Attend his church-his plan of doctrine view-
The preacher is a Christian, dull, but true;
But when the hallow'd hour of preaching 's o'er,
That plan of doctrine 's never thought of more; 380
Christ is laid by neglected on the shelf,
And the vile priest is Gospel to himself.
By Cleland tutor'd, and with Blacow bred,
(Blacow, whom, by a brave resentment led,
Oxford, if Oxford had not sunk in fame,
Ere this had damn'd to everlasting shame)
Their steps he follows, and their crimes partakes ;
To virtue lost, to vice alone he wakes,
Most lusciously declaims 'gainst luscious themes,
And whilst he rails at blasphemy blasphemes. 390
Are these the arts which policy supplies?
Are these the steps by which grave churchmen rise?
Forbid it, Heav'n! or, should it turn out so,
Let me and mine continue mean and low.
Such be their arts whom interest controls;
Kidgell and I have free and honest souls :
We scorn preferment which is gain'd by sin,
And will, tho' poor without, have peace within. 398