Unkindness

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.