I. NEWLY AWAKED.

BY the Levitical law, the firstling of every clean creature which opened the matrix was holy to God. [Exod. xxxiv. 19.] By the moral analogy thereof, this first glance of mine eyes is due to him. By the custom of this kingdom there accrueth to the landlord a fine and heriot from his tenant taking a farther estate in his lease. I hold from God this clay cottage of my body (a homely tenement, but may I in some measure be assured of a better before outed of this). Now, being raised from last night’s sleep, I may seem to renew a life. What shall I pay to my landlord? even the best quick creature which is to be found on my barren copyhold, namely, the calves of my lips, praising him for his protection over me. More he doth not ask, less I 143cannot give; yea, such is his goodness and my weakness, that before I can give him thanks he giveth me to be thankful.