“we hope we have not cast a Pearl before the swine, but set a glass before the grateful doves.”
From Robert Turner
12 March 1656
make my tongue as a sharp knife to ever express a special eloquence these things, words – my tongue like an arrow
Incipit expositio dictae orationis.
Light of the world, God the infinite Mother and Father of eternity, the bestower of wisdom and of knowledge and of all spiritual grace, the most Holy and an inestimable Dispenser, knowing all things before they be done. And you worketh the darkness and its light, and put your hand on my hand, and touch my bones and my life and you makes my tongue as sharp as a knife to ever express with a special eloquence these things, words. Make my tongue as an arrow telling of your wonders and speaking of them from the heart. Lord, send your Holy Spirit into my heart to help me understand your wonders and retain them there. Lord, send your Holy Spirit into my heart to help me understand your meanings, to keep them in my heart and in my conscience. Prepare me under an oath that is my right to your knowledge. Give me true compassion, mercy and grace. Teach me and instruct me how to come to my senses, and teach me, and correct me, until the end, with your highest counsel and assist me through your infinite wisdom and Mercy.