We now proceed to submit some further extracts from the works of Shakespeare, of a similar description to the preceding, but not accompanied with corresponding passages from Scripture; thus shewing how copiously he drew from the pure source of his own all-gifted mind, sentences of high morality and true religion. These we have placed under the respective heads of GOD, HEAVEN, DEATH, SOUL, PRAYER, HOLY, SACRAMENT, and war, in order to give a defined arrangement of the subjects, and to shew in what a pure religious sense he treats and considers each. Shakespeare. GOD. Since God so graciously hath brought to light So just is God, to right the innocent. HENRY V. ii. 2. RICHARD III. i. 3. Lord! we know what we are, but know not what we may be. HAMLET, iv. 5. O God, which this blood mad'st, revenge his death! Either Heaven, with lightning, strike the murderer dead, Or, Earth, gape open wide, and eat him quick. RICHARD III. i. 2. What is your grace's pleasure?— Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above, And all good men. RICHARD III. iii. 7. This, in the name of God, I promise here. 1 HENRY IV. iii. 2. Pray God, he may acquit him of suspicion! God be thanked for prevention; 2 HENRY VI. iii. 2. Which I in sufferance heartily will rejoice, I rather do beseech you pardon me, * HENRY V. ii. 2. MACBETH, iv. 3. RICHARD III. iii. 7. Cold news, Lord Somerset ; but God's will be done! 2 HENRY VI. iii. 1. But Warwick, after God, thou set❜st me free; 3 HENRY VI. iv. 6. Shakespeare. God defend the right! LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, i. 1. God will revenge it; whom I will importune, With earnest prayers, all to that effect. That you RICHARD III. ii. 2. God is much displeas'd, take with unthankfulness His doing. Be patient yet. RICHARD III. ii. 2. I will, when you are humble; nay, before, Or God will punish me. HENRY VIII. ii. 4. Thy wife is proud: she holdeth thee in awe, 1 HENRY VI. i. 1. That he is dead, good Warwick, 't is too true; 2 HENRY VI. iii. 2. For love of God, forbear him. HAMLET, V. 1. Proffers, not took, reap thanks for their reward. It is not so with Him, that all things knows, But most it is presumption in us, when The help of Heaven we count the act of men. ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, ii. 1. Shakespeare. Cancel his bond of life, dear God, I pray! RICHARD III. iv. 4. If God will be avenged for the deed, RICHARD III. i. 4. God be wi' you; fare you well. HAMLET, ii. 1. God grant, we never may have need of you! RICHARD III. i. 3. Both to defend my loyalty and truth, To God, my king, and my succeeding issue. RICHARD II. i. 3. God, the best maker of all marriages, Combine your hearts in one. God take King Edward to His mercy, HENRY V. v. 2. RICHARD III. i. 1. We are in God's hand, brother, not in theirs. HENRY V. iii. 6. |