English poem
Cxiii. [97]
by Michael Wigglesworth (1631–1705)
“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.