To a Young Gentleman of Fortune, on Commencing Holy Orders

Say virtuous Youth, what does thy Mind inspire? To shun the World, and from its Cares retire: Scorning this frail, and transient vain Abode, Inlisted in the Service of thy God. The happier Choice is to thy Wishes given. To be an early Voluntier for Heaven. No Pomp of Life could force thee to refrain, The meek Messiah and his Pilgrim's Train: Beneath his Banner the Tempter to repel, And snatch the Sinner from the Jaws of Hell. With pious Valour wield the Ghostly Sword, And conquer Satan by thy Master's Word: His dread Commands do thou observe and keep, And be a watchful Pastor to his Sheep; Against their Foe sustain th' important Strife, And to thy Flock dispense the Bread of Life. Beware that they the wily Wolf withstand, And feed 'em from thy consecrating Hand. Let thy good Deeds a shining Lamp still burn; And more by Practise than by Preaching turn. Not once a Week content thy Charge to see, Let all thy Life one constant Sermon be; That when thy Lord shall in the Clouds appear, Thy Head a Crown of Righteousness may wear: And then with him in pious Joy shall boast; Behold, of those you gave me none are lost. Be this thy Task, let this thy Hours employ; Give Sinners Comfort, and give Angels Joy. In thy bless'd Function chearfully rejoice; Thy Work not by Necessity but Choice. A pious Atlas bear th' incumbent Load; And be a Pillar in the House of God. On Faith's firm Basis ever rest secure; And every Shock of changing Time endure. Sedate in Life's precarious Windings go, Not tost by various Interests to and fro. To sacred Dignities do thou aspire, And be thy Master's, and thy Flock's Desire, That e're thy Honours in the Dust be laid, The sacred Mitre may adorn thy Head. Be as a skilful Pilot on this stormy Sea, To steer thy Vessel in the faithful Way; That when this Life's tempestuous Course it past, You may rest secure upon the wish'd for Coast.