40. These politicians that profest
For base and worldly ends,
Do now appear to us at best
But Machiavellian friends.
41. Though men do say, we do disgrace
Ourselves by lying here
Among the rogues, yet Christ our face
From all such filth will clear.
42. We know there's neither flout nor frown
That we now for him bear,
But will add to our heavenly crown,
When he comes in the air.
43. When he our righteousness forth brings
Bright shining as the day,
And wipeth off those sland'rous things
That scorners on us lay.
44. We sell our earthly happiness
For heavenly house and home;
We leave this world because 'tis less,
And worse than that to come.
45. We change our drossy dust for gold,
From death to life we fly:
We let go shadows, and take hold
Of immortality.
46. We trade for that which lasting is,
And nothing for it give,
But that which is already his
By whom we breath and live.
47. That liberty we lose for him,
Sickness might take away:
Our goods might also for our sin
By fire or thieves decay.
48. Again, we see what glory 'tis
Freely to bear our cross
For him, who for us took up his,
When he our servant was.
49. I am most free that men should see
A hole cut thro' mine ear;
If others will ascertain me,
They'll hang a jewel there.