第1章
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  Book1I,WHOerewhilethehappyGardensungByoneman’sdisobediencelost,nowsingRecoveredParadisetoallmankind,Byoneman’sfirmobediencefullytriedThroughalltemptation,andtheTempterfoiledInallhiswiles,defeatedandrepulsed,AndEdenraisedinthewasteWilderness。

  ThouSpirit,wholed’stthisgloriousEremiteIntothedesert,hisvictoriousfieldAgainstthespiritualfoe,andbrought’sthimthenceByprooftheundoubtedSonofGod,inspire,Asthouartwont,mypromptedsong,elsemute,AndbearthroughhighthordepthofNature’sbounds,Withprosperouswingfullsummed,totellofdeedsAboveheroic,thoughinsecretdone,Andunrecordedleftthroughmanyanage:

  Worthytohavenotremainedsolongunsung。

  NowhadthegreatProclaimer,withavoiceMoreawfulthanthesoundoftrumpet,criedRepentance,andHeaven’skingdomnighathandToallbaptized。TohisgreatbaptismflockedWithawetheregionsround,andwiththemcameFromNazareththesonofJosephdeemedTothefloodJordan——cameasthenobscure,Unmarked,unknown。ButhimtheBaptistsoonDescried,divinelywarned,andwitnessboreAstohisworthier,andwouldhaveresignedTohimhisheavenlyoffice。NorwaslongHiswitnessunconfirmed:onhimbaptizedHeavenopened,andinlikenessofaDoveTheSpiritdescended,whiletheFather’svoiceFromHeavenpronouncedhimhisbelovedSon。

  ThatheardtheAdversary,who,rovingstillAbouttheworld,atthatassemblyfamedWouldnotbelast,and,withthevoicedivineNighthunder-struck,theexaltedmantowhomSuchhighattestwasgivenawhilesurveyedWithwonder;then,withenvyfraughtandrage,Fliestohisplace,norrests,butinmidairTocouncilsummonsallhismightyPeers,Withinthickcloudsanddarktenfoldinvolved,Agloomyconsistory;andthemamidst,Withlooksaghastandsad,hethusbespake:——

  \"OancientPowersofAirandthiswideWorld(FormuchmorewillinglyImentionAir,Thisouroldconquest,thanrememberHell,Ourhatedhabitation),wellyeknowHowmanyages,astheyearsofmen,ThisUniversewehavepossessed,andruledInmanneratourwilltheaffairsofEarth,SinceAdamandhisfacileconsortEveLostParadise,deceivedbyme,thoughsinceWithdreadattendingwhenthatfatalwoundShallbeinflictedbytheseedofEveUponmyhead。LongthedecreesofHeavenDelay,forlongesttimetoHimisshort;

  Andnow,toosoonforus,thecirclinghoursThisdreadedtimehavecompassed,whereinweMustbidethestrokeofthatlong-threatenedwound(Atleast,ifsowecan,andbytheheadBrokenbenotintendedallourpowerTobeinfringed,ourfreedomandourbeingInthisfairempirewonofEarthandAir)——

  ForthisillnewsIbring:TheWoman’sSeed,Destinedtothis,islateofwomanborn。

  Hisbirthtoourjustfeargavenosmallcause;

  Buthisgrowthnowtoyouth’sfullflower,displayingAllvirtue,graceandwisdomtoachieveThingshighest,greatest,multipliesmyfear。

  BeforehimagreatProphet,toproclaimHiscoming,issentharbinger,whoallInvites,andintheconsecratedstreamPretendstowashoffsin,andfitthemsoPurifiedtoreceivehimpure,orratherTodohimhonourastheirKing。Allcome,Andhehimselfamongthemwasbaptized——

  Notthencetobemorepure,buttoreceiveThetestimonyofHeaven,thatwhoheisThenceforththenationsmaynotdoubt。IsawTheProphetdohimreverence;onhim,risingOutofthewater,HeavenabovethecloudsUnfoldhercrystaldoors;thenceonhisheadAperfetDovedescend(whate’eritmeant);

  AndoutofHeaventhesovraignvoiceIheard,’ThisismySonbeloved,——inhimampleased。’

  Hismother,than,ismortal,buthisSireHewhoobtainsthemonarchyofHeaven;

  AndwhatwillHenotdotoadvancehisSon?

  Hisfirst-begotweknow,andsorehavefelt,WhenhisfiercethunderdroveustotheDeep;

  Whothisiswemustlearn,forManheseemsInallhislineaments,thoughinhisfaceTheglimpsesofhisFather’sgloryshine。

  YeseeourdangerontheutmostedgeOfhazard,whichadmitsnolongdebate,Butmustwithsomethingsuddenbeopposed(Notforce,butwell-couchedfraud,well-wovensnares),Ereintheheadofnationsheappear,Theirking,theirleader,andsupremeonEarth。

  I,whennootherdurst,soleundertookThedismalexpeditiontofindoutAndruinAdam,andtheexploitperformedSuccessfully:acalmervoyagenowWillwaftme;andthewayfoundprosperousonceInducesbesttohopeoflikesuccess。\"

  Heended,andhiswordsimpressionleftOfmuchamazementtotheinfernalcrew,DistractedandsurprisedwithdeepdismayAtthesesadtidings。ButnotimewasthenForlongindulgencetotheirfearsorgrief:

  UnanimoustheyallcommitthecareAndmanagementofthismanenterpriseTohim,theirgreatDictator,whoseattemptAtfirstagainstmankindsowellhadthrivedInAdam’soverthrow,andledtheirmarchFromHell’sdeep-vaulteddentodwellinlight,Regents,andpotentates,andkings,yeagods,Ofmanyapleasantrealmandprovincewide。

  SotothecoastofJordanhedirectsHiseasysteps,girdedwithsnakywiles,Wherehemightlikeliestfindthisnew-declared,Thismanofmen,attestedSonofGod,Temptationandallguileonhimtotry——

  SotosubvertwhomhesuspectedraisedToendhisreignonEarthsolongenjoyed:

  But,contrary,unweetinghefulfilledThepurposedcounsel,pre-ordainedandfixed,OftheMostHigh,who,infullfrequencebrightOfAngels,thustoGabrielsmilingspake:——

  \"Gabriel,thisday,byproof,thoushaltbehold,ThouandallAngelsconversantonEarthWithManormen’saffairs,howIbeginToverifythatsolemnmessagelate,OnwhichIsenttheetotheVirginpureInGalilee,thatsheshouldbearason,Greatinrenown,andcalledtheSonofGod。

