That he came to a perfect recovery from his having been in a maze,
seems to appear plainly by the following thanksgiving to God for his
mercies, which he published after his fall:
‘It is in my heart to praise thee, O my God; let me never forget
thee, what thou hast been to me in the night, by thy presence
in the day of trial, when I was beset in darkness, when I was
cast out as a wandering bird, when I was assaulted with strong
temptations, then thy presence in secret did preserve me, and in
a low state I felt thee near me. When the floods sought to sweep
me away, thou didst set a compass for them how far they should
pass over. When my way was through the sea, and when I passed
under the mountains, there wast thou present with me. When the
weight of the hills was upon me, thou upheldst me, else had I
sunk under the earth. When I was as one altogether helpless;
when tribulation and anguish was upon me day and night, and the
earth without foundation; when I went on the way of wrath, and
passed by the gates of hell; when all comforts stood afar off,
and he that is mine enemy had dominion; when I was cast into the
pit, and was as one appointed to death; when I was between the
millstones, and as one crushed with the weight of his adversary;
as a father, Thou wast with me, and the rock of thy presence.
When the mouths of lions roared against me, and fear took hold
of my soul in the pit, then I called upon thee in the night,
and my cries were strong before thee daily; who answeredst me
from thy habitation, and deliveredst me from thy dwelling-place;
saying, I will set thee above all thy fears, and lift up thy feet
above the head of oppression, I believed, and was strengthened,
and thy word was salvation. Thou didst fight on my part when I
wrestled with death; and when darkness would have shut me up,
then thy light shone about me, and thy banner was over my head.
When my work was in the furnace, and as I passed through the
fire, by thee I was not consumed, though the flames ascended
above my head. When I beheld the dreadful visions and was amongst
the fiery spirits, thy faith stayed me, else through fear I had
fallen. I saw thee and believed, so the enemy could not prevail.
‘When I look back into thy works I am astonished, and see no
end of thy praises. Glory, glory to thee, saith my soul, and
let my heart be ever filled with thanksgiving. Whilst thy works
remain, they shall show forth thy power. Then didst thou lay
the foundation of the earth, and lead me under the waters, and
in the deep didst thou show me wonders, and thy forming of the
world. By thy hand thou ledst me in safety, till thou showedst
me the pillars of the earth. Then did the heavens shower down,
they were covered with darkness, and the powers thereof were
shaken, and thy glory descended; thou filledst the lower parts
of the earth with gladness, and the springs of the valleys were
opened, and thy showers descended abundantly; so the earth was
filled with virtue. Thou madest thy plant to spring, and the
thirsty soul became as a watered garden: then didst thou lift
me out of the pit, and set me forth in the sight of my enemies.
Thou proclaimedst liberty to the captive, and calledst mine
acquaintance near me: they to whom I had been a wonder, looked
upon me, and in thy love I obtained favour in those who had
forsook me. Then did gladness swallow up sorrow, and I forsook
all my troubles; and I said, how good is it that man be proved
in the night, that he may know his folly; that every mouth may
become silent in thy hand until thou makest man known to himself,
and hast slain the boaster, and showed him the vanity that vexeth
thy spirit.