"Those Eyes which long the Light of Heaven enjoy'd, "Were not by Pain, by Agony destroy'd: "My Senses fail not all; I speak, I pray ; "By Night my Rest, my Food I take by Day; "And as my Mind looks cheerful to my End, "I love Mankind and call my God my Friend." Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that, in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Epistle to Timothy. LETTER XXI. ABEL KEENE. Abel, a poor Man, Teacher of a School of the lower Order; is placed in the Office of a Merchant; is alarmed by Discourses of the Clerks; unable to reply ; becomes a Convert; dresses, drinks, and ridicules his former Conduct.-The Remonstrance of his Sister, a devout Maiden.-Its Effect.-The Merchant dies.— Abel returns to Poverty unpitied; but relieved.—His abject Condition. -His Melancholy. · He wanders about: is found.-His own Account of himself, and the Revolutions in his Mind. A QUIET Simple Man was Abel Keene, When half the Labour brought him twice the Pay. Son, Choice Spirits all, who wish'd him to be one; At these they level'd all their Skill and Strength, He fell not quickly, but he fell at length: They quoted Books, to him both bold and new, And scorn'd as Fables all he held as true; 'Such monkish Stories and such Nursery Lies,' That he was struck with Terror and Surprise. "What! all his Life had he the Laws obey'd, "Which they broke through and were not once afraid? "Had he so long his evil Passions check'd, "And yet at last had nothing to expect? "While they their Lives in Joy and Pleasure led, Much time he pass'd in this important Strife, The Youths applauded much his wise Design, Y |