xvi. The Spouse to the Younglynges.
The Argument.
So
feruent is the Churches zeale to bring all creatures to
the loue of her Beloued, that it causeth the wycked, and
suche as hate the truthe, to persecute her: whiche also for a
whyle Christ suffereth, to trye whether she be constant in the
truthe or no. Whiche she knowyng welynough, exhorteth the
Younglynges not to be afrayed though the malice of manne
for a tyme seeme to preuayle: and to cumfort them the more,
allegeth that it cummeth not agaynst her Beloueds wyll, but
purposely by the prouidence of God, whatsoeuer tribulacion
she suffer: and that at length she shall haue the victorie
ouer all her enemies.
Vnder my head my Loue hath layed
His left hande of aduersitie,
To proue yf I woulde be afrayed
His truth moste true to testifie
Continually.
He suffereth men me to assayle
To trye me oft and diuersly
To see yf malice may preuayle
To make me leaue hym peruersly,
Continually
Wherwith although I be afflict,
In wurth I take all louyngly:
Beyng for Christes sake addict
To suffre al paynes wyllyngly,
Continually.
For God whan it shal please his grace,
May turne my trust to victorie:
For why his ryght hande wyll embrace
His Churche with all prosperitie,
Continually.
