University of Virginia Library

565.

[The' appointed teachers now]

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and, &c. —xxiii. 1–3.

The' appointed teachers now
The chair of Moses fill:
To them by Thy command I bow,
Respect, and hear them still:
I hear them read, or preach,
With reverential awe,
And gladly do whate'er they teach
Out of Thy sacred law.
But me Thy word forbids
Implicitly to' obey,
Or do according to their deeds
When from Thy paths they stray:
When Thee their lives despise,
Or contradict Thy word,
I stop my ears, and shut my eyes,
And only mind my Lord.