375 And none but priests were authorized to know; 380 God's word they had not, but the priest's they had. In those dark times they learned their knack so well, That by long use they grew infallible. At last, a knowing age began to inquire If they the Book or that did them inspire; 385 And making narrower search they found, though late, 395 And saved himself as cheap as e'er he could. 'Tis true, my friend (and far be flattery hence), This good had full as bad a consequence; The Book thus put in every vulgar hand, 400 The common rule was made the common prey, The tender page with horny fists was galled, And he was gifted most that loudest bawled; 405 The spirit gave the doctoral degree, And every member of a Company Was of his trade and of the Bible free. Plain truths enough for needful use they found, 410 Each was ambitious of the obscurest place, No measure ta'en from Knowledge, all from GRAce. The fly-blown text creates a crawling brood 415 And turns to maggots what was meant for food. 420 A thousand daily sects rise up and die, A thousand more the perished race supply: So all we make of Heaven's discovered will Is not to have it or to use it ill. The danger's much the same, on several shelves 425 If others wreck us or we wreck ourselves. What then remains but, waving each extreme, Nor proudly seek beyond our power to know? To learn what unsuspected ancients say; For 'tis not likely we should higher soar 430 435 In search of Heaven than all the Church before; The Scripture and the Fathers disagree. 440 If after all they stand suspected still, (For no man's faith depends upon his will,) 445 For points obscure are of small use to learn: Thus have I made my own opinions clear, 450 455 Tom Sternhold's or Tom Shadwell's rhymes will serve. |