University of Virginia Library

If it be so, from whence could it proceed
But from your failings both in word and deed?
From sordid Avarice, Pride, and Self-will,
Inticing Fleshly Lustings to fulfil?
For, these deprave the Judgments of most Nations;
Cause them to fall away from their Foundations;
Then, fly to Refuges patcht up with Lies,
Seek Power and Riches by those vanities
Which multiply Oppressions and increase
Confusions to the ruine of that Peace
They might enjoy: For, then their strength consists
In, and by those corrupting Interests,
Which will ingage them to rush further on
In their Oppressive ways long since begun,
Till they grow deaf to all that can be said
To make them of their just deserts afraid.
And should they then, their crooked paths forbear,
Most private Tradings at a non-plus were;
Yea all those Incomes whereupon depend
Their Formal Grandeur would soon have an end.
For, many thousands, who did vast Estates
Get and uphold, by cherishing Debates,
By multiplying and delaying long
Vexatious suits, to many a poor mans wrong,
Would think themselves undone, if ev'ry State
Their Courts of Justice should reduce to that
For which they were ordain'd; and Tyranny
Would want fit Tools to bring to slavery
The common people. Very few know how
They may to GOD and their Superiours now
Perform their duties, and not both displease
Or th'one or th'other; For, what is by these
Commanded, is not seldom, either quite
Repugnant, or obliquely opposite,
As they Interpretations of them make
Who to be Judges of them undertake.
Yea, those Professions, and those Trades whereby
Most live, are subject to such vanity
That honest men are difficultly able
To use them with a Consence warrantable.