  Thentold’sther,doubtinghowthesethingscouldbeToheravirgin,thatonhershouldcomeTheHolyGhost,andthepoweroftheHighestO’ershadowher。ThisMan,bornandnowupgrown,ToshewhimworthyofhisbirthdivineAndhighprediction,henceforthIexposeToSatan;lethimtempt,andnowassayHisutmostsubtlety,becauseheboastsAndvauntsofhisgreatcunningtothethrongOfhisApostasy。HemighthavelearntLessoverweening,sincehefailedinJob,WhoseconstantperseveranceovercameWhate’erhiscruelmalicecouldinvent。

  HenowshallknowIcanproduceaman,Offemaleseed,farablertoresistAllhissolicitations,andatlengthAllhisvastforce,anddrivehimbacktoHell——

  WinningbyconquestwhatthefirstmanlostByfallacysurprised。ButfirstImeanToexercisehimintheWilderness;

  ThereheshallfirstlaydowntherudimentsOfhisgreatwarfare,ereIsendhimforthToconquerSinandDeath,thetwograndfoes。

  ByhumiliationandstrongsufferanceHisweaknessshallo’ercomeSatanicstrength,Andalltheworld,andmassofsinfulflesh;

  ThatalltheAngelsandaetherealPowers——

  Theynow,andmenhereafter——maydiscernFromwhatconsummatevirtueIhavechoseThisperfetman,bymeritcalledmySon,Toearnsalvationforthesonsofmen。\"

  SospaketheEternalFather,andallHeavenAdmiringstoodaspace;thenintohymnsBurstforth,andincelestialmeasuresmoved,Circlingthethroneandsinging,whilethehandSungwiththevoice,andthistheargument:——

  \"VictoryandtriumphtotheSonofGod,Nowenteringhisgreatduel,notofarms,Buttovanquishbywisdomhellishwiles!

  TheFatherknowstheSon;thereforesecureVentureshisfilialvirtue,thoughuntried,Againstwhate’ermaytempt,whate’erseduce,Allure,orterrify,orundermine。

  Befrustrate,allyestratagemsofHell,And,devilishmachinations,cometonought!\"

  SotheyinHeaventheirodesandvigilstuned。

  MeanwhiletheSonofGod,whoyetsomedaysLodgedinBethabara,whereJohnbaptized,MusingandmuchrevolvinginhisbreastHowbestthemightyworkhemightbeginOfSaviourtomankind,andwhichwayfirstPublishhisgodlikeofficenowmature,Onedayforthwalkedalone,theSpiritleadingAndhisdeepthoughts,thebettertoconverseWithsolitude,till,farfromtrackofmen,Thoughtfollowingthought,andstepbystepledon,HeenterednowtheborderingDesertwild,And,withdarkshadesandrocksenvironedround,Hisholymeditationsthuspursued:——

  \"OwhatamultitudeofthoughtsatonceAwakenedinmeswarm,whileIconsiderWhatfromwithinIfeelmyself,andhearWhatfromwithoutcomesoftentomyears,Illsortingwithmypresentstatecompared!

  WhenIwasyetachild,nochildishplayTomewaspleasing;allmymindwassetSerioustolearnandknow,andthencetodo,Whatmightbepublicgood;myselfIthoughtBorntothatend,borntopromotealltruth,Allrighteousthings。Therefore,abovemyyears,TheLawofGodIread,andfounditsweet;

  Madeitmywholedelight,andinitgrewTosuchperfectionthat,ereyetmyageHadmeasuredtwicesixyears,atourgreatFeastIwentintotheTemple,theretohearTheteachersofourLaw,andtoproposeWhatmightimprovemyknowledgeortheirown,Andwasadmiredbyall。YetthisnotallTowhichmyspiritaspired。VictoriousdeedsFlamedinmyheart,heroicacts——onewhileTorescueIsraelfromtheRomanyoke;

  Thentosubdueandquell,o’eralltheearth,Bruteviolenceandproudtyrannicpower,Tilltruthwerefreed,andequityrestored:

  Yethelditmorehumane,moreheavenly,firstBywinningwordstoconquerwillinghearts,Andmakepersuasiondotheworkoffear;

  Atleasttotry,andteachtheerringsoul,Notwilfullymisdoing,butunwareMisled;thestubbornonlytosubdue。

  Thesegrowingthoughtsmymothersoonperceiving,Bywordsattimescastforth,inlyrejoiced,Andsaidtomeapart,’Higharethythoughts,OSon!butnourishthem,andletthemsoarTowhathighthsacredvirtueandtrueworthCanraisethem,thoughaboveexamplehigh;

  BymatchlessdeedsexpressthymatchlessSire。

  Forknow,thouartnosonofmortalman;

  Thoughmenesteemtheelowofparentage,ThyFatheristheEternalKingwhorulesAllHeavenandEarth,Angelsandsonsofmen。

  AmessengerfromGodforetoldthybirthConceivedinmeavirgin;heforetoldThoushouldstbegreat,andsitonDavid’sthrone,Andofthykingdomthereshouldbenoend。

  AtthynativityagloriousquireOfAngels,inthefieldsofBethlehem,sungToshepherds,watchingattheirfoldsbynight,AndtoldthemtheMessiahnowwasborn,Wheretheymightseehim;andtotheetheycame,Directedtothemangerwherethoulay’st;

  Forintheinnwasleftnobetterroom。

  AStar,notseenbefore,inheavenappearing,GuidedtheWiseMenthitherfromtheEast,Tohonourtheewithincense,myrrh,andgold;

  Bywhosebrightcourseledontheyfoundtheplace,Affirmingitthystar,new-graveninheaven,BywhichtheyknewtheeKingofIsraelborn。

  JustSimeonandpropheticAnna,warnedByvision,foundtheeintheTemple,andspake,Beforethealtarandthevestedpriest,Likethingsoftheetoallthatpresentstood。’

  Thishavingheart,straightIagainrevolvedTheLawandProphets,searchingwhatwaswritConcerningtheMessiah,toourscribesKnownpartly,andsoonfoundofwhomtheyspakeIam——thischiefly,thatmywaymustlieThroughmanyahardassay,eventothedeath,EreIthepromisedkingdomcanattain,Orworkredemptionformankind,whosesins’

  Fullweightmustbetransferreduponmyhead。

  Yet,neitherthusdisheartenedordismayed,ThetimeprefixedIwaited;whenbeholdTheBaptist(ofwhosebirthIofthadheard,Notknewbysight)nowcome,whowastocomeBeforeMessiah,andhiswayprepare!

