Classic Poem

They that sow in Tears shall reap in joy. Psal 126—5-6

As in the Cuntry Parable it's found
God to be Husbandman and Man the ground
His word the pretious seed that doth excell
All others, and our harts the Arrable
Soe would't informe we should our soyle prepare
To recompence soe great a Seedsmans care
And neither prickt with Pride, stupid like stones
Layd Common to all wicked motions
Be unprovided t'save, much less t'afford
Increase against the harvest of the Lord
Wherfore as Earth 'thout Culture sithence Mans fall
Is of Frutes barren, Thistles Prodigall
Soe doe the dispositions and desiers
Nature brings forth abound with Thornes and Briers
Which to correct the Masters strict Command
Is to break up again the Fallowe land
And by Contritions Coulter and Plough-Shers
To dress our mindes, furrow our Cheekes with tears
Of true repentance—and those thus destroy
The weedes of Sin; shall surely reap in joy.