The Penitent Pvblican His Confession of Movth. Contrition of heart. Vnfained Repentance. And feruent Prayer unto God, for Mercie and forgiuenesse [by Thomas Collins] |
To the Reader, whosoeuer.
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The Penitent Pvblican | ||
To the Reader, whosoeuer.
Mvch to insert, and make too long a matter,As an Apologie for my Publican:
Were, as on fire-lesse Fuell to cast water,
And shewe my selfe a sence-besotted man.
Then as it is, accept it, or reiect it,
For cringing Complements, I list not vse:
I know the wise, and vertuous will affect it,
The rest, I care not, though they it refuse.
Pebbles, are fitter, then rich Pearles, for swine,
For both (alike) th' eyle trample in the mire:
The Gordian knot, is easier to vntwine,
Then bring bad men, good matters to desire.
But you, (deuout ones) of diuiner spirit,
Doe you my labour, with my loue inherit.
Yours euer, most vnfainedlie, T. C.
The Penitent Pvblican | ||