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
This dangerous treason, lurking in our way,
Then, forth, dear countrymen; let us deliver
Our puissance into the hand of God.

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,
Beseeching God, and you, to pardon me.

I rather do beseech you pardon me,
Who, earnest in the service of my God,
Neglect the visitation of my friends.

*

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;
And chiefly, therefore, I thank God, and thee;
He was the Author, thou the instrument.

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,
More than God, or religious churchmen may.

1 HENRY VI. i. 1.

That he is dead, good Warwick, 't is too true;
But how he died, God knows.

2 HENRY VI. iii. 2.

For love of God, forbear him.

HAMLET, V. 1.

Proffers, not took, reap thanks for their reward.
Inspired merit, so by breath is barr'd:

It is not so with Him, that all things knows,
As 't is with us, that square our guess by shows;

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,
O, know you, that He doth it publicly;
He needs no indirect nor lawless course
To cut off those that have offended Him!

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,
And leave the world for me to bustle in.

HENRY V. v. 2.

RICHARD III. i. 1.

We are in God's hand, brother, not in theirs.

HENRY V. iii. 6.