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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:40:38 -0700 |
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diff --git a/old/12746-h/12746-h.htm b/old/12746-h/12746-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..467dbb7 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12746-h/12746-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12714 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 100%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D. D., +Volume IV: Swift's Writings on Religion and the Church, Volume II, +by Jonathan Swift + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D. D., Volume IV: + Swift's Writings on Religion and the Church, Volume II + +Author: Jonathan Swift + +Release Date: June 25, 2004 [EBook #12746] +Last Updated: January 21, 2019 + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS JONATHAN SWIFT *** + + + + +Etext produced by Terry Gilliland and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE PROSE WORKS OF JONATHAN SWIFT + </h1> + <h2> + By Jonathan Swift, D.D. + </h2> + <h4> + Edited By Temple Scott <br /> <br /> With A Biographical Introduction By + <br /> <br /> The Rt. Hon. W.E.H. Lecky, M.P. <br /> <br /> VOL. IV of BOHN'S + STANDARD LIBRARY + </h4> + <h3> + LONDON + </h3> + <h3> + GEORGE BELL AND SONS + </h3> + <h3> + 1898 + </h3> + <h3> + CHISWICK PRESS:—CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND CO. + </h3> + <h3> + TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON. + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SWIFT'S WRITINGS ON RELIGION AND THE CHURCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> A LETTER FROM A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS + IN IRELAND TO A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN ENGLAND CONCERNING THE + SACRAMENTAL TEST. WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1708. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE PRESBYTERIANS' PLEA OF MERIT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> A NARRATIVE OF THE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, WHICH THE + DISSENTERS OF IRELAND HAVE MADE, FOR A REPEAL OF THE SACRAMENTAL TEST. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> QUAERIES WROTE BY DR. J. SWIFT, IN THE YEAR + 1732. [RELATING TO THE SACRAMENTAL TEST.] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> THE ADVANTAGES PROPOSED BY REPEALING THE + SACRAMENTAL TEST, IMPARTIALLY CONSIDERED. BY THE REV. DR. SWIFT, DEAN OF + ST. PATRICK'S, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> REASONS HUMBLY OFFERED TO THE PARLIAMENT OF + IRELAND <i>FOR REPEALING THE</i> SACRAMENTAL TEST, &c. IN FAVOUR OF + THE CATHOLICS, OTHERWISE CALLED ROMAN CATHOLICS, AND BY THEIR ILL-WISHERS + PAPISTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> SOME FEW THOUGHTS CONCERNING THE REPEAL OF THE + TEST.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> TEN REASONS FOR REPEALING THE TEST ACT.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> SERMONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> ON MUTUAL SUBJECTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> ON THE TESTIMONY OF CONSCIENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> ON THE TRINITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> ON BROTHERLY LOVE.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING ONE'S-SELF.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> ON FALSE WITNESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> ON THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> DOING GOOD: </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> ON THE MARTYRDOM OF KING CHARLES I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> ON THE POOR MAN'S CONTENTMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> A SERMON ON THE CAUSES OF THE WRETCHED CONDITION + OF IRELAND.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> A SERMON UPON SLEEPING IN CHURCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX I. SWIFT'S REMARKS ON DR GIBBS'S + PARAPHRASE OF THE PSALMS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> THE FIRST FIFTEEN PSALMS, TRANSLATED INTO + ENGLISH VERSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE2"> APPENDIX II. A PROPOSAL HUMBLY OFFERED TO THE P T + FOR THE MORE EFFECTUAL PREVENTING THE FURTHER GROWTH OF POPERY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE3"> APPENDIX III. SWIFT AND SERJEANT BETTESWORTH. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> AN EPIGRAM.[1] INSCRIBED TO THE HONOURABLE + SERGEANT KITE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> "THE YAHOO'S OVERTHROW; OR, THE KEVAN BAYL'S NEW + BALLAD."[3] UPON SERGEANT KITE'S INSULTING THE DEAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> "ON THE ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL,[1] AND + BETTESWORTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE4"> APPENDIX IV. A TRUE AND FAITHFUL NARRATIVE OF + WHAT PASSED IN LONDON, DURING THE GENERAL CONSTERNATION OF ALL RANKS AND + DEGREES OF MANKIND; ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY LAST. