Classic Poem

This is a true saying and by all means worthy to be received that Christ Jesus came unto the world to save sinners of whom I am the chief — Timo 1 — 1-15

Be a thing true or falce our Nature lies
Allwayes soe prone to novelties
That we are caught: and what is done or said
Tickle, till we have uttered:
Yet are asleep whilst a true saying's come
(Or else with Zachery struck dombe
Through incredulety:) allthough't express
In it the haight of worthines
And this the scoap: that he who noynted King
Allthough he governd evry thing
Contented was of's footstool t'make a throne
Wher he might work salvation
And soe is a true jesus; nor doth thus
Become unto the righteous
But to those parties who through sinns decree
Condemned were to misery
Amongst whom the Apostle whilst he'averrs
Himself as Chief (soe little errs)
What should we judg our selves to be, whose all
Of Life is but Apocryfall
Less than the least of mercies; yet again
When in our ills we not remain
Goodnes shall cause that scepter to distill
All-saving grace into the Will
Soe that repaird by this, forgiven by that
We may thus farr be consolat
That Princely clemency and wonted love
May both the crime and guilt remove

Then though the chiefest of the Chief we be
If we repent this verse will set us free