_Ferrar and Benlowes._--The preface to that very singular poem, _Theophila:
Love's Sacrifice_. Lond. 1652, by Edw. Benlowes, contains a passage so
closely resembling the inscription "in the great parlour" at Little Gidding
(Peckard's _Life of Nic. Ferrar_, p. 234), that the coincidence cannot have
been accidental, and, if it has not been elsewhere pointed out, may be
worth record. As the inscription, thought not dated, was set up during the
life of Ferrar, who died in 1637, the imitation was evidently not _his_.
Only so much of the inscription is here given as is requisite to show the
parallel.
"He who (by reproof of our errors, and remonstrance of that which is
more perfect) seeks to make us better, is welcome as an Angel of God:
and he who (by a cheerful participation of that which is good) confirms
us in the same, is welcome as a Christian friend. But he who faults us
in absence, for that which in presence he made show to approve of, doth
by a double guilt of flattery and slander violate the bands both of
friendship and charity."
Thus writes Benlowes:
"He who shall contribute to the improvement of the author, either by a
prudent detection of an errour, or a sober communication of an
irrefragable truth, deserves the venerable esteem and welcome of a good
Angel. And he who by a candid adherence unto, and a fruitful
participation of, what is good and pious, confirms him therein, merits
the honourable entertainment of a faithful friend: but he who shall
traduce him in absence for what in presence he would seem to applaud,
incurres the double guilt of flattery and slander: and he who wounds
him with ill reading and misprision, does execution on him before
judgement."