University of Virginia Library

Sinnes Jnfirmitie.

The Sinne of Mans infirmitie is knowne
Best by the consequence, (sad sorrowes groane.)
It leaves behind it such a sting within
The Soule; that miserable Man for sinne
(Snar'd with temptations in this worlds wide Hall)
Can never be at rest; but grieve and fall
Out to the Death with his abhord condition,
The guilt of Conscience; and the base fruition
Of his besotted sence; he takes no pleasure
In the worlds wealth; weighing Gods deepe displeasure
Still against sinne; he never is at quiet,
At Home, abroad, in bed, or at his diet.
There is no health in's flesh, no rest in's bones,
Sinne stifles sence, all mirth converts to moanes.
Each comfort proves disconsolate within
That soule, which really is griev'd for sinne.
Deepe swelling sighes, like breaking Seas discover
Heart breaking groanes; one griefe upon another.
Sinne like incessan stormes beats on the breast
Of Mans afflicted soule, never at rest,
'Till he has made his peace with Heav'n, by so und
And serious humble reconcilement drownd
In streaming teares; such teares, as best expresse,
For sinnes infirme; a heart in bitternesse.
Learne thou this Lesson, thou whose clouded eyes,
Hides thee from sight of thy infirmities,
Thy Pride, oppression, lust-provoking diet,
Nastie defilements, drunken belching riot,
Which so besweats, sots, and bespots the soule,
As renders it most loathsome, uggly foule
To the Eyes of the All-pure-God; He spies
All our base thoughts, each darke deed, all those lies
The Divell blinds us with, to our abuse;
Vnder the feign'd pretence of an excuse;