In The Meanwhile It Behoveth Every Man Of Great Calling, In Whom Is
Any Instinct Of Inclination Unto This Attempt,
To examine his own
motions, which, if the same proceed of ambition or avarice, he may
assure himself it cometh
Not of God, and therefore cannot have
confidence of God's protection and assistance against the violence
(else irresistible) both of sea and infinite perils upon the land;
whom God yet may use as an instrument to further His cause and glory
some way, but not to build upon so bad a foundation. Otherwise, if his
motives be derived from a virtuous and heroical mind, preferring
chiefly the honour of God, compassion of poor infidels captived by the
devil, tyrannizing in most wonderful and dreadful manner over their
bodies and souls; advancement of his honest and well-disposed
countrymen, willing to accompany him in such honourable actions;
relief of sundry people within this realm distressed; all these be
honourable purposes, imitating the nature of the munificent God,
wherewith He is well pleased, who will assist such an actor beyond
expectation of many. And the same, who feeleth this inclination in
himself, by all likelihood may hope or rather confidently repose in
the preordinance of God, that in this last age of the world (or likely
never) the time is complete of receiving also these gentiles into His
mercy, and that God will raise Him an instrument to effect the same;
it seeming probable by event of precedent attempts made by the
Spaniards and French sundry times, that the countries lying north of
Florida God hath reserved the same to be reduced into Christian
civility by the English nation.
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