Flamma sine Fumo or, poems without fictions. Hereunto are annexed the Causes, Symptoms, or Signes of several Diseases with their Cures, and also the diversity of Urines, with their Causes in Poetical measure. By R. W. [i.e. Rowland Watkyns] |
The Saints of God. |
Flamma sine Fumo | ||
The Saints of God.
Sanctitas nobis non per meritum sed per gratiam imputatur.
The neerer we approach to God; the more
Wee find our imperfections, and deplore
Our frail estate: our weaknesse best we see.
In the fair glasse of Gods great Majesty:
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Do guild the world with their resplendent light.
But they are dull, and never do appear,
When once the sun shines in our Hemisphere.
The Sons of God, the children of the day,
Excell the rest in beauty: but when they
Behold Gods glory with a serious mind,
They nothing in themselves, but darknesse find.
The righteous do condemn themselves, and spy
Beams in their own, not in their brothers eye.
None keeps the paper of his life so white,
But he will sometimes blot, as well as write.
If th' heavens are not cleane, nor Angels pure
In Gods account; who is from sin secure
Therefore Gods Saints are from presumption free,
Their faith is cloth'd with works of charity.
Grant me (sweet Lord) a righteous life, then I,
The precious death of thy dear Saints shall dy.
Flamma sine Fumo | ||