.Nw.ODk2

So perfect is the Christian scheme, He who from thence does take his theme, And time to have it understood, His sermon cannot but be good ; If he will needs be preaching stuff, No time indeed is short enough; E'en let him read it like a letter The sooner it is done the better. But for a man who has a head Of whom it may with truth be said, That on occasion he can raise A just remark, a proper phrase; For such a one to run along Tumbling his accents o'er his tongue, Shews only that a man at once May be a scholar and a dunce. In point of Sermons tis confess'd Our English Clergy make the best; But this appears, we must confess. Not from the pulpit, but the press. They manage with disjointed skill, The matter well, the manner ill; And, what seems paradox at first They make the best and preach the worst. Would men but speak as well as write, Both faculties would then unite The outward action being taught To show the inward strength of thought; Now to do this, our short hand school Lays down this plain and general rule.... Take time enough, all other graces Will soon fill up their proper places

[12 Flourishes]