Religion

That to sinne finally malitiously, is irremissible

by John Davies of Hereford c. 1565–1618

From Essaies (1612)

Religion

THe oftner Sinne, the more griefe, showes a Saint;
the oftner Sinne, the lesse griefe, notes a Fiend:
But to sinne oft, with griefe the Soule doth taint;
and, oft to sinne with Ioy, the Soule doth rend.

To sinne, on Hope, is Sinne most full of feare;
to sinne of malice, is the Diuels Sinne:
One is, that Christ may greater Burthen beare;
the other, that his Death might still beginne.

To sinne, of frailtie is a sinne; but, weake:
to sinne, in strength, the stronger makes the blame:
The first, the Reede, Christ bare, hath pow'r to break;
the last, his Thorny Crowne, can scarse vnframe:
But, finally, to sinne malitiously,
Reede, Crowne, nor Crosse hath pow'r to crucifie!

MLA

Hereford, John Davies of. “That to sinne finally malitiously, is irremissible.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/74/.

Chicago

Hereford, John Davies of. “That to sinne finally malitiously, is irremissible.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/74/.

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