 | Otia Sacra Optima Fides |  |
45
This is a true saying, That Christ came, &c.
Be a thing true or false, our Nature liesAlwayes so prone to Novelties,
That we are caught: and what is done or said,
Tickle, till we have uttered;
Yet are asleep whilst this True saying's come,
(Or else with Zachary struck dumbe
Through incredulity) although 't express
In it the height of our unworthiness:
And this the Scope, That He was 'nointed King
Although he govern'd every thing,
Contented was of's footstool t'make a throne
Where He might work Salvation,
And so is a true Jesus; nor doth thus
Become unto the Righteous,
But to Those likewise who through sins decree
Condemned were to Miserie,
Amongst whom the Apostle, whilst he'averrs
Himself as chief, so little errs:
What should we Judge our selves to be, whose all
Of Life is but Apocryphall,
Less than the least of Mercies: yet again
When in our ills we not remain,
Goodness shall cause that Scepter to distill
All saving Grace into the will;
So that repair'd by this, forgiv'n by that,
We may thus far be Consolat,
That Princely Clemency, and wonted love,
May both the Crime and guilt remove:
Then though the chiefest of the Chief we bee,
If we repent, this Verse may set us free.
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