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + SWIFT'S WRITINGS ON RELIGION AND THE CHURCH + </h1> + <h3> + VOL. II + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A LETTER FROM A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN IRELAND TO A MEMBER OF + THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN ENGLAND CONCERNING THE SACRAMENTAL TEST. WRITTEN + IN THE YEAR 1708. + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + In the "foreword" to the reprint of this tract in the "Miscellanies" of + 1711, Swift remarks: "I have been assured that the suspicion which the + supposed author lay under for writing this letter absolutely ruined him + with the late ministry." The "late ministry" was the Whig ministry of + which Godolphin was the Premier. To this ministry the repeal of the Test + Act was a matter of much concern. To test the effect of such a repeal it + was determined to try it in Ireland first. There the Presbyterians had + distinguished themselves by their loyalty to William and the Protestant + succession. These, therefore, offered a good excuse for the introduction + of such a measure, particularly when, in 1708, an invasion was rumoured, + they were the first to send in loyal addresses to the Queen. Swift likened + this method to "that of a discreet physician, who first gives a new + medicine to a dog, before he prescribes it to a human creature." Further, + the Speaker of the Irish House had come over to England to agitate for the + repeal. On this matter Swift wrote to Archbishop King, under date April + 15th (the letter was first published by Mr. John Forster in his "Life of + Swift," p. 246), as follows: "Some days ago my Lord Somers entered with me + into discourse about the Test clause, and desired my opinion upon it, + which I gave him truly, though with all the gentleness I could; because, + as I am inclined and obliged to value the friendship he professes for me, + so he is a person whose favour I would engage in the affairs of the First + Fruits.... If it became me to give ill names to ill things and persons, I + should be at a loss to find bad enough for the villainy and baseness of a + certain lawyer of Ireland [Speaker Brodrick, afterwards Lord Midleton], + who is in a station the least of all others excusable for such + proceedings, and yet has been going about most industriously to all his + acquaintance of both houses towards the end of the session to show the + necessity of taking off the Test clause in Ireland by an act here, wherein + you may be sure he had his brother's assistance. If such a project should + be resumed next session, and I in England, unless your grace send me your + absolute commands to the contrary, which I should be sorry to receive, I + could hardly forbear publishing some paper in opposition to it, or leaving + one behind me, if there should be occasion." In August of the same year + the agitation for the repeal was renewed, and in December Swift published + his "Letter on the Sacramental Test," writing as if from Dublin and as a + member of the Irish House of Commons. When he writes to King in the + following month he makes a mild attempt to convince the Archbishop that + the pamphlet was not of his authorship. "The author has gone out of his + way to reflect on me as a person likely to write for repealing the test, + which I am sure is very unfair treatment. This is all I am likely to get + by the company I keep. I am used like a sober man with a drunken face, + have the scandal of the vice without the satisfaction." But King was not + deceived. In his reply to Swift he simply remarks: "You need not be + concerned: I will engage you will lose nothing by that paper." Swift, + however, lost more than the Archbishop thought; for "that paper" led to + his severance from the Whigs, and, in after life, to much contumely cast + on his character for being a political renegade. Because "he was not Whig + enough;" because he would not forsake his Church for his party, critics + and biographers have thought fit to make little of him, and to compare him + to his discredit with contemporaries whose intellects he held in the palm + of his hand, and to whom he might have stood as a moral exemplar. + </p> + <p> + Swift refers to this tract in his "Memoirs relating to the change in the + Queen's Ministry," as follows:—"It was everybody's opinion, that the + Earl of Wharton would endeavour, when he went to Ireland, to take off the + test, as a step to have it taken off here: upon which I drew up and + printed a pamphlet, by way of a letter from a member of parliament here, + shewing the danger to the Church by such an intent. Although I took all + care to be private, yet the Lieutenant's chaplain, and some others guessed + me to be the author, and told his Excellency their suspicions; whereupon I + saw him no more until I went to Ireland." + </p> + <p> + The tract is one of the most favourable specimens of Swift's controversial + method and trenchant satire. The style is excellent—forcible and + pithy; while the arguments are like most of Swift's arguments, aptly to + the point with yet a potentiality of application which fits them for the + most general statement of the principles under discussion. Scott considers + the pamphlet "as having materially contributed to the loss of the bill for + repeal of the Test Act during the Earl of Pembroke's vice-royalty." In the + same year Swift wrote "A Letter to a Member of Parliament in Ireland on + choosing a new Speaker there." This short tract bears also on the question + of the Test; but it is not included in this volume, since it was intended + as an electioneering pamphlet. + </p> + <p> + I have been unable to obtain access to a copy of the first edition of the + "Letter on the Sacramental Test." The text here given is that of the + "Miscellanies" of 1711, collated with that given in the "Miscellanies," + 1728, and with those printed by Faulkner, Hawkesworth, and Scott. