This is that fruitfull _Plant_, which when it growes, Where wholesome _Water_ in abundance flowes, Was, by the _Psalmist_, thought a likely _Tree_, The _Emblem_, of a _blessed-man_, to bee: For, many wayes, it fitly typifies, The _Righteous-man_, with his proprieties; And, those true _Vertues_, which doe helpe increase His growing, in the state of _Blessednesse_. The _Palme_, (in this our _Emblem_, figur’d, thus) Depressed with a _Stone_, doth shew to us The pow’r of _Truth_: For, as this _Tree_ doth spread, And thrive the more, when weights presse downe the head; So, _Gods_ eternall _Truth_ (which all the pow’r And spight of _Hell_, did labour to devoure) Sprung high, and flourished the more, thereby, When _Tyrants_ crush’d it, with their crueltie. And, all inferiour _Truths_, the same will doe, According as they make approaches to The best _Perfection_; or, as they conduce To _God’s_ due _praise_, or some such pious use. _Lord_, still, preserve this _Truth’s_ integritie, Although on ev’ry side, the wicked prie, To spie how they may disadvantage it. Yea, _Lord_, though _Sinners_ in high place doe sit, (As _David_ saith) yet, let them not oppresse Thy _Veritie_, by their imperiousnesse. But, make both _Her_, and her _Professors_, bide The _Test_, like _Silver seven times purifide_. That, all _Truths_ lovers, may with comfort see, Shee may _deprest_, but, not, _oppressed_ bee. _They, who but =slowly-paced= are, By =plodding= on, may travaile farre._ [Illustration: PAS A PAS. ILLVSTR. XXXIX. _Book. 3_]