en_, and because it lies
Above the _Zodiac_ in the Skies,
That they _may better see the Track_,
He lays them down _upon their Back_.
Domestic Peace he can destroy,
And the confusion view with Joy,
Children from Parents he can draw,
What's _Conscience_?--he is safe from _Law_--
The closest Union can divide,
Take Husbands from their Spouses' side,
But it turns out to better Use,
Wives from their Husbands to seduce;
And as their Journey lies _up-Hill_,
Ev'ry Incumbrance were an Ill;
And lest their Speed shou'd be withstood,
He takes their _Money_--_for their Good_.

Such is the Agent _Satan_ chose,
_Religion_'s Progress to oppose--
Too great the Task for _one_ was thought,
And _under-Agents_ must be sought--
On this high Enterprize intent,
A troop of _evil Sprites_ he sent,
Commission'd, wheresoe'er they found
_Hearts hollow, rotten, and unsound_,
Within those Breasts accurs'd to dwell,
Teaching the Liturgy of _Hell_.
Big with the Charge th' infernal Crew
To their belov'd Appointment flew;
With busy search thro' ev'ry Class,
Thro' ev'ry Rank of Men they pass,
In ev'ry Class of Men they find
Some _Hearts_ corrupted to their Mind,
Ev'ry Profession they explore,
Ev'ry Profession gives them more;
The higher Functions ransack'd, now
Each vulgar Trade, each sweaty Brow
Is search'd, and in them all were found,
_Some hollow, rotten, and unsound_.
In each depraved Bosom dwell
These _Sprites_, nor miss their native _Hell_.
Hence ev'ry Blockhead, Knave, and Dunce,
Start into Preachers all at once.
Hence Ignorance of ev'ry size,
Of ev'ry shape Wit can devise,
Altho' so dull it hardly knows,
Which are its Fingers, which its Toes,
Which is the left Hand, which the Right,
When it is Day, or when 'tis Night,
Shall yet pretend to keep the Key
Of _God_'s dark Secrets, and display
His _hidden Mysteries_, as free
As if _God_'s _privy Council_ He,
Shall to his Presence rush, and dare
To raise a _pious Riot_ there.

_Lawyers_ (a Commutation strange!)
_Coke Littleton_ for _Bible_ change;
Quit their beloved wrangling _Hall_,
More loudly in a _Church_ to bawl:
_Statutes at large_ are thrown aside,
And now the _Testament_'s their guide;
And full as fervent, on their Knees,
For _Heav'n_ the