A farrago of several pieces being a supplement to his poems, characters, heroick pourtraits, letters, and other discourses formerly published by him / newly written by Richard Flecknoe.

To the same: Counselling him to write OF SPIRITUAL MATTERS.

YOu are the first, Theotima, who encouraged me to write of spiritual matters; from which, I confess, I was but too much discouraged before, by the Libertines of the Time, who make no more of God, ••or Godly things, then they did of the King and his Regalities, in the dayes of Rebellion. But where should I find Readers when I have done? when besides your self, and some few others re∣sembling you, it is a Language none now adayes understand more then old ••sk, or the Punick and Carthagenian Tongue? when I shall find opportunity, I shall not be wanting to it; but for impor∣tunity, this is not a Time nor Place. There are spiritual Books enow already, unless

they were better followed; and enow of Religion, unless they were better under∣stood. Mean time, I thank you for the good opinion you have of me, to think me capable of so good a work; whilst some are so scrupulous, as they should think themselves damned, if they should but laugh; and have so little scruple on t'other side, as to think me little better, because I am not as melancholly as them∣selves.

I thank God, I have always been a pro∣fest Enemy to Vice; and although this be but a negative kind of Vertue, yet 'tis somwhat, as the world goes now, where those may be counted Saints, who are not altogether Sinners; as those who are not altogether knaves, may be counted honest men; and I thank God, I am still constant to my first principles, as you will see by these pieces which I send you here; which though they are not so spiritual as you desire, tend towards it, yet at least, in a moral way; and credit me, Theo∣tima, We have as much need now of Morality as Divinity; and 'tis but a pre∣posterous

way, to perswade the t'one without the other, or seek to plant ver∣tue and piety in their hearts, without clearing them first of vice and impiety. This then is the way, Theotima, which I have ta'n, which if I find but appro∣ved by you, I shall with the more chearfulness pursue it, and glory in the Title of being

Your devoted Servant and Convertit.

FINIS.