The Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah paraphras'd suitable to the exigencies of these times.

To the Reader.

THe sad condition of this unhappy Nation, so parallel to that of the Iews both in her Sin and Pu∣nishment, may be a sufficient Apologie for the setting forth of these most pathetical Lamentations of the Prophet Je∣remiah. Which being so perfect an Idea and representation both of what we have unjustly done against the sovereign Majesty of Heaven and Earth, and of what we most justly suffer from the same most righteous hand, I am confident the propounding of them to the publike view in this plain and familiar Paraphrase cānot be lesse acceptable and welcome, then it is seasonable & proper. The undertaking of an Epicaedium in general will be soon justified by the carriage of all sorts of people in the case of common danger by Fire or Water; every one then contribut∣ing his best assistance, either at the pump or bucket. And it will be quickly understood why in special I conform'd my sense and ex∣pression

of our present miseries to the lan∣guage of the Prophet Ieremiah, or rather of the Holy Ghost himself, if we consider the strange squeziness of soul most people are possessed with, in their several glosses and in∣terpretations of our unnatural distractions. My desire is, as to insinuate and work kindly upon the affections of all, though of never so different judgement, in the serious and passionate meditation of our common miseries, so indeed not to provoke any gall, or rub harshly upon any sore, while the conside∣ration of our present sad condition is repre∣sented only in general to the sober and so∣lemn thoughts of pious and well affected souls. This if I can obtein I have my end; and shal satisfie my self with this assurance, that, if God have not decreed the present ruin of the Nation for our great unthank∣fulness, we shall yet enjoy the Gospel of Peace, and the Peace of the Gospel. And let all the people say, Amen.