A collection of emblemes, ancient and moderne quickened vvith metricall illustrations, both morall and divine: and disposed into lotteries, that instruction, and good counsell, may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation. By George VVither. The first booke.

The Garland, He alone shall weare,Who, to the Goale, doth persevere.

[illustration]

PERSEVERANTI DABITUR.

ILLVSTR. L. Book. 4

AN Arme is with a Garland here extended; And, as the Motto saith. it is intended, To all that persevere. This being so; Let none be faint in heart, though they be slow: For, he that creepes, untill his Race be done, Shall gaine a Wreath, aswell as they that runne. This being so; let no man walke in doubt, As if Gods Arme of Grace were stretched out To some small number: For, whoe're begins And perseueres, the profer'd Garland winns: And, God respects no persons; neither layes A stumbling blocke in any of our Waies. This being so, let no man think't enough To set his hand, a little, to the Plough, And, then desist; but, let him still pursue, To doe that Worke, to which that Wreath is due: For, nor on Good beginners, nor on those That, walke halfe-way, (much lesse on him, that goes No stepp at all) will God this gift conferre; But, onely, unto those that persevere. LORD, by thy Grace, an entrance I have made In honest Pathes; and, thy assistance had, To make in them, some slow proceedings too. Oh grant me, full abilitie, to doe Thy sacred Will; and, to beginn, and end Such Workes, as to thy glory, still, may tend. That (Walking, and continuing in the Path, Which evermore, thine approbation hath) I may that Garland, by thy grace, obtaine, Which, by mine owne desert, I cannot gaine. Glory be to God.