Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Henry Lok: 1593-1597, Sonnet IV
Henry Lok focused upon Calvinist biblical devotion.
What is thy measure full? dost thou suppose
Of strength, of perfectnesse, of plenteous store,
Of frutes of faith profest; that now no more
Thou carest, albeit thy tree true beautie lose?
It can not be, whilst life and sap remaine,
That barren branch, so holy plant should beare:
A faire green tree of goodly leaues were vaine,
Vnlesse that kindly frute also there were.
Words are but leaues, works fruits that should be there,
Shew that thou liu'st, by charitie therefore;
True holinesse doth teach a righteous lore,
Whereby to neighbor's good, our thoughts we reare;
Vaine is our knowledge and our holy showes,
If in our life the fruite of loue not growes.
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