The Book to the Reader.
Peruse with patience, I thee pray!
My simple style, and metre base.
The works of GOD, with wisdom weigh!
The force of Love, the strength of Grace.
Love causèd GOD, His grace to give,
To such as should for Him be slain.
Grace wrought in them, while they did live,
For love, to love their Christ again.
Now Grace is of such strength and might,
That nothing may the same withstand.
Grace putteth death and hell to flight,
And guides us to the Living Land.
The force of Love also is such,
That fear and pain it doth expel;
Love thinketh nothing over much;
Love doth all earthly things excel.
Thus Love and Grace of GOD began
To work in them, to do His will:
These virtues' force wrought Love in man,
That fear was past, their blood to spill.
FINIS.