So may I with the _Psalmist_ truly say, Tis good for me that I have been afflicted, Before I troubled was, I went astray, Psal. 119 But now to godlinesse I am adicted; If in Gods Lawes I had not took delight, I in my troubles should have perisht quite. Such gracious speeches usually proceed From such a Spirit that is Sanctifide, Who strives to know his own defects and need And also seekes to have his wants supplide; But certainly the wicked do not so As do their speeches and distempers show. At every crosse they murmor, vex and fret, And in their passion often will they say, How am I with Calamities beset! I think they will mee utterly destray, The cause hereof I can in no wise know But that the _Destinies_ will have it so. Unfortunate am I and quite forlorn, Oh what disastrous Chance befalleth me! Vnder some hurtfull Plannet I was born That will (I think) my Confusion be, And there are many wickeder then I Who never knew the like adversity. These words do breifly show a carnall mind Polluted and corrupt with Ignorance, Where godly Wisdom never yet hath shin’d For that they talk of _Destiny_ or _Chance_; For if Gods Power never can abate, He can dispose of that he did create. If God alone the True Almighty be As we beleive, acknowledg, and confesse, Then supream Governor likewise is he Disposing all things, be they more or lesse; The eyes of God in every place do see The good and bad, and what their actions bee. The thought hereof sufficeth to abate My heavinesse in great’st extremity, When Grace unto my Soul did intimate That nothing comes by _Chance_ or _Destiny_, But that my God and Saviour knowes of all That either hath or shall to me befall. VVho can his servants from all troubles free And would I know my Crosses all prevent, But that he knowes them to be good for me Therefore I am resolv’d to be content, For though I meet with many Contradictions Yet Grace doth alwayes sweeten my Afflictions. PUBLICATIONS OF THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT 1947-1948 12. Essays on the Stage, selected, with an Introduction by Joseph Wood Krutch. 1948-1949 13. Sir John Falstaff (pseud.), _The Theatre_ (1720). 14. Edward Moore’s _The Gamester_ (1753). 15. John Oldmixon’s _Reflections on Dr. Swift’s Letter to Harley_ (1712); and Arthur Mainwaring’s _The British Academy_ (1712). 16. Nevil Payne’s _Fatal Jealousy_ (1673). 17. Nicholas Rowe’s _Some Account of the Life of Mr. William Shakespeare_ (1709). 18. “Of Genius,” in _The Occasional Paper_, Vol. III, No. 10 (1719); and Aaron Hill’s Preface to _The Creation_ (1720). 1949-1950