AN OLD ENGRAVED CUP.
(To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—I have an old wooden cup, date of James I. or so, with inscriptions, very much defaced, on it. Probably it was used in connexion with Sacramental service, as the inscriptions (or, rather, engravings) are of a sacred character. I am writing to ask whether you, or any reader, could help me to fill up the gaps. Probably they are texts taken from some source which may be familiar to many, although 'I do not know it. Under the base I make out : In the inmost circle, "Love in all good workes they not unfruitful p(rove ?)." In the second circle, " Such as have faith working by sincere they shall obtayne." Perhaps the in- most inscription is supposed to come in after " sincere." In the third circle, "A crowne of lyfe through H(i)m. They godly live and come to blessed end." In the fourth circle, " Lyfe and risen in Heaven," and " do apprehend," are the only words legible, and even of some letters in these I am uncertain. Then, round top if cup, is " . . came some to redeeme by His death . . . to death and hell : we are lost . . ." The next line is quite illegible. Round base are two circles of characters—that next the 'outside runs : " With honest good harts they delight to hears Ills wordet; of mercy often preacht and read." The outside circle runs: " That joyful tidings of salvation dcare : To such as learns a Christian lyfe to lead being renewed in minds." If any can help me to fill gaps and piece together and give me reference to the source of extraction of these fragments I shall be very
67 Cadogan Square.
Previous page
