Number XXII. complete. Second Series of Mixed Contemplations on These Times.
THERE is a pernicious humor, of a catching nature, wherewith the mouths of many, and hearts of more, are infected. Some there are that are so covetous to see the settlement of Church and State according to their own desires, that if it be not done in our days, say they, we care not whether it be done at all or no.
Such mens souls live in a lane, having weak heads and narrow hearts, their faith being little, and charity less, being all for themselves and nothing for posterity. These men, living in India, would prove ill commonwealths-men, and would lay no foundation for porcelain or china dishes, because despairing to reap benefit thereby, as not ripened to perfection in a hundred years.
Oh! give me that good mans gracious temper, who earnestly desired the prosperity of the Church, whatsoever became of himself, whose verses I will offer to translate:
Seu me terra tegit, seu vastum contegit æquor; | |
Exoptata piis sæcula fausta precor. |
Buried in earth, or drowned in the main, | |
Eat up by worms or fishes; | |
I pray the pious may obtain | |
For happy times their wishes. |