52
The Hind and the Panther.
Clearness by frequent preaching must be wrought,
They writ but seldom, but they daily taught.
And what one Saint has said of holy Paul,
He darkly writ, is true apply'd to all.
For this obscurity cou'd heav'n provide
More prudently than by a living guide,
As doubts arose, the difference to decide
A guide was therefore needfull, therefore made;
And, if appointed, sure to be obey'd.
Thus, with due rev'rence to th' Apostles writ,
By which my sons are taught, to which, submit;
I think, those truths their sacred works contain,
The church alone can certainly explain;
That following ages, leaning on the past,
May rest upon the Primitive at last.
Nor wou'd I thence the word no rule infer,
But none without the church interpreter.
Because, as I have urg'd before, 'tis mute,
And is it self the subject of dispute.
They writ but seldom, but they daily taught.
And what one Saint has said of holy Paul,
He darkly writ, is true apply'd to all.
For this obscurity cou'd heav'n provide
More prudently than by a living guide,
As doubts arose, the difference to decide
A guide was therefore needfull, therefore made;
And, if appointed, sure to be obey'd.
Thus, with due rev'rence to th' Apostles writ,
By which my sons are taught, to which, submit;
I think, those truths their sacred works contain,
The church alone can certainly explain;
That following ages, leaning on the past,
May rest upon the Primitive at last.
Nor wou'd I thence the word no rule infer,
But none without the church interpreter.
Because, as I have urg'd before, 'tis mute,
And is it self the subject of dispute.
But