  I,asallothers,tohisbaptismcame,WhichIbelievedwasfromabove;butheStraightknewme,andwithloudestvoiceproclaimedMehim(foritwasshewnhimsofromHeaven)——

  Mehimwhoseharbingerhewas;andfirstRefusedonmehisbaptismtoconfer,Asmuchhisgreater,andwashardlywon。

  But,asIroseoutofthelavingstream,Heavenopenedhereternaldoors,fromwhenceTheSpiritdescendedonmelikeaDove;

  Andlast,thesumofall,myFather’svoice,AudiblyheardfromHeaven,pronouncedmehis,MehisbelovedSon,inwhomaloneHewaswellpleased:bywhichIknewthetimeNowfull,thatInomoreshouldliveobscure,Butopenlybegin,asbestbecomesTheauthoritywhichIderivedfromHeaven。

  AndnowbysomestrongmotionIamledIntothiswilderness;towhatintentIlearnnotyet。PerhapsIneednotknow;

  ForwhatconcernsmyknowledgeGodreveals。\"

  SospakeourMorningStar,theninhisrise,And,lookinground,oneverysidebeheldApathlessdesert,duskwithhorridshades。

  Thewayhecame,nothavingmarkedreturn,Wasdifficult,byhumanstepsuntrod;

  Andhestillonwasled,butwithsuchthoughtsAccompaniedofthingspastandtocomeLodgedinhisbreastaswellmightrecommendSuchsolitudebeforechoicestsociety。

  Fullfortydayshepassed——whetheronhillSometimes,anoninshadyvale,eachnightUnderthecovertofsomeancientoakOrcedartodefendhimfromthedew,Orharbouredinonecave,isnotrevealed;

  Nortastedhumanfood,norhungerfelt,Tillthosedaysended;hungeredthenatlastAmongwildbeasts。Theyathissightgrewmild,Norsleepinghimnorwakingharmed;hiswalkThefieryserpentfledandnoxiousworm;

  Thelionandfiercetigerglaredaloof。

  Butnowanagedmaninruralweeds,Following,asseemed,thequestofsomestrayeye,Orwitheredstickstogather,whichmightserveAgainstawinter’sday,whenwindsblowkeen,Towarmhimwetreturnedfromfieldateve,Hesawapproach;whofirstwithcuriouseyePerusedhim,thenwithwordsthusutteredspake:——

  \"Sir,whatillchancehathbroughttheetothisplace,Sofarfrompathorroadofmen,whopassIntrooporcaravan?forsinglenoneDurstever,whoreturned,anddroptnothereHiscarcass,pinedwithhungerandwithdroughth。

  Iasktherather,andthemoreadmire,Forthattomethouseem’stthemanwhomlateOurnewbaptizingProphetatthefordOfJordanhonouredso,andcalledtheeSonOfGod。Isawandheard,forwesometimesWhodwellthiswild,constrainedbywant,comeforthTotownorvillagenigh(nighestisfar),Whereaughtwehear,andcuriousaretohear,Whathappensnew;famealsofindsusout。\"

  TowhomtheSonofGod:——\"WhobroughtmehitherWillbringmehence;nootherguideIseek。\"

  \"Bymiraclehemay,\"repliedtheswain;

  \"WhatotherwayIseenot;forwehereLiveontoughrootsandstubs,tothirstinuredMorethanthecamel,andtodrinkgofar——

  Mentomuchmiseryandhardshipborn。

  But,ifthoubetheSonofGod,commandThatoutofthesehardstonesbemadetheebread;

  Soshaltthousavethyself,andusrelieveWithfood,whereofwewretchedseldomtaste。\"

  Heended,andtheSonofGodreplied:——

  \"Think’stthousuchforceinbread?Isitnotwritten(ForIdiscerntheeotherthanthouseem’st),Manlivesnotbybreadonly,buteachwordProceedingfromthemouthofGod,whofedOurfathersherewithmanna?IntheMountMoseswasfortydays,noreatnordrank;

  AndfortydaysEliahwithoutfoodWanderedthisbarrenwaste;thesameInow。

  Whydostthou,then,suggesttomedistrustKnowingwhoIam,asIknowwhothouart?\"

  WhomthusansweredtheArch-Fiend,nowundisguised:——

  \"’Tistrue,IamthatSpiritunfortunateWho,leaguedwithmillionsmoreinrashrevolt,Keptnotmyhappystation,butwasdrivenWiththemfromblisstothebottomlessDeep——

  YettothathideousplacenotsoconfinedByrigourunconnivingbutthatoft,Leavingmydolorousprison,IenjoyLargelibertytoroundthisglobeofEarth,OrrangeintheAir;norfromtheHeavenofHeavensHathheexcludedmyresortsometimes。

  Icame,amongtheSonsofGod,whenheGaveupintomyhandsUzzeanJob,Toprovehim,andillustratehishighworth;

  And,whentoallhisAngelsheproposedTodrawtheproudkingAhabintofraud,ThathemightfallinRamoth,theydemurring,Iundertookthatoffice,andthetonguesOfallhisflatteringprophetsglibbedwithliesTohisdestruction,asIhadincharge:

  ForwhathebidsIdo。ThoughIhavelostMuchlustreofmynativebrightness,lostTobebelovedofGod,IhavenotlostTolove,atleastcontemplateandadmire,WhatIseeexcellentingood,orfair,Orvirtuous;Ishouldsohavelostallsense。

  WhatcanbethenlessinmethandesireToseetheeandapproachthee,whomIknowDeclaredtheSonofGod,tohearattentThywisdom,andbeholdthygodlikedeeds?

  MengenerallythinkmemuchafoeToallmankind。WhyshouldI?theytomeNeverdidwrongorviolence。BythemIlostnotwhatIlost;ratherbythemIgainedwhatIhavegained,andwiththemdwellCopartnerintheseregionsoftheWorld,Ifnotdisposer——lendthemoftmyaid,Oftmyadvicebypresagesandsigns,Andanswers,oracles,portents,anddreams,Wherebytheymaydirecttheirfuturelife。

  Envy,theysay,excitesme,thustogainCompanionsofmymiseryandwoe!

