LORD, make me coy and tender to offend:
In friendship, first I think if that agree
Which I intend
Unto my friend’s intent and end;
I would not use a friend as I use Thee.
If any touch my friend or his good name,
It is my honour and my love-to free
His blasted fame
From the least spot or thought of blame;
I could not use a friend as I use Thee.
My friend may spit upon my curious floor;
Would he have gold? I lend it instantly;
But let the poor,
And Thee within them, starve at door;
I cannot use a friend as I use Thee.
When that my friend pretendeth to a place,
I quit my interest, and leave it free;
But when Thy grace
Sues for my heart, I Thee displace;
Nor would I use a friend as I use Thee.
Yet can a friend what Thou hast done fulfil?
O, write in brass, ‘My God upon a tree
His blood did spill,
Only to purchase my good-will’;
Yet use I not my foes as I use Thee.