May study truths divine-and hear them taught,
From lips with energetic fervour fraught ;—
If here Vice triumphs-here she reign alone,
Oh! where on Earth, doth Virtue raise her throne?
Is then Religion in our Isles rever'd,

Her paths respected—or her threatenings fear'd!
No-no-Religion is the scoff of pride,

For rank to laugh at-statesmen to deride:-
Banish'd the circles of the world polite,

To sink in darkness, and in endless night :-
So would they have it-could they have their will,
Or could they through the minds of all instil
The doctrines which free-thinking make so plain,
That-if you seek wild chimeras of the brain
Religion such produces-she alone
Gives to them life-and energy-and tone.
If Kings believe not-Princes truth deride,
Will the plebean rest-self-satisfied,—
Unless he imitate the examples giv'n,

Which drive him from content-and far from Heav'n.

Of imitation fond-the example shown,

By some proud Peer-his tenant makes his own;
Of Vice drinks just as deep-if means allow,
Till unbelief is written on his brow.-
Till truth is disbeliev'd-and disobey'd,
And solemn rites considered but parade,-

By which the Priest's enrich'd-or Bishop fed
With what but justly—is their daily bread :—
That to support the Church-no one need care,
Her doctrines useless-and absurd her pray'r :-
So lax their principles-so careless grown-
Each creed is equal-difference is not known-
Between the errors of the Church of Rome,
And doctrines of their purer Church at home,-
The few who glory in a Christian's name
Are doom'd to suffer-monstrous is the shame-
If glorying in Christ's name be worthy thought,
Of contumely-say,-where is glory bought ?—
If he who, in the face of scorn, avows that Lord,
By seraphs lauded, and by saints ador'd,
Be deem'd, by man enthusiast, fool or mad-
Ev'n hypocrite, or any thing as bad;-

No matter what MAN says he feels within,
The atoning Blood, to wash away all sin ;-

And knows, too well-a day will soon appear,

When what he was will to the world be clear.-
A sinner sav'd by Grace-by blood Divine,
Such the Almighty's will-and grand design.-
Not all the Clergy feel the Truths they preach,
Their actions differing from the things they teach;
If felt their deeds would evidence afford,
And all their zeal would be-to serve the Lord.-

But is it so? Ye high ones do not frown,

Bishops, with pride-on poverty look down :-
Their pamper'd tables-and their splendid boards,
Their dulcet music-and the lute's soft chords,
Are not intended for the lowly poor,

For such, too oft-are hunted from their door.-
Their tables for the rich-not poor are spread,
And reckless if the latter pine for bread.-
Humility and meekness-thrown aside;-
Ambition-wealth and honours-such as pride
Can lust for-is their object, their pursuit ;-
But, dust and ashes-will be all the fruit.-
Of labour so misplac'd-of thoughts so mean
Disgrace to Bishops,-or more venial Dean :-
The inferior priesthood imitate too well
Th'example set by those, who should excel
In every Christian virtue.-They too turn,
Too oft, upon the poor with looks of scorn:-
For tithes, not souls, engage their selfish views,
The latest gossip-or most recent news.-
Unbounded Charity-admit they teach—
Patient endurance under woe they preach-
Under each earthly woe-of hunger-pain;-
Or what may cause the sufferer to complain ;-
But-have they the Samaritan's kind heart,-
To act the Doctor's-or the Banker's part :-

To yield their aid—the sufferings to assuage
Of the poor peasant,-bending under age?—
Ah no!-They preach-'tis true-the sermon o'er
The chariot waits the Rector-he no more,-
Thinks of what others feel;-but, rolls, in state,
From the church-porch-towards that tasty gate
Which opens on the lawn-by shrubberies grac❜d,
And all that can be well devis'd, by taste:-
Thence speeds in state to his luxurious home,
Where, the poor man, if starving dar'd not come :
Where ragged honesty must not appear ;-
But the most vile may venture—if a peer.—
'Tis here he revels-when his labour's o'er-
Revels on what ?-The labours of the poor,-
Methinks I hear the priesthood raise their cry,
Of false assertions-impious villainy :-
Let it be so-I fear not all they say,

The data's true-on which I form my lay
More to their shame not mine-I wish them well;
But, how reclaim them, if no truth I tell?

I tell them then, again-pride no where reigns
With more of despot sway than 'mongst the Deans,
And well fed Rectors of our Church at home,
A scandal even to the Church at Rome.-
I know there are, who think what now I write,
A base allusion and a scandal quite,—

That in these days we have-as once pourtray'd,
Pastors as zealous to extend their aid

Towards promoting Truth-in Christian guise,
To reclaim the worldling—and, instruct the wise;
As when Paul preach'd-or when, on Patmos shore,
Saint John, entranc'd-proclaim'd prophetic lore:
Told what should be, in days that are to come-
Heard the terrific thunders of the drum :--
Saw war in ghastly form-her legions spread,
And fields manur'd, with the recumbent dead.

Doth Patriotism-spread its blessings round? Say-is the Patriot through our country found? Say-does the private yield to public good ;— Or is the love of Country understood?

CHRIST knew it well-ev'n in that very hour,
When the blind Jews-infuriate with power,—
Led him to death-he wept for Israel's doom,
Though on the confines of the silent tomb.—
Above revenge-or hate-or pride—or strife,
The world he mourn'd-for it gave up his life:-
But, here, alas! that Saviour is deny'd ;—
Such the degree of man's obdurate pride.—
Here faction rules-and all have selfish aims,
Ev'n small respect-our very senate claims.-
It meets not now, to argue, in debate,
Th'important objects which involve the State;-

C