The Purification of S. Marie the Virgin

NO doubt but she that had the grace,
Thee in her wombe, oh Christ, to beare,
And did all woman-kinde surpasse,
Was hallow'd by thy being there;
And where the fruite so holy was,
The Birth could no pollution cause.

Yet in obedience to thy Law,
Her purifying-Rites were done,
That we might learne to stand in awe,
How from thine ordinance we runne:
For, if we disobedient be,
Unpurified Soules haue we.

Oh keepe vs, LORD, from thinking vaine,
What by thy word thou shalt command,
Let vs be sparing to complaine,
On what we doe not vnderstand;
And guide thy Church, that she may still,
Command according to thy will.

Uouchsafe, that with one ioynt-consent,
We may thy praises euer sing;
Preserue thy seamelesse-Robe vnrent,
For which so many, Lots doe fling;
And grant that being purifide
From sinne, we may in loue abide.

Moreouer, as thy Mother went,
(That holy and thrice-blessed Mayd)
Thee in thy Temple to present,
With perfect humane flesh arrayd:
So, let vs offerd vp to Thee,
Replenisht with thy spirit be.

Yea, let thy Church our Mother deare,
(Within whose wombe new-borne we be)
Before thee at her time appeare,
To giue her Children vp to Thee;
And take for purified things
Her, and that offring which she brings.