MORE DIRECTIONS 



And since you like these verses of Mr. Herbert's so well, 

 let me tell you what a reverend and learned Divine that pro- 

 fesses to imitate him, and has indeed done so most excellently, 

 hath writ of our Book of Common Prayer, which I know you 

 will like the better, because he is a friend of mine, and I am 

 sure no enemy to Angling. 



What? pray'r by th' book? and common? Yes, why not? 



The Spirit of Grace 

 And Supplication, 

 Is not left free alone 

 For time and place, 



But manner too: to read or speak by rote, 

 Is all alike to him, that prays 

 In 's heart, what with his mouth he says. 



They that in private by themselves alone 



Do pray, may take 

 What liberty they please, 

 In choosing of the ways 



Wherein to make 



Their souls' most intimate affections known 

 To him that sees in secret, when 

 Th' are most conceal'd from other men. 



But he, that unto others leads the way 



In public prayer, 

 Should do it so 

 As all that hear may know 



They need not fear 



To tune their hearts unto his tongue, and say, 

 Amen; not doubt they were betray'd 

 To blaspheme, when they meant to have pray'd 



Devotion will add life unto the letter, 



And why should not 

 That which authority 

 Prescribes, esteemed be 



Advantage got? 



If th' prayer be good, the commoner the better, 

 Prayer in the Church's words, as .well 

 As sense, of all prayers bears the bell. 



CH. HARVIE. 



And now, Scholar, I think it will be time to repair to our 

 Angle-rods, which we left in the water, to fish for themselves, 

 74 



