University of Virginia Library


69

7.

[The quick conceited Schoole-men doe approve]

The quick conceited Schoole-men doe approve
A difference 'twixt Charity and Love:
Love is a vertue, whereby we explaine
Our selves to God, and God to us againe:
But Charitie's imparted to our Brother,
Whereby we trafficke, one man with another:
The first extends to God; The last belongs
To Man, in giving right, and bearing wrongs;
In number, they are twaine, In vertue one;
For one not truely being, t'other's none.
In loving God, if I neglect my Neighbour,
My love hath lost his proofe, and I my labour:
My Zeale, my Faith, my Hope, that never failes me,
(If Charity be wanting) nought a vailes me.
(Lord) in my Soule, a spirit of Love create me,
And I will love my Brother, if he hate me:
In nought but love, let me envy my betters;
And then, Forgive my debts, as I my detters.