  Atfirstitmaybe;but,longsincewithwoeNeareracquainted,nowIfeelbyproofThatfellowshipinpaindividesnotsmart,Norlightensaughteachman’speculiarload;

  Smallconsolation,then,wereManadjoined。

  Thiswoundsmemost(whatcanitless?)thatMan,Manfallen,shallberestored,Inevermore。\"

  TowhomourSavioursternlythusreplied:——

  \"Deservedlythougriev’st,composedofliesFromthebeginning,andinlieswiltend,Whoboast’streleasefromHell,andleavetocomeIntotheHeavenofHeavens。Thoucom’st,indeed,AsapoormiserablecaptivethrallComestotheplacewherehebeforehadsatAmongtheprimeinsplendour,nowdeposed,Ejected,emptied,gazed,unpitied,shunned,Aspectacleofruin,orofscorn,ToallthehostofHeaven。ThehappyplaceImpartstotheenohappiness,nojoy——

  Ratherinflamesthytorment,representingLostbliss,totheenomorecommunicable;

  SonevermoreinHellthanwheninHeaven。

  ButthouartserviceabletoHeaven’sKing!

  WiltthouimputetoobediencewhatthyfearExtorts,orpleasuretodoillexcites?

  WhatbutthymalicemovedtheetomisdeemOfrighteousJob,thencruellytoafflicthimWithallinflictions?buthispatiencewon。

  Theotherservicewasthychosentask,Tobealiarinfourhundredmouths;

  Forlyingisthysustenance,thyfood。

  Yetthoupretend’sttotruth!alloraclesBytheearegiven,andwhatconfessedmoretrueAmongthenations?Thathathbeenthycraft,Bymixingsomewhattruetoventmorelies。

  Butwhathavebeenthyanswers?whatbutdark,Ambiguous,andwithdoublesensedeluding,Whichtheywhoaskedhaveseldomunderstood,And,notwellunderstood,asgoodnotknown?

  Whoever,byconsultingatthyshrine,Returnedthewiser,orthemoreinstructToflyorfollowwhatconcernedhimmost,Andrunnotsoonertohisfatalsnare?

  ForGodhathjustlygiventhenationsupTothydelusions;justly,sincetheyfellIdolatrous。But,whenhispurposeisAmongthemtodeclarehisprovidence,Totheenotknown,whencehastthouthenthytruth,Butfromhim,orhisAngelspresidentIneveryprovince,who,themselvesdisdainingToapproachthytemples,givetheeincommandWhat,tothesmallesttittle,thoushaltsayTothyadorers?Thou,withtremblingfear,Orlikeafawningparasite,obey’st;

  Thentothyselfascrib’stthetruthforetold。

  Butthisthygloryshallbesoonretrenched;

  NomoreshaltthoubyoraclingabuseTheGentiles;henceforthoraclesareceased,AndthounomorewithpompandsacrificeShaltbeenquiredatDelphosorelsewhere——

  Atleastinvain,fortheyshallfindtheemute。

  GodhathnowsenthislivingOracleIntotheworldtoteachhisfinalwill,AndsendshisSpiritofTruthhenceforthtodwellInpioushearts,aninwardoracleToalltruthrequisiteformentoknow。\"

  SospakeourSaviour;butthesubtleFiend,Thoughinlystungwithangeranddisdain,Dissembled,andthisanswersmoothreturned:——

  \"Sharplythouhastinsistedonrebuke,Andurgedmehardwithdoingswhichnotwill,Butmisery,hathwrestedfromme。WhereEasilycanstthoufindonemiserable,Andnotinforcedoft-timestopartfromtruth,Ifitmaystandhimmoreinsteadtolie,Sayandunsay,feign,flatter,orabjure?

  Butthouartplacedaboveme;thouartLord;

  FromtheeIcan,andmust,submiss,endureCheekorreproof,andgladtoscapesoquit。

  Hardarethewaysoftruth,androughtowalk,Smoothonthetonguediscoursed,pleasingtotheear,Andtunableassylvanpipeorsong;

  Whatwonder,then,ifIdelighttohearHerdictatesfromthymouth?mostmenadmireVirtuewhofollownotherlore。PermitmeToheartheewhenIcome(sincenomancomes),Andtalkatleast,thoughIdespairtoattain。

  ThyFather,whoisholy,wise,andpure,SuffersthehypocriteoratheouspriestTotreadhissacredcourts,andministerAbouthisaltar,handlingholythings,Prayingorvowing,andvoutsafedhisvoiceToBalaamreprobate,aprophetyetInspired:disdainnotsuchaccesstome。\"

  TowhomourSaviour,withunalteredbrow:——

  \"Thycominghither,thoughIknowthyscope,Ibidnot,orforbid。Doasthoufind’stPermissionfromabove;thoucanstnotmore。\"

  Headdednot;andSatan,bowlinglowHisgraydissimulation,disappeared,Intothinairdiffused:fornowbeganNightwithhersullenwingtodouble-shadeThedesert;fowlsintheirclaynestswerecouched;

  Andnowwildbeastscameforththewoodstoroam。ParadiseRegained-book2ParadiseRegainedbyJohnMiltonBook2MEANWHILEthenew-baptized,whoyetremainedAtJordanwiththeBaptist,andhadseenHimwhomtheyheardsolateexpresslycalledJesusMessiah,SonofGod,declared,Andonthathighauthorityhadbelieved,Andwithhimtalked,andwithhimlodged——ImeanAndrewandSimon,famousafterknown,Withothers,thoughinHolyWritnotnamed——

  Nowmissinghim,theirjoysolatelyfound,Solatelyfoundandsoabruptlygone,Begantodoubt,anddoubtedmanydays,And,asthedaysincreased,increasedtheirdoubt。

  Sometimestheythoughthemightbeonlyshewn,AndforatimecaughtuptoGod,asonceMoseswasintheMountandmissinglong,AndthegreatThisbite,whoonfierywheelsRodeuptoHeaven,yetonceagaintocome。

  Therefore,asthoseyoungprophetsthenwithcareSoughtlostEliah,soineachplacetheseNightoBethabara——inJerichoThecityofpalms,AEnon,andSalemold,Machaerus,andeachtownorcitywalledOnthissidethebroadlakeGenezaret,OrinPeraea——butreturnedinvain。

  ThenonthebankofJordan,byacreek,Wherewindswithreedsandosierswhisperingplay,Plainfishermen(nogreatermenthemcall),Closeinacottagelowtogethergot,Theirunexpectedlossandplaintsoutbreathed:——

  \"Alas,fromwhathighhopetowhatrelapseUnlookedforarewefallen!OureyesbeheldMessiahcertainlynowcome,solongExpectedofourfathers;wehaveheardHiswords,hiswisdomfullofgraceandtruth。

  ’Now,now,forsure,deliveranceisathand;

  ThekingdomshalltoIsraelberestored:’

  Thuswerejoiced,butsoonourjoyisturnedIntoperplexityandnewamaze。

  Forwhitherishegone?whataccidentHathrapthimfromus?willhenowretireAfterappearance,andagainprolongOurexpectation?GodofIsrael,SendthyMessiahforth;thetimeiscome。

  Beholdthekingsoftheearth,howtheyoppressThyChosen,towhathighththeirpowerunjustTheyhaveexalted,andbehindthemcastAllfearofThee;arise,andvindicateThyglory;freethypeoplefromtheiryoke!

