University of Virginia Library

[1646.] The Complaint of Christmas.

[Concerning of the Crosse my faith is this]

Concerning of the Crosse my faith is this
It is amisse, to such as mak't amisse.
To such as reverence it or doe adore it,
Or say their prayers to it or before it.
Such do pervert it from its proper use,
And turne an ornament, to an abuse.
We use no crosse in Baptisme, with intent
To adde some vertue to the Sacrament:
Nor is it us'd at all, by any one
Untill the Child be baptis'd, and alls done.
Turkes, Pagans, Heathens, Infidels, and Jewes,
They know not Christ, therefore no Crosse they use,
But no true Christian, justly can repine
To let a Crosse stand, as a Christian signe.
Knaves may deface it, Fooles may worship it,
And both are done for want of Grace, or Wit,
Flagges, Ensignes, Armes for Sea, or Court, or Campe
And all our monies beare the Crosses stampe.
And those that wrong'd the Crosses here's my curse,
May they want Crosses allwayes in their purse.