Lumen de Lumine

When I did first put my Thoughts to paper, God can beare me witnesse, it was not for any private ends. I was drawn, and forc’d to it by a strong Admiration of the Mysterie and Majestie of Nature. It was my Design to glorifie the Truth, and in some measure to serve the Age, had they been capable of it. But the barbarous Insults I have met withall, and without any Deserts of mine, have forc’d my Charitie to keep at Home. Truly had not I been robb’d of my Peace, I had imparted some things, which I am confident this Generation will not receive from another pen. But the Times in this Respect fall not even with providence, for the Years of Discoverie are not yet come. This Truth like the Dove in the Deluge, must hover in winds and Tempests, overlooke the Surges and Billows, and find no place for the Sole of her Foot. But the wise God provides for her: on all these waves and Waters she hath a little Ark to returne to. Me thinks I see her in the window all wet, and weather-beaten: She hath been rejected abroad, and now I will take her Home. Come in with thy Branch of Olive!