In choise of Freinds let such therefore Prefer the godly wise, To whom he may impart the store That in his bosome lies: And let him not perniciously Communicate his favours, To all alike indifferently, Which shewes a mind that wavers. Gods children to each other should Most open hearted bee; Who by the same precepts are rul’d, And in one Faith agree, VVho shall in true felicity, Where nothing shall offend them Together dwell eternally, To which I do commend them. Another Song exciting to spirituall Mirth. The Winter being over In order comes the Spring, Which doth green Hearbs discover And cause the Birds to sing; The Night also expired, Then comes the Morning bright, Which is so much desired By all that love the Light; This may learn Them that mourn To put their Griefe to flight. The Spring succeedeth Winter, And Day must follow Night. He therefore that sustaineth Affliction or Distresse, Which ev’ry member paineth, And findeth no relesse; Let such therefore despaire not, But on firm Hope depend Whose Griefes immortall are not, And therefore must have end: They that faint With complaint Therefore are too blame, They ad to their afflictions, And amplify the same. For if they could with patience A while posesse the minde, By inward Consolacions They might refreshing finde, To sweeten all their Crosses That little time they ’dure; So might they gain by losses, And harp would sweet procure; But if the minde Be inclinde To Vnquietnesse That only may be called The worst of all Distresse. He that is melancolly Detesting all Delight, His Wits by sottish Folly Are ruinated quite; Sad Discontent and Murmors To him are insident, Were he posest of Honors, He could not be content: Sparks of joy Fly away, Floods of Cares arise, And all delightfull Mocions In the conception dies. But those that are contented However things doe fall, Much Anguish is prevented, And they soon freed from all; They finish all their Labours With much felicity, Theyr joy in Troubles savours Of perfect Piety, Chearfulnesse Doth expresse A setled pious minde Which is not prone to grudging From murmoring refinde. Lascivious joy I prayse not, Neither do it allow, For where the same decayes not No branch of peace can grow; For why, it is sinister As is excessive Griefe, And doth the Heart sequester From all good: to be briefe, Vain Delight Passeth quite The bounds of modesty, And makes one apt to nothing But sensuality. This song sheweth that God is the strength of his people, whence they have support and comfort. My straying thoughts, reduced stay, And so a while retired, Such observacions to survay VVhich memory hath registred, That were not in oblivion dead.