The Authors Designe. Poem by Edward Benlowes

Of CHRIST, and of the Spouses Sighs, I sing,
And of the Joyes that from Those Ardors spring,
The World ne're knew; Of her Souls mystick Sense,
And of her Heav'nly Zeal. Blinde Lust, pack hence,
Hence Pride, exhausting Wealth; Hence, Envie, flie,
Pal'd at Success; hence foul--mouth'd Calumnie,
And savage Discord, striving to divide
United Mindes; with all Sins Troop beside.
JESUS! grant I may follow Thee, my Feet
Wing Thou, and make them in pursuance fleet!
Close up my Cracks by Faith, so shall I be
A Vessel made of Honour unto THEE.
I'm but a faint Resultance from thy Light,
Which, at Sols Rise and Set, enchears my Sight.
No Space thy View, no Glory bounds thy Praise,
No Terms do reach thy Worth, no Age thy Dayes!
May I but swear Obedience to thy Laws,
And crave THEE PATRON to my present Cause!
My Subject's Theophil, for Heav'n design'd,
Off'ring pure Sacrifice with sacred Mind.