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <h3> + A LETTER CONCERNING THE SACRAMENTAL TEST. + </h3> + <h3> + <i>ADVERTISEMENT.</i>[1] + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This "Advertisement" is taken from "Miscellanies in Prose and + Verse," printed for John Morphew, 1711. On page 314 of that volume it + forms a "foreword" to "A Letter concerning the Sacramental Test." It is + omitted from the reprint in the "Miscellanies" of 1728. The page which + Swift says he has taken leave to omit cannot be identified. Probably this + was another of Swift's manoeuvres for concealing the identity of the + author. The "Advertisement" of George Faulkner to his edition of Swift's + Works (vol. iv., 1735) is as follows: + </p> + <p> + "In the second volume of Doctor Swift's and Mr. Pope's 'Miscellanies,' I + found the following treatise, which had been printed in London, with some + other of the Dean's works, many years before, but at first came out by + itself in the year 1708, as the date shews: And it was at a juncture when + the Dissenters were endeavouring to repeal the Sacramental Test, as by + common fame, and some pamphlets published to the same purpose, they seem + to be now again attempting, with great hope of success. I have, therefore, + taken the liberty to make an extract out of that discourse, omitting only + some passages which relate to certain persons, and are of no consequence + to the argument. But the author's weight of reasoning seems at present to + have more weight than it had in those times, when the discourse first + appeared. + </p> + <p> + "The author, in this letter, personates a Member of Parliament here + [Dublin], to a Member of Parliament in England. + </p> + <p> + "The Speaker mentioned in this letter was Allen Broderick, afterwards + Chancellor and Lord Middleton; and the prelate was Dr. Lyndsay, afterwards + Lord Primate," [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <i>The following letter is supposed by some judicious persons to be of the + same author, and, if their conjectures be right, it will be of no + disadvantage to him to have it revived, considering the time when it was + writ, the persons then at the helm, and the designs in agitation, against + which this paper so boldly appeared. I have been assured that the + suspicion which the supposed author lay under for writing this letter, + absolutely ruined him with the late ministry. I have taken leave to omit + about a page which was purely personal, and of no use to the subject.</i> + </p> + <p> + Dublin, Dec. 4, 1708. + </p> + <p> + Sir, + </p> + <p> + I received your letter, wherein you tell me of the strange representations + made of us on your side of the water. The instance you are pleased to + mention is that of the Presbyterian missionary, who, according to your + phrase, hath been lately persecuted at Drogheda for his religion: But it + is easy to observe, how mighty industrious some people have been for three + or four years past, to hand about stories of the hardships, the merits, + the number, and the power of the Presbyterians in Ireland, to raise + formidable ideas of the dangers of Popery there, and to transmit all for + England, improved by great additions, and with special care to have them + inserted with comments in those infamous weekly papers that infest your + coffee-houses. So, when the clause enacting a Sacramental Test was put in + execution, it was given out in England, that half the justices of peace + through this kingdom had laid down their commissions; whereas upon + examination, the whole number was found to amount only to a dozen or + thirteen, and those generally of the lowest rate in fortune and + understanding, and some of them superannuated. So, when the Earl of + Pembroke was in Ireland and the Parliament sitting, a formal story was + very gravely carried to his Excellency by some zealous members, of a + priest newly arrived from abroad to the north-west parts of Ireland, who + had publicly preached to his people, to fall a-murdering the Protestants; + which, though invented to serve an end they were then upon, and are still + driving at, it was presently handed over, and printed with shrewd remarks + by your worthy scribblers. In like manner, the account of that person who + was lately expelled our university for reflecting on the memory of King + William, what a dust it raised, and how foully it was related, is fresh + enough in memory.[2] Neither would people be convinced till the university + was at the pains of publishing a Latin paper to justify themselves. And, + to mention no more, this story of the persecution at Drogheda, how it hath + been spread and aggravated, what consequences have been drawn from it, and + what reproaches fixed on those who have least deserved them, we are + already informed. Now if the end of all this proceeding were a secret and + mystery, I should not undertake to give it an interpretation, but + sufficient care hath been taken to give it sufficient explanation.