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| The crosse |
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| Since Christ embraced the cross itself, dare I [f. 61] |
| His image th'image of the cross deny? |
| Would I haue profitt by the sacrifice, |
| And dare the chosen alter* to despise. |
| It bore all other sinnes; but is it fitt |
| That it should beare, the sinne of scorning it? |
| Who from the picture would avert his eye |
| How would he fly his paines, who there did dye? |
| From me noe pulpitt, nor misgrounded lawe |
| Nor scandall taken shall this cross withdraw, |
| It shall not, for it cannott, for the losse |
| Of this cross, were to me another Crosse, |
| Better weare worse; for noe affliction |
| No cross is soe extreame, as to have none; |
| Who can blott out yt cross, wch the instrument |
| Of God dewd on me in the Sacrament? |
| Who can deny me power and liberty |
| To stretch myne armes and my* owne cross to be? |
| Swimme, & at everie stroke, thou art thy cross |
| The mast, and yard makes one, where seas doe tosse. |
| Looke downe, thou spiest our crosses in small things |
| Looke vp, thou seest birds raised on crossed winges |
| All the Globes frame, and Spheares, is nothing else |
| But the Meridians crossing paralells;
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[CW: Materiall] |