The nearer the church, the further from God.

The nearer the church, the further from God.

"What is a church?"--Our honest sexton tells,
'Tis a tall building, with a tower and bells.

"What is a church?"--Our honest sexton tells,
'Tis a tall building, with a tower and bells.

No sooner is a Temple built to God but the Devill builds a
Chappell hard by.
[No sooner read more

No sooner is a Temple built to God but the Devill builds a
Chappell hard by.
[No sooner is a Temple built to God but the Devil builds a chapel
hard by.]

When once thy foot enters the church, be bare.
God is more there than thou: for thou art there
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When once thy foot enters the church, be bare.
God is more there than thou: for thou art there
Only by his permission. Then beware,
That leads from earth to heaven.

Well has the name of Pontifex been given
Unto the Church's head, as the chief builder
And read more

Well has the name of Pontifex been given
Unto the Church's head, as the chief builder
And architect of the invisible bridge
That leads from earth to heaven.

The church alone beyond all question
Has for ill-gotten goods the right digestion.
[Ger., Die Kirch' allein, read more

The church alone beyond all question
Has for ill-gotten goods the right digestion.
[Ger., Die Kirch' allein, meine lieben Frauen,
Kann ungerechtes Gut verdauen.]

Where God hath a temple, the devil will have a chapel.

Where God hath a temple, the devil will have a chapel.

"What is a church?" Let Truth and reason speak,
They would reply, "The faithful, pure and meek,
read more

"What is a church?" Let Truth and reason speak,
They would reply, "The faithful, pure and meek,
From Christian folds, the one selected race,
Of all professions, and in every place."

As like a church and an ale-house, God and the devell, they manie
times dwell neere to ether.

As like a church and an ale-house, God and the devell, they manie
times dwell neere to ether.