George Withers' Emblemes

Letbim, that at Govs Altarftands i
In Jnnocenci'e, wajh his Hands. 41
Illvstr. XLI. Book. i.
IMS-Hen (Redder) thou haft firft of all furva'yd
l^ffiM That Reverend Priejl, which here ingraven ftands,
^^ In all his Holly Vestments array'd,
Endeavouring for Purifyed- Hands •
Collect from hence, that, when thou doP^ appeare
To offer Sacrifice ofPrajfe or Prayer,
Thou oughrft the Robes of Righhoufr'.fjc, to weare,,
And, by Repentance, thy defects repairc.
For, thou, thar, with polluted Hands prefum'ft
Before Gods Altar to prcfent thy Face •
Or, in the Rags of thine owne Merits com'ft,
Shalt reape DifJ/leaftirc, where thou look'ft for Grace.
Then, ifthou be of thofe that would afpire
A Priejl, or Prelate, in Gods Church to be ;
Befure,thou-firft thofe Ornaments acquire,
Which, may be Turing to that High-Degree.
Intrude not, as perhaps too many doe,
With Gifts unfit, or by an Evill mtane:
Dcfire it with a right Intention too 5
And,feeketokeepc thy Conversation clcane.
Tor, they that havcafTum'd this Holy -Calling,
Wirh Hands impure, and Hearts unfanrtify'd.
Defame the Truth • give others caufe of Falling,
And, fcandaKze their Brethren, too, befide :
Yea, to themfclvcs, their very Sacrifice
Becomes unhallow'd
;
and, their Thanhs and Prayers,
The GodofPuriiy, doth fo defpife,
That, all their Hopes, he turneth to Deff aires i
And, all their b ft Endeavours, countermands,
Till they appcavc with unpolluted Hands.
G ^"