Religion & morality

          A British Janus

          Anglicè a Timeserver.

[NLS note: a graphic appears here – see image of page]

Since Moderation is so much in vogue,
And few can tell a Trimmer from a R - ;
I am perswaded ſuch a Print as this,
Thus modell'd and contriv'd can't be amiſs,
At such a juncture, such a time as this,
When to be loyal is eſteem'd a fault,
Obedience hist at, Scripture seit at nought,
And y^e reverse for pure sound doctrine taught.
I mean by them this picture doth resemble,
Who preach not half so fine as they diſsemble.
Of Heterogeneous parts as opposite.
Compos'd, as darkneſs to Meridian light.
Made up of halves that can no more agree ,
Than Regal pow'r and Independency.
A Britiſh Janus with a double face,
A Monſter of a strange Gigantick Race :
His head half Mitre, and half hat doth bear ;
His looks are sainted ; and refin'd his air.
Not more prepoſterous in his black & white,
Than the true ſemblance of an Hypocrite.
Always Conformist to the ſtrongest Party ;
Always deceitful ; Ever more unhearty.
The Moderate Man ne'er yet a Martyr dy'd ;
But tack'd about, & chose the strongest side.
Always recanted in the time of trial ;
Is ever best extempore at denial.
Scorne to be moderate then in any thing.
But where to be immoderate is a sin.
In eating, drinking, and such things as these
Be moderate, as moderate as you please.
But in Religion there's no Medium, No.
Who is not truly zealous, is not so.
Glory to be eſteem'd an High - c —h Man :
Let them prove Low-c -h true c -h, if they can.
Zeal for the c—h's Cause a Crown will gain ;
And Martyrdom for He'ven's an easy pain.
Dare to be true, tho' in a suff'ring time :
A Bare Denial then's a Double Crime.