Matthew 27:17: Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that, &c

The magistrate is oft inclined
Jesus's faithful flock to spare;
More mercy from the world we find
Than men of sacred character:
Pity for innocence oppress'd
May move a moral heathen's breast.

But those who bear the Christian's name,
And boast their form devoid of power,
They hate the followers of the Lamb,
(As wolves the harmless sheep devour,;
Christians they never can forgive.
Or let the true religion live.