“...Let then the world thy calling disrespect,

But go thou on, and pity their neglect.

What function is so noble, as to be

Embassador to God and destiny?

To open life, to give kingdoms to more

Than kings give dignities; to keep heavens door?

Mary’s prerogative was to bear Christ, so

‘Tis Preachers to convey him, for they do

As Angels out of clouds, from pulpits speak;

And bless the poor beneath the lame, the weak.

If then th’Astronomers, whereas they spy

A new-found star, their opticks magnify,

How brave are those, who with their Engine, can

Bring man to heaven, and heaven again to man?...”

John Donne, excerpt from “To Mr. Tilman after he had taken orders”