  Butletuswait;thusfarHehathperformed——

  SenthisAnointed,andtousrevealedhimByhisgreatProphetpointedatandshownInpublic,andwithhimwehaveconversed。

  Letusbegladofthis,andallourfearsLayonhisprovidence;Hewillnotfail,Norwillwithdrawhimnow,norwillrecall——

  Mockuswithhisblestsight,thensnatchhimhence:

  Soonweshallseeourhope,ourjoy,return。\"

  ThustheyoutoftheirplaintsnewhoperesumeTofindwhomatthefirsttheyfoundunsought。

  ButtohismotherMary,whenshesawOthersreturnedfrombaptism,notherSon,NorleftatJordantidingsofhimnone,Withinherbreastthoughcalm,herbreastthoughpure,Motherlycaresandfearsgothead,andraisedSometroubledthoughts,whichsheinsighsthusclad:——

  \"Oh,whatavailsmenowthathonourhigh,TohaveconceivedofGod,orthatsalute,’Hail,highlyfavoured,amongwomenblest!’

  WhileItosorrowsamnolessadvanced,AndfearsaseminentabovethelotOfotherwomen,bythebirthIbore:

  Insuchaseasonborn,whenscarceashedCouldbeobtainedtoshelterhimormeFromthebleakair?Astablewasourwarmth,Amangerhis;yetsoonenforcedtoflyThenceintoEgypt,tillthemurderouskingWeredead,whosoughthislife,and,missing,filledWithinfantbloodthestreetsofBethlehem。

  FromEgypthomereturned,inNazarethHathbeenourdwellingmanyyears;hislifePrivate,unactive,calm,contemplative,Littlesuspicioustoanyking。Butnow,Fullgrowntoman,acknowledged,asIhear,ByJohntheBaptist,andinpublicshewn,SonownedfromHeavenbyhisFather’svoice,Ilookedforsomegreatchange。Tohonour?no;

  Buttrouble,asoldSimeonplainforetold,ThattothefallandrisingheshouldbeOfmanyinIsrael,andtoasignSpokenagainst——thatthroughmyverysoulAswordshallpierce。Thisismyfavouredlot,Myexaltationtoafflictionshigh!

  AfflictedImaybe,itseems,andblest!

  Iwillnotarguethat,norwillrepine。

  Butwheredelayshenow?SomegreatintentConcealshim。Whentwelveyearshescarcehadseen,Ilosthim,butsofoundaswellIsawHecouldnotlosehimself,butwentaboutHisFather’sbusiness。WhathemeantImused——

  Sinceunderstand;muchmorehisabsencenowThuslongtosomegreatpurposeheobscures。

  ButItowaitwithpatienceaminured;

  MyhearthathbeenastorehouselongofthingsAndsayingslaidup,pretendingstrangeevents。\"

  ThusMary,ponderingoft,andofttomindRecallingwhatremarkablyhadpassedSincefirstherSalutationheard,withthoughtsMeeklycomposedawaitedthefulfilling:

  ThewhileherSon,tracingthedesertwild,Sole,butwithholiestmeditationsfed,Intohimselfdescended,andatonceAllhisgreatworktocomebeforehimset——

  Howtobegin,howtoaccomplishbestHisendofbeingonEarth,andmissionhigh。

  ForSatan,withslyprefacetoreturn,Hadlefthimvacant,andwithspeedwasgoneUptothemiddleregionofthickair,WhereallhisPotentatesincouncilsate。

  There,withoutsignofboast,orsignofjoy,Solicitousandblank,hethusbegan:——

  \"Princes,Heaven’sancientSons,AEtherealThrones——

  DaemonianSpiritsnow,fromtheelementEachofhisreignallotted,rightliercalledPowersofFire,Air,Water,andEarthbeneath(SomayweholdourplaceandthesemildseatsWithoutnewtrouble!)——suchanenemyIsrisentoinvadeus,whonolessThreatensthanourexpulsiondowntoHell。

  I,asIundertook,andwiththevoteConsentinginfullfrequencewasimpowered,Havefoundhim,viewedhim,tastedhim;butfindFarotherlabourtobeundergoneThanwhenIdealtwithAdam,firstofmen,ThoughAdambyhiswife’sallurementfell,HowevertothisManinferiorfar——

  IfhebeManbymother’sside,atleastWithmorethanhumangiftsfromHeavenadorned,Perfectionsabsolute,gracesdivine,Andamplitudeofmindtogreatestdeeds。

  ThereforeIamreturned,lestconfidenceOfmysuccesswithEveinParadiseDeceiveyetopersuasionover-sureOflikesucceedinghere。IsummonallRathertobeinreadinesswithhandOrcounseltoassist,lestI,whoerstThoughtnonemyequal,nowbeovermatched。\"

  SospaketheoldSerpent,doubting,andfromallWithclamourwasassuredtheirutmostaidAthiscommand;whenfromamidstthemroseBelial,thedissolutestSpiritthatfell,Thesensualest,and,afterAsmodai,ThefleshliestIncubus,andthusadvised:——

  \"Setwomeninhiseyeandinhiswalk,Amongdaughtersofmenthefairestfound。

  ManyareineachregionpassingfairAsthenoonsky,moreliketogoddessesThanmortalcreatures,gracefulanddiscreet,Expertinamorousarts,enchantingtonguesPersuasive,virginmajestywithmildAndsweetallayed,yetterribletoapproach,Skilledtoretire,andinretiringdrawHeartsafterthemtangledinamorousnets。

  SuchobjecthaththepowertosoftenandtameSeveresttemper,smooththerugged’stbrow,Enerve,andwithvoluptuoushopedissolve,Drawoutwithcredulousdesire,andleadAtwillthemanliest,resolutestbreast,Asthemagnetichardestirondraws。

  Women,whennothingelse,beguiledtheheartOfwisestSolomon,andmadehimbuild,Andmadehimbow,tothegodsofhiswives。\"

