Classic Poem

107

A wond'rous Crowd then 'gan aloud,
thus for themselves to say,
We did intend, Lord to amend,
and to reform our way:
Our true intent was to repent,
and make our peace with thee;
But sudden death stopping our breath,
left us no libertie.

108

Short was our time, for in his prime
our youthful flow'r was cropt:
We dy'd in youth, before full growth,
so was our purpose stopt.
Let our good will to turn from ill,
and sin to have forsaken,
Accepted be, O Lord, by thee,
and in good part be taken.

109

To whom the Judge: where you alledge
the shortness of the space,
That from your birth you liv'd on earth,
to compass saving Grace:
It was Free grace that any space
was given you at all
To turn from evil, defie the Devil,
and upon God to call.

110

One day, one week, wherein to seek
God's face with all your hearts,
A favour was that far did pass
the best of your deserts.
You had a season, what was your reason
such precious hours to waste?
What could you find, what could you mind
that was of greater haste?

111

Could you find time for vain pastime,
for loose licentious mirth?
For fruitless toyes, and fading joyes
that perish in the birth?
Had you good leasure for carnal Pleasure,
in dayes of health and youth?
And yet no space to seek God's face,
and turn to him in truth?

112

In younger years, beyond your fears,
what if you were surprised?
You put away the evil day,
and of long life devised.
You oft were told, and might behold,
that Death no Age doth spare;
Why then did you your time foreslow,
and slight your Souls welfare?