On Repentance

When Adam fell, GOD did a Curse disperse
On all Mankind throughout the Universe;
And on his Issue did Contagion spread,
Till CHRIST appear'd to bruise the Serpent's Head;
Then Penitence and Piety began
To be refin'd, and call'd relapsed Man,
By Rules and Christ's Example, to possess
Heaven, with his united happiness.
So that repenting sinners Heaven must fill,
Because there's none on Earth but have done ill;
Though sighs and tears may a good Prologue be
To introduce Repentance, yet we see
High Structures, on such thin Foundations built,
Have tumbled with much noise and greatest guilt.
So that to pray, and fervently desire
To be enlightned by celestial Fire,
How to forsake our sins, if not too late,
Denominates who is regenerate.