THE SYNAGOGUE; OR, THE SHADOW OF THE TEMPLE: SACRED POEMS AND PRIVATE EJACULATIONS IN IMITATION OF MR GEORGE HERBERT. [BY CHRISTOPHER HARVEY, M.A.] Stultissimum credo ad imitandum non optima quæque proponere. PLIN. Sec. Lib. i. Ep. 5. I do esteem 't a folly not the least Or Christopher Harvey or Harvie, the author of the "Synagogue," all that is known is, that he was a clergyman's son in Cheshire, was educated at Brazen-Nose College, and became Vicar of Clifton, Warwickshire. He published the "Synagogue" in 1640, without his name. Walton commended the book, and ascribed it to Harvie. He wrote another book called "Schola Cordis," sometimes ascribed to Quarles. His "Synagogue" has less poetic merit than the "Temple,” but is very pious and instructive. THE SYNAGOGUE. SUBTERLIMINARE. DIC, cujus Templum? Christi. Quis condidit? Ede. Cedite Romance, Graiiæ quoque cedite Musa; A STEPPING-STONE TO THE THRESHOLD OF MR HERBERT'S " CHURCH-PORCH." WHAT Church is this? Master George Herbert. Christ's Church. Who assisted it? Many assisted who I may not say, So much contention might arise that way. If I Who builded it? say Grace gave all; Wit straight doth thwart, And says, All that is there is mine but Art Denies, and says, There's nothing there but's mine: Divide say, Grace the matter gave, and Wit When each doth challenge all to be his own. Roman and Grecian Muses all give way: THE DEDICATION. LORD, my first fruits should have been sent to thee; That bare them, only lentest unto me. But while I had the use, the fruit was mine: As that I dare presume to call it thine. Before 'twas ripe it fell unto the ground: It bruised in the dirt, nor clean, nor sound. Some I have pick'd, and wiped, and bring thee now, Lord, thou know'st how : Gladly I would, but dare not it avow. Such as it is, 'tis here. Pardon the best, Thy pardon and acceptance maketh blest. THE CHURCH-YARD. THOU that intendest to the Church to-day, THE CHURCH-STILE. SEEST thou that stile? Observe then how it rises, Step after step, and equally descends : Wouldst thou in grace to high perfections grow? |