The mysteries of all of these to them he’d teach.
To outward view a guide to sanctity was he;
In very truth, a trap and fowler’s whistle; see.
Of such effect his wiles, disciples were deceived;
From Jesu’s teaching fell, and in this cheat believed.
It is so. Often does the flesh, for selfish end,
Intrude itself across the soul’s most fervent trend.45
Meek virtue was not what they sought to gain the most;
Of him they learned to ferret out new sins, and boast.
Hair-splitting casuists, point by point they sin dissect;