Like mercenaries, hired for home defence, 290 They will not serve against their native prince. Against domestic foes of hierarchy These are drawn forth, to make fanatics fly; But, when they see their countrymen at hand, Marching against them under Church-command, Straight they forsake their colours, and disband. Thus she, nor could the Panther well enlarge With weak defence against so strong a charge; But said: For what did Christ his Word provide, If still his Church must want a living guide? 300 And if all saving doctrines are not there, Or sacred penmen could not make them clear, From after ages we should hope in vain For truths, which men inspired could not explain. Before the Word was written, said the Hind, Our Saviour preach'd his faith to human kind: From his apostles the first age received Eternal truth, and what they taught believed. Thus by Tradition faith was planted first; Succeeding flocks succeeding pastors nursed. 310 This was the way our wise Redeemer chose (Who sure could all things for the best dispose), To fence his fold from their encroaching foes. He could have writ himself, but well foresaw The event would be like that of Moses' law; Some difference would arise, some doubts remain, Like those which yet the jarring Jews maintain. No written laws can be so plain, so pure, But wit may gloss, and malice may obscure; Not those indited by his first command, 320 A prophet graved the text, an angel held his hand. Thus faith was ere the written word appear'd, And men believed not what they read, but heard. But since the apostles could not be confined To these, or those, but severally design'd Their large commission round the world to blow, To spread their faith, they spread their labours too. Yet still their absent flock their pains did share; They hearken'd still, for love produces care, And, as mistakes arose, or discords fell, 330 Or bold seducers taught them to rebel, As charity grew cold, or faction hot, Or long neglect their lessons had forgot, For all their wants they wisely did provide, And preaching by epistles was supplied: So great physicians cannot all attend, But some they visit, and to some they send. Yet all those letters were not writ to all; Nor first intended but occasional, Their absent sermons; nor if they contain 340 All needful doctrines, are those doctrines plain. Clearness by frequent preaching must be wrought: They writ but seldom, but they daily taught. And what one saint has said of holy Paul, "He darkly writ," is true, applied to all. For this obscurity could Heaven provide More prudently than by a living guide, As doubts arose, the difference to decide? A guide was therefore needful, therefore made; And, if appointed, sure to be obey'd.