XCVIII. Thomas Gressop

HERE is the spring where waters flowe,

To quench our heate of sinne;

Here is the tree where trueth doth grow,

To leade our liues therein.

Here is the Judge that stintes the strife,

When men’s deuices faile;

Here is the bread that feedes the life

That death cannot assaile.

The tidings of saluation deare

Comes to our eares from hence;

The fortresse of our faith is here,

And shield of our defence.

Then be not like the hogge, that hath

A pearle at his desire;

And takes more pleasure of the trough,

And wallowing in the myre.

Reade not this booke in any case

But with a single eye;

Reade not, but first desire God’s grace,

To vnderstand thereby.

Praye still in faith with this respect,

To fructifie therein;

That knowledge may bring this effect,

To mortifie thy sinne.

Then happie thou in all thy life,

Whatso to the befalles:

Yea, double happie shalt thou be,

When God by death thee calles.