LBarlobe Pooper

OF THE

Had he dropt

That Eagle-Genius! O had he let fall
One Feather as he flew; I, then, had wrote
What Friends might flatter, prudent Foes forbear.
Yet what I can I must; it were profane

To quench a Glory lighted at the Skies,
And caft in Shadows his illuftrious Clofe!

Night-Thoughts, No. 2.

THE SECOND EDITION.

SALOP:

Printed by J. EDDOWES;

And fold by J. BUCKLAND, in Pater-nofter-row, LONDON.

THE

PREFA CE.

THE

HE Lives of worthy and pious Men are generally reckoned fome of the most useful Books which have been published. But there feems a peculiar Propriety in laying before the World what can be known of the Piety, Benevolence and Zeal of thofe, who have filled more eminent Stations in it; and distinguished themselves by their Writings in the Service of Religion. There is a natural Curiosity in Mankind to know fome particulars of the Lives of thofe, whofe Works they have read with Pleafure and Advantage. Even minute Circumstances, which to others may appear unworthy of public Notice, are to them interefting Events. Nor is this Kind of History merely calculated to entertain and amuse, but is evidently capable of answering much more valuable Ends. When there appears an exact Correfpondence between a Man's Writings and Temper; between the Duties he recommended to others and his own Practice, his Works are read with greater Attention, and are more likely, thro' a divine Bleffing, to produce the defired Effect. The Lives of holy, zealous Ministers are particular