Twas sin brought shame into the world: til then
There was no nakednesse 'mongst men;
And till they " put on Righteousnesse," they wil
Though clad in gold be naked stil;
They may their clothes change every day, yet find
That clothes they want, unless they change their mind.
The newnesse of the fashion's not enough,
Nor yet the richnesse of the stuff,
To cover the soul's nakednesse within,
Whiles tis deform'd with deadly sin.
The Gallant without grace, for all his brags,
Is worse attir'd then Truth that goes in rags.
What matter is't if that his body be
Adorn'd with all the bravery
His wealth can compasse, or his wit invent:
For all this costly ornament,
If he be destitute of Righteousnesse
To clothe his soul, hee's naked ne're the lesse.
God looks into my inside, and if there
He see that I do vertue weare,
And that the habits of my mind are white
As Innocence, and clear as Light;
Then He invites me as a proper guest,
Being thus apparrel'd, to His Marriage-Feast.
Now Lord, since mine own righteousnesse will be
Too short a robe to cover me;
(For who alas, with so great store is clad,
But he to borrow may be glad?)
Do thou some of Thine Owne on me bestow,
That's long enough for both of us I know.
There was no nakednesse 'mongst men;
And till they " put on Righteousnesse," they wil
Though clad in gold be naked stil;
They may their clothes change every day, yet find
That clothes they want, unless they change their mind.
The newnesse of the fashion's not enough,
Nor yet the richnesse of the stuff,
To cover the soul's nakednesse within,
Whiles tis deform'd with deadly sin.
The Gallant without grace, for all his brags,
Is worse attir'd then Truth that goes in rags.
What matter is't if that his body be
Adorn'd with all the bravery
His wealth can compasse, or his wit invent:
For all this costly ornament,
If he be destitute of Righteousnesse
To clothe his soul, hee's naked ne're the lesse.
God looks into my inside, and if there
He see that I do vertue weare,
And that the habits of my mind are white
As Innocence, and clear as Light;
Then He invites me as a proper guest,
Being thus apparrel'd, to His Marriage-Feast.
Now Lord, since mine own righteousnesse will be
Too short a robe to cover me;
(For who alas, with so great store is clad,
But he to borrow may be glad?)
Do thou some of Thine Owne on me bestow,
That's long enough for both of us I know.
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