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 Thou within them, starve at door --

I cannot use a friend as I use Thee.

When that my friend pretendeth to [59] 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.

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Footnotes:

[59] pretendeth to, seeks