…

The book thus put in every vulgar hand,

Which each presumed he best could understand,

The common rule was made the common prey,

And at the mercy of the rabble lay;

The tender page by horney fists was galled

And he was gifted most who loudest bawled;

The Spirit gave the doctoral degree

And every member of a company

Was of his trade, and of the bible, free.

Study and pains were now no more their care

Texts were explained by fasting and by prayer.

This was the fruit the private spirit brought,

Occasioned by great zeal, and little thought.

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