DISTRACTIONS

Men, who have ceased to reverence, soon defy

Their forefathers; lo! sects are formed, and split

With morbid restlessness;— the ecstatic fit

Spreads wide; though special mysteries multiply,

The Saints must govern is their common cry;

And so they labour, deeming Holy Writ

Disgraced by aught that seems content to sit

Beneath the roof of settled Modesty.

The Romanist exults; fresh hope he draws

From the confusion, craftily incites

The overweening, personates the mad —

To heap disgust upon the worthier Cause:

Totters the Throne;the new-born Churchis sad

For every wave against her peace unites.