To my most honored and approued best Friend, and Alye, Sr. Fran: Louell, Knght. God takes the Will for the Deede

ALthough we doe not all the good we loue,
but still, in loue, desire to doe he same;
Nor leaue the Sinnes we hate; but ing, moue
our Soule and Bodyes Pow'rs their forc to tame;

The good wee doe, GOD takes as done aright;
that we desire to doe, He takes as done:
The Sinne we shunne, He will with Grace requie;
and not impute the Sinne we seeke to shunne!

But good Desires produce no worser Deedes;
for, GOD doth both together (lightly) giue:
Because He knowes a righteous Man must needes
by Faith that workes by Loue, for euer liue:
then, to doe nought, but onely in desire,
Is Loue that burnes, but burnes like painted fire.