Poem by John Dyer

Written at St. Peter's

O GRACIOUS Lord, forgive us; we are all,
All of us, sinners vile; But these, who build
Greatness upon their brethren's miseries;
Who scorn to make Thy meek and patient life
The pattern of their doings; yet put on
A day-dress of religion; hypocrites!
Who faiths absurd exact with fiery zeal;
And strive to thrall the tongue to their decrees,
Not win the spirit to the bond of love: —
God of our fathers, keep us from the ways
Of these foul hirelings. Less Thy glory pure
Seek they to magnify, than that of men:
For basest ends the simple they perplex,
And with the guise of learning, check the hope
That rises in their hearts from virtuous deeds.

1. Ah Gentle Shepherd, Thine the Lot to Tend
2. Paraphrase of Part of Chapter 7 of Ecclesiastes
3. To His Son
4. How to Shear Sheep
5. Written at Ocriculum, in Italy, 1725

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