  TowhomquickanswerSatanthusreturned:——

  \"Belial,inmuchunevenscalethouweigh’stAllothersbythyself。BecauseofoldThouthyselfdoat’stonwomankind,admiringTheirshape,theircolour,andattractivegrace,Noneare,thouthink’st,buttakenwithsuchtoys。

  BeforetheFlood,thou,withthylustycrew,FalsetitledSonsofGod,roamingtheEarth,Castwantoneyesonthedaughtersofmen,Andcoupledwiththem,andbegotarace。

  Havewenotseen,orbyrelationheard,Incourtsandregalchambershowthoulurk’st,Inwoodorgrove,bymossyfountain-side,Invalleyorgreenmeadow,towaylaySomebeautyrare,Calisto,Clymene,Daphne,orSemele,Antiopa,OrAmymone,Syrinx,manymoreToolong——thenlay’stthyscapesonnamesadored,Apollo,Neptune,Jupiter,orPan,Satyr,orFaun,orSilvan?ButthesehauntsDelightnotall。AmongthesonsofmenHowmanyhavewithasmilemadesmallaccountOfbeautyandherlures,easilyscornedAllherassaults,onworthierthingsintent!

  RememberthatPelleanconqueror,Ayouth,howallthebeautiesoftheEastHeslightlyviewed,andslightlyoverpassed;

  HowhesurnamedofAfricadismissed,Inhisprimeyouth,thefairIberianmaid。

  ForSolomon,helivedatease,and,fullOfhonour,wealth,highfare,aimednotbeyondHigherdesignthantoenjoyhisstate;

  Thencetothebaitofwomenlayexposed。

  ButhewhomweattemptiswiserfarThanSolomon,ofmoreexaltedmind,MadeandsetwhollyontheaccomplishmentOfgreatestthings。Whatwomanwillyoufind,Thoughofthisagethewonderandthefame,OnwhomhisleisurewillvoutsafeaneyeOffonddesire?Orshouldshe,confident,AssittingqueenadoredonBeauty’sthrone,DescendwithallherwinningcharmsbegirtToenamour,asthezoneofVenusonceWroughtthateffectonJove(sofablestell),Howwouldonelookfromhismajesticbrow,SeatedasonthetopofVirtue’shill,Discountenanceherdespised,andputtoroutAllherarray,herfemalepridedeject,Orturntoreverentawe!ForBeautystandsIntheadmirationonlyofweakmindsLedcaptive;ceasetoadmire,andallherplumesFallflat,andshrinkintoatrivialtoy,Ateverysuddenslightingquiteabashed。

  ThereforewithmanlierobjectswemusttryHisconstancy——withsuchashavemoreshewOfworth,ofhonour,glory,andpopularpraise(Rockswhereongreatestmenhaveoftestwrecked);

  OrthatwhichonlyseemstosatisfyLawfuldesiresofnature,notbeyond。

  AndnowIknowhehungers,wherenofoodIstobefound,inthewideWilderness:

  Therestcommittome;IshallletpassNoadvantage,andhisstrengthasoftassay。\"

  Heceased,andheardtheirgrantinloudacclaim;

  ThenforthwithtohimtakesachosenbandOfSpiritslikesttohimselfinguile,Tobeathandandathisbeckappear,IfcauseweretounfoldsomeactivesceneOfvariouspersons,eachtoknowhispart;

  Thentothedeserttakeswiththesehisflight,Wherestill,fromshadetoshade,theSonofGod,Afterfortydays’fasting,hadremained,Nowhungeringfirst,andtohimselfthussaid:——

  \"Wherewillthisend?FourtimestendaysIhavepassedWanderingthiswoodymaze,andhumanfoodNortasted,norhadappetite。ThatfastTovirtueIimputenot,orcountpartOfwhatIsufferhere。Ifnatureneednot,OrGodsupportnaturewithoutrepast,Thoughneeding,whatpraiseisittoendure?

  ButnowIfeelIhunger;whichdeclaresNaturehathneedofwhatsheasks。YetGodCansatisfythatneedsomeotherway,Thoughhungerstillremain。SoitremainWithoutthisbody’swasting,Icontentme,Andfromthestingoffaminefearnoharm;

  Normindit,fedwithbetterthoughts,thatfeedMehungeringmoretodomyFather’swill。\"

  Itwasthehourofnight,whenthustheSonCommunedinsilentwalk,thenlaidhimdownUnderthehospitablecovertnighOftreesthickinterwoven。Thereheslept,Anddreamed,asappetiteiswonttodream,Ofmeatsanddrinks,nature’srefreshmentsweet。

  HimthoughthebythebrookofCherithstood,AndsawtheravenswiththeirhornybeaksFoodtoElijahbringingevenandmorn——

  Thoughravenous,taughttoabstainfromwhattheybrought;

  HesawtheProphetalso,howhefledIntothedesert,andhowtherehesleptUnderajuniper——thenhow,awaked,Hefoundhissupperonthecoalsprepared,AndbytheAngelwasbidriseandeat,Andeatthesecondtimeafterrepose,Thestrengthwhereofsufficedhimfortydays:

  SometimesthatwithElijahhepartook,OrasaguestwithDanielathispulse。

  Thusworeoutnight;andnowtheharaldLarkLefthisground-nest,hightoweringtodescryTheMorn’sapproach,andgreetherwithhissong。

  AslightlyfromhisgrassycouchuproseOurSaviour,andfoundallwasbutadream;

  Fastinghewenttosleep,andfastingwaked。

  Uptoahillanonhisstepshereared,Fromwhosehightoptokentheprospectround,Ifcottagewereinview,sheep-cote,orherd;

  Butcottage,herd,orsheep-cote,nonehesaw——

  Onlyinabottomsawapleasantgrove,Withchauntoftunefulbirdsresoundingloud。

  Thitherhebenthisway,determinedthereTorestatnoon,andenteredsoontheshadeHigh-roofed,andwalksbeneath,andalleysbrown,Thatopenedinthemidstawoodyscene;

  Nature’sownworkitseemed(NaturetaughtArt),And,toasuperstitiouseye,thehauntOfwood-godsandwood-nymphs。Hevieweditround;

  Whensuddenlyamanbeforehimstood,Notrusticasbefore,butseemlierclad,Asoneincityorcourtorpalacebred,Andwithfairspeechthesewordstohimaddressed:——

  \"WithgrantedleaveofficiousIreturn,ButmuchmorewonderthattheSonofGodInthiswildsolitudesolongshouldbide,Ofallthingsdestitute,and,wellIknow,Notwithouthunger。Othersofsomenote,Asstorytells,havetrodthiswilderness:

  ThefugitiveBond-woman,withherson,OutcastNebaioth,yetfoundherereliefByaprovidingAngel;alltheraceOfIsraelherehadfamished,hadnotGodRainedfromheavenmanna;andthatProphetbold,NativeofThebez,wanderinghere,wasfedTwicebyavoiceinvitinghimtoeat。

  Oftheethosefortydaysnonehathregard,Fortyandmoredesertedhereindeed。\"

  TowhomthusJesus:——\"Whatconclud’stthouhence?