[3] + First, by addresses artificially (if not illegally) procured, to shew the + miserable state of the dissenters in Ireland by reason of the Sacramental + Test, and to desire the Queen's intercession that it might be repealed. + Then it is manifest that our Speaker, when he was last year in England, + solicited, in person, several members of both Houses, to have it repealed + by an act there, though it be a matter purely national, that cannot + possibly interfere with the trade and interest of England, and though he + himself appeared formerly the most zealous of all men against the + injustice of binding a nation by laws to which they do not consent. And + lastly, those weekly libellers, whenever they get a tale by the end + relating to Ireland, without ever troubling their thoughts about the + truth, always end it with an application against the Sacramental Test, and + the absolute necessity there is of repealing it in both kingdoms. I know + it may be reckoned a weakness to say anything of such trifles as are below + a serious man's notice; much less would I disparage the understanding of + any party to think they would choose the vilest and most ignorant among + mankind, to employ them for assertors of a cause. I shall only say, that + the scandalous liberty those wretches take would hardly be allowed, if it + were not mingled with opinions that <i>some men</i> would be glad to + advance. Besides, how insipid soever those papers are, they seem to be + levelled to the understandings of a great number; they are grown a + necessary part in coffee-house furniture, and some time or other may + happen to be read by customers of all ranks, for curiosity and amusement; + because they lie always in the way. One of these authors (the fellow that + was pilloried I have forgot his name)[4] is indeed so grave, sententious, + dogmatical a rogue, that there is no enduring him; the <i>Observator</i>[5] + is much the brisker of the two, and I think farther gone of late in lies + and impudence, than his Presbyterian brother. The reason why I mention + him, is to have an occasion of letting you know, that you have not dealt + so gallantly with us, as we did with you in a parallel case: Last year, a + paper was brought here from England, called, "A Dialogue between the + Archbishop of Canterbury and Mr. Higgins," which we ordered to be burnt by + the common hangman, as it well deserved; though we have no more to do with + his Grace of Canterbury[6] than you have with the Archbishop of Dublin[7]; + nor can you love and reverence your prelate more than we do ours, whom you + tamely suffer to be abused openly, and by name, by that paltry rascal of + an <i>Observator</i>; and lately upon an affair wherein he had no concern; + I mean the business of the missionary at Drogheda, wherein our excellent + primate was engaged, and did nothing but according to law and discretion. + But because the Lord Archbishop of Dublin hath been upon several occasions + of late years, misrepresented in England, I would willingly set you right + in his character. For his great sufferings and eminent services he was by + the late King promoted to the see of Derry. About the same time, he wrote + a book to justify the Revolution, wherein was an account of King James's + proceedings in Ireland, and the late Archbishop Tillotson recommended it + to the King as the most serviceable treatise that could have been + published at such a juncture.[8] And as his Grace set out upon those + principles, he has proceeded so ever since, as a loyal subject to the + Queen, entirely for the succession in the Protestant line, and for ever + excluding the Pretender; and though a firm friend to the Church, yet with + indulgence toward dissenters, as appears from his conduct at Derry, where + he was settled for many years among the most virulent of the sect; yet + upon his removal to Dublin, they parted from him with tears in their eyes, + and universal acknowledgments of his wisdom and goodness. For the rest, it + must be owned, he does not busy himself by entering deep into any party, + but rather spends his time in acts of hospitality and charity, in building + of churches, repairing his palace, in introducing and preferring the + worthiest persons he can find, without other regards; in short, in the + practice of all virtues that can become a public or private life. This and + more, if possible, is due to so excellent a person, who may be justly + reckoned among the greatest and most learned prelates of his age, however + his character may be defiled by such mean and dirty hands as those of the + <i>Observator</i> or such as employ him.[9] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: The Provost and Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin, had + lately expelled Edward Forbes for the cause mentioned in the text. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Faulkner prints: "But sufficient care hath been taken to + explain it." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Daniel Defoe (1663?-1731), the son of a Cripplegate butcher. + Entered business as a hosier, but failed. In 1695 he was appointed one of + the commissioners for duties on glass. Wrote "The True Born Englishman" + (1701); "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters," for which he was + pilloried, fined, and imprisoned