CORRUPTIONS OF THE HIGHER CLERGY

“Woe to you, Prelates! rioting in ease

“And cumbrous wealth — the shame of your estate;

“You, on whose progress dazzling trains await

“Of pompous horses; whom vain titles please;

“Who will be served by others on their knees,

“Yet will yourselves to God no service pay;

“Pastors who neither take nor point the way

“To Heaven; for, either lost in vanities

“Ye have no skill to teach, or if ye know

“And speak the word ——” Alas! of fearful things

‘ Tis the most fearful when the people's eye

Abuse hath cleared from vain imaginings;

And taught the general voice to prophesy

Of Justice armed, and Pride to be laid low.