  Theyallhadneed;I,asthouseest,havenone。\"

  \"Howhastthouhungerthen?\"Satanreplied。

  \"Tellme,iffoodwerenowbeforetheeset,Wouldstthounoteat?\"\"ThereafterasIlikethegiver,\"answeredJesus。\"WhyshouldthatCausethyrefusal?\"saidthesubtleFiend。

  \"Hastthounotrighttoallcreatedthings?

  Owenotallcreatures,byjustright,totheeDutyandservice,nortostaytillbid,Buttenderalltheirpower?NormentionI

  Meatsbythelawunclean,orofferedfirstToidols——thoseyoungDanielcouldrefuse;

  Norprofferedbyanenemy——thoughwhoWouldscruplethat,withwantoppressed?Behold,Natureashamed,or,bettertoexpress,Troubled,thatthoushouldsthunger,hathpurveyedFromalltheelementsherchoiceststore,Totreattheeasbeseems,andasherLordWithhonour。Onlydeigntositandeat。\"

  Hespakenodream;for,ashiswordshadend,OurSaviour,liftinguphiseyes,beheld,Inamplespaceunderthebroadestshade,Atablerichlyspreadinregalmode,WithdishespiledandmeatsofnoblestsortAndsavour——beastsofchase,orfowlofgame,Inpastrybuilt,orfromthespit,orboiled,Grisamber-steamed;allfish,fromseaorshore,Freshetorpurlingbrook,ofshellorfin,Andexquisitestname,forwhichwasdrainedPontus,andLucrinebay,andAfriccoast。

  Alas!howsimple,tothesecatescompared,WasthatcrudeApplethatdivertedEve!

  Andatastatelysideboard,bythewine,Thatfragrantsmelldiffused,inorderstoodTallstriplingyouthsrich-clad,offairerhueThanGanymedorHylas;distantmore,Underthetreesnowtripped,nowsolemnstood,NymphsofDiana’strain,andNaiadesWithfruitsandflowersfromAmalthea’shorn,AndladiesoftheHesperides,thatseemedFairerthanfeignedofold,orfabledsinceOffaerydamselsmetinforestwideByknightsofLogres,orofLyones,Lancelot,orPelleas,orPellenore。

  AndallthewhileharmoniousairswereheardOfchimingstringsorcharmingpipes;andwindsOfgentlestgaleArabianodoursfannedFromtheirsoftwings,andFlora’searliestsmells。

  Suchwasthesplendour;andtheTempternowHisinvitationearnestlyrenewed:——

  \"WhatdoubtstheSonofGodtositandeat?

  Thesearenotfruitsforbidden;nointerdictDefendsthetouchingoftheseviandspure;

  Theirtastenoknowledgeworks,atleastofevil,Butlifepreserves,destroyslife’senemy,Hunger,withsweetrestorativedelight。

  AlltheseareSpiritsofair,andwoods,andsprings,Thygentleministers,whocometopayTheehomage,andacknowledgetheetheirLord。

  Whatdoubt’stthou,SonofGod?Sitdownandeat。\"

  TowhomthusJesustemperatelyreplied:——

  \"Said’stthounotthattoallthingsIhadright?

  Andwhowithholdsmypowerthatrighttouse?

  ShallIreceivebygiftwhatofmyown,Whenandwherelikesmebest,Icancommand?

  Icanatwill,doubtnot,assoonasthou,Commandatableinthiswilderness,AndcallswiftflightsofAngelsministrant,Arrayedinglory,onmycuptoattend:

  Whyshouldstthou,then,obtrudethisdiligenceInvain,wherenoacceptanceitcanfind?

  Andwithmyhungerwhathastthoutodo?

  ThypompousdelicaciesIcontemn,Andcountthyspeciousgiftsnogifts,butguiles。\"

  TowhomthusansweredSatan,male-content:——

  \"ThatIhavealsopowertogivethouseest;

  IfofthatpowerIbringtheevoluntaryWhatImighthavebestowedonwhomIpleased,AndratheropportunelyinthisplaceChosetoimparttothyapparentneed,Whyshouldstthounotacceptit?ButIseeWhatIcandoorofferissuspect。

  Ofthesethingsothersquicklywilldispose,Whosepainshaveearnedthefar-fetspoil。\"WiththatBothtableandprovisionvanishedquite,Withsoundofharpies’wingsandtalonsheard;

  OnlytheimportuneTempterstillremained,Andwiththesewordshistemptationpursued:——

  \"Byhunger,thateachothercreaturetames,Thouartnottobeharmed,thereforenotmoved;

  Thytemperance,invinciblebesides,Fornoallurementyieldstoappetite;

  Andallthyheartissetonhighdesigns,Highactions。Butwherewithtobeachieved?

  Greatactsrequiregreatmeansofenterprise;

  Thouartunknown,unfriended,lowofbirth,Acarpenterthyfatherknown,thyselfBredupinpovertyandstraitsathome,Lostinadeserthereandhunger-bit。

  Whichway,orfromwhathope,dostthouaspireTogreatness?whenceauthorityderiv’st?

  Whatfollowers,whatretinuecanstthougain,Oratthyheelsthedizzymultitude,Longerthanthoucanstfeedthemonthycost?

  Moneybringshonour,friends,conquest,andrealms。

  WhatraisedAntipatertheEdomite,AndhissonHerodplacedonJuda’sthrone,Thythrone,butgold,thatgothimpuissantfriends?

  Therefore,ifatgreatthingsthouwouldstarrive,Getrichesfirst,getwealth,andtreasureheap——

  Notdifficult,ifthouhearkentome。

  Richesaremine,fortuneisinmyhand;

  TheywhomIfavourthriveinwealthamain,Whilevirtue,valour,wisdom,sitinwant。\"

  TowhomthusJesuspatientlyreplied:——

  \"YetwealthwithoutthesethreeisimpotentTogaindominion,ortokeepitgained——

  Witnessthoseancientempiresoftheearth,Inhighthofalltheirflowingwealthdissolved;

  Butmenenduedwiththesehaveoftattained,Inlowestpoverty,tohighestdeeds——

  Gideon,andJephtha,andtheshepherdladWhoseoffspringonthethroneofJudasateSomanyages,andshallyetregainThatseat,andreigninIsraelwithoutend。

  AmongtheHeathen(forthroughouttheworldTomeisnotunknownwhathathbeendoneWorthyofmemorial)canstthounotrememberQuintius,Fabricius,Curius,Regulus?

