Classic Poem

1

The Saints have never been
To meet with God more free,
Then when they have been most depriv'd
Of outward Libertee.
When Banished, Confined,
Impris'nd they have been,
They have God's Presence more enjoy'd
And more his Glory seen.

2

When Jacob fled from home
Because of Esau's spight,
And lay abroad i'th' open Aire,
Upon the Earth all night,
He saw that wondrous Ladder,
Whose top to Heaven raught,
Which Jesus Christ God-man, and our
Salvation by him taught.

3

Moses i'th' Wilderness,
During his Banishment,
Meets with the God of Israel ,
And is to Israel sent
To carry welcome news
Of their deliverance,
And that the Lord would lead them forth
To their Inheritance.

4

Daniel i'th' Lions Den
Had Angels company
And when those three were in the Fire,
The Son of God stood by
John in his Patmos -Isle
Most glorious Visions had,
And Revelations of such things
As make God's Sion glad.

5

While Paul and Silas sing
Together in the Stocks,
The Lord an Earthquake sends, and all
The Prison-doors unlocks.
Sundry sweet Visions
Had Paul in his Restraint:
The Lord appearing to confirm
And cheer his Suffering Saint.

6

The time would fail to tell
Examples of this kind:
These are enough to prove, that Saints
May God in Prison find.
Where God is most enjoy'd,
There's sweetest Liberty:
But many have enjoy'd him most
In their Captivity.

7

Lord, let me more enjoy
Thy Presence in Restraint:
And then of wanting Liberty
I need not make complaint.
My Soul bring out of Prison,
That I thy Name may praise:
Oh set my feet at liberty
To walk in Wisdom's wayes.