the world ; but for salvation wise ; Though scorn'd by faithless fools as too precise. 0 my dear God! how precious is thy love! Such thou wilt take to dwell with thee above. Thy mercy did my younger studies guide: Sweet leisure and meet' books thou didst provide ; c
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