  ForIesteemthosenamesofmensopoor,Whocoulddomightythings,andcouldcontemnRiches,thoughofferedfromthehandofkings。

  AndwhatinmeseemswantingbutthatI

  MayalsointhispovertyassoonAccomplishwhattheydid,perhapsandmore?

  Extolnotriches,then,thetoiloffools,Thewiseman’scumbrance,ifnotsnare;moreaptToslackenvirtueandabateheredgeThanprompthertodoaughtmaymeritpraise。

  WhatifwithlikeaversionIrejectRichesandrealms!Yetnotforthatacrown,Goldeninshew,isbutawreathofthorns,Bringsdangers,troubles,cares,andsleeplessnights,Tohimwhowearstheregaldiadem,Whenonhisshoulderseachman’sburdenlies;

  Forthereinstandstheofficeofaking,Hishonour,virtue,merit,andchiefpraise,Thatforthepublicallthisweighthebears。

  Yethewhoreignswithinhimself,andrulesPassions,desires,andfears,ismoreaking——

  Whicheverywiseandvirtuousmanattains;

  Andwhoattainsnot,illaspirestoruleCitiesofmen,orheadstrongmultitudes,Subjecthimselftoanarchywithin,Orlawlesspassionsinhim,whichheserves。

  ButtoguidenationsinthewayoftruthBysavingdoctrine,andfromerrorleadToknow,and,knowing,worshipGodaright,Isyetmorekingly。Thisattractsthesoul,Governstheinnerman,thenoblerpart;

  Thatothero’erthebodyonlyreigns,Andoftbyforce——whichtoagenerousmindSoreigningcanbenosinceredelight。

  Besides,togiveakingdomhathbeenthoughtGreaterandnoblerdone,andtolaydownFarmoremagnanimous,thantoassume。

  Richesareneedless,then,bothforthemselves,Andforthyreasonwhytheyshouldbesought——

  Togainasceptre,oftestbettermissed。\"ParadiseRegained-book3ParadiseRegainedbyJohnMiltonBook3SOspaketheSonofGod;andSatanstoodAwhileasmute,confoundedwhattosay,Whattoreply,confutedandconvincedOfhisweakarguingandfallaciousdrift;

  Atlength,collectingallhisserpentwiles,Withsoothingwordsrenewed,himthusaccosts:——

  \"Iseethouknow’stwhatisofusetoknow,Whatbesttosaycanstsay,todocanstdo;

  Thyactionstothywordsaccord;thywordsTothylargeheartgiveutterancedue;thyheartContainsofgood,wise,just,theperfetshape。

  Shouldkingsandnationsfromthymouthconsult,ThycounselwouldbeastheoracleUrimandThummim,thoseoraculousgemsOnAaron’sbreast,ortongueofSeersoldInfallible;or,wertthousoughttodeedsThatmightrequirethearrayofwar,thyskillOfconductwouldbesuchthatalltheworldCouldnotsustainthyprowess,orsubsistInbattle,thoughagainstthyfewinarms。

  Thesegodlikevirtueswhereforedostthouhide?

  Affectingprivatelife,ormoreobscureInsavagewilderness,whereforedepriveAllEarthherwonderatthyacts,thyselfThefameandglory——glory,therewardThatsoleexcitestohighattemptstheflameOfmosterectedspirits,mosttemperedpureAEthereal,whoallpleasureselsedespise,Alltreasuresandallgainesteemasdross,Anddignitiesandpowers,allbutthehighest?

  Thyyearsareripe,andover-ripe。ThesonOfMacedonianPhiliphaderetheseWonAsia,andthethroneofCyrusheldAthisdispose;youngScipiohadbroughtdownTheCarthaginianpride;youngPompeyquelledThePonticking,andintriumphhadrode。

  Yetyears,andtoripeyearsjudgmentmature,Quenchnotthethirstofglory,butaugment。

  GreatJulius,whomnowalltheworldadmires,Themorehegrewinyears,themoreinflamedWithglory,weptthathehadlivedsolongIngloroious。Butthouyetartnottoolate。\"

  TowhomourSaviourcalmlythusreplied:——

  \"ThouneitherdostpersuademetoseekwealthForempire’ssake,norempiretoaffectForglory’ssake,byallthyargument。

  Forwhatisglorybuttheblazeoffame,Thepeople’spraise,ifalwayspraiseunmixed?

  Andwhatthepeoplebutaherdconfused,Amiscellaneousrabble,whoextolThingsvulgar,and,wellweighed,scarceworththepraise?

  Theypraiseandtheyadmiretheyknownotwhat,Andknownotwhom,butasoneleadstheother;

  Andwhatdelighttobebysuchextolled,Toliveupontheirtongues,andbetheirtalk?

  Ofwhomtobedispraisedwerenosmallpraise——

  Hislotwhodaresbesingularlygood。

  TheintelligentamongthemandthewiseArefew,andgloryscarceoffewisraised。

  Thisistruegloryandrenown——whenGod,LookingontheEarth,withapprobationmarksThejustman,anddivulgeshimthroughHeavenToallhisAngels,whowithtrueapplauseRecounthispraises。ThushedidtoJob,When,toextendhisfamethroughHeavenandEarth,Asthoutothyreproachmay’stwellremember,Heaskedthee,’HastthouseenmyservantJob?’

  FamoushewasinHeaven;onEarthlessknown,Wheregloryisfalseglory,attributedTothingsnotglorious,mennotworthyoffame。

  TheyerrwhocountitglorioustosubdueByconquestfarandwide,tooverrunLargecountries,andinfieldgreatbattleswin,Greatcitiesbyassault。WhatdotheseworthiesButrobandspoil,burn,slaughter,andenslavePeaceablenations,neighbouringorremote,Madecaptive,yetdeservingfreedommoreThanthosetheirconquerors,wholeavebehindNothingbutruinwheresoe’ertheyrove,Andalltheflourishingworksofpeacedestroy;

  Thenswellwithpride,andmustbetitledGods,Greatbenefactorsofmankind,Deliverers,Worshippedwithtemple,priest,andsacrifice?

  OneisthesonofJove,ofMarstheother;

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