There, where a few torn shrubs the place disclose,

The village preacher's modest mansion rose.

A man he was to all the country dear,

And passing rich with forty pounds a year;

Remote from towns he ran his godly race,

Nor e'er had changed, nor wished to change, his place.

Unskillful he to fawn or seek for power

By doctrines fashioned to the varying hour:

Far other aims his heart had learned to prize,

More bent to raise the wretched than to rise.