S. Mathew

WHy should vnchristian censures passe
On men, or that which they professe?
A Publican Saint Mathew was,
Yet GODS beloued ne're-the-lesse,
And was elected one of Christs
Apostles, and Euangelists:

For, GOD doth not a whit respect
Profession, Person, or degree;
But maketh choice of his elect,
From euery sort of men that be,
That none might of his loue despaire,
But all men vnto him repaire.

For those, oh let vs therefore pray,
Who seeme vncalled to remaine;
Not shunning them, as cast away,
GODS fauour neuer to obtaine:
For some a while neglected are,
To stirre in vs more louing care.

And for our selues, let vs desire,
That we our Auarice may shunne,
When GOD our seruice shall require,
As this Euangelist hath done,
And spend the remnant of our dayes,
In setting forth our Makers praise.