Classic Poem

Repent , O ye, predestinate to woe!
'T is mine to cry—albeit, well I wis,
Ye may not heed. And ye, elect to bliss,
Must e'en be saved, whether I cry or no.

And yet, repent! Repent ye, and atone,
In either case. Forswear your wisdom's pride,
And pray for faith—though some must be denied!
Nor yet by prayer, nor yet by faith alone,

But by your works, attest your penitence.
Give to the poor!—of whom ye see in me
God's almoner—and in your charity
Deign to forget not Peter and his pence.