CVIII.

“Short was our time, for in itr, prime   our youthful pow’r was cropt; “We died in youth before full growth,   so was our purpose stopt. Let our good will to turn from ill,   and sin to have forsaken, Accepted be, Lord, by thee,   and in good part be taken.“

_Are confuted and convicted._

CIX. [93]

To whom the Judge: “Where you allege   the shortness of the space, That from your birth you liv’d on earth,   to compass saving Grace, It was Free Grace that any space   was given you at all, To turn from evil, defy the Devil,   and upon God to call.

CX. [94]

“One day, one week wherein to seek   God’s face with all your hearts, A favor was that far did pass   the best of your deserts. You had a season; what was your reason   such precious hours to waste? What could you find, what could you mind   that was of greater haste?

CXI. [95]

“Could you find time for vain pastime,   for loose, licentious mirth? For fruitless toys and fading joys,   that perish in the birth? Had you good leisure for carnal Pleasure,   in days of health and youth? And yet no space to seek God’s face,   and turn to him in truth?

CXII. [96]

“In younger years, beyond your fears,   what if you were surprized? You put away the evil day,   and of long life devised. You oft were told, and might behold,   that Death no Age doth spare; “Why then did you your time foreslow,   and slight your soul’s welfare?

CXIII. [97]

“Had your intent been to repent,   and had you it desir’d, There would have been endeavors seen   before your time expir’d. God makes no treasure, nor hath he pleasure   in idle purposes; Such fair pretenses are foul offenses,   and cloaks for wickedness.“

_Some plead examples of their betters._

CXIV. [98]

Then were brought in and charg’d with sin,   another Company, Who by Petition obtain’d permission   to make Apology. They argued, “We were misled,   as is well known to thee. By their example that had more ample   abilities than we;

CXV. [99]

“Such, as profess’d they did detest   and hate each wicked way; Whose seeming grace whilst we did trace,   our Souls were led astray. When men of Parts, Learning, and Arts,   professing Piety, Did thus and thus, it seem’d to us   we might take liberty.“

_Who are told that examples are no Rules._

CXVI. [100]

Who are told The Judge replies: “I gave you eyes,   And light to see your way, Which had you lov’d and well improv’d,   you had not gone astray. My Word was pure, the Rule was sure;   Why did you it forsake, Or thereon trample, and men’s example   your Directory make?

CXVII. [101]

“This you well knew: that God is true,   and that most men are liars, In word professing holiness,   in deed thereof deniers. simple fools! that having Rules,   your lives to regulate. Would them refuse, and rather choose   vile men to imitate.“

_They urge that they were led by godly men’s Examples. But all their shifts turn to their greater shame._