Classic Poem

Some, sermons preache, as if they yet had not
That old Comedians Aphorisme forgott,
Which they in unripe yeares at schoole did learne:
All their instructions holy doe concerne,
Chiefely the pleaseing of the people, who
Returne, as from a play they wont to doe:
They praise the Preachers learning, and his voyce:
They in his witt, and fine conceites rejoyce:
Such Preachers seeme Embassadours, not sent
For busynes, but for mere complement.
And some are like a foolish Leache, who gives
Sweet cordialls, in stead of corrosives:
And rather then Hee will incisions trye,
Or cauterismes, will let his patient dye.

Some preach all peace, when They should denounc[e] warre,
'Gainst Satan, Sinne, and Vice irregular:
And some on needles ceremonyes stand,
As things that must be done by Gods command.
Few (like John Baptist) doe repentance preache,
Or (like the Elder Prophets) their lungs stretche
With Proclamation of those judgements dire,
Which Heaven doth threaten, and our sinnes require.
(Like Ahabs Prophets) some with raptures mad,
Dare Kings, send up to Ramoth Gilead:
Some turne the pulpitt to the Plaustrum old,
Where they their private passions venting, scolde.
Most preach to please, but happy's Hee, that can
Preach, both to please his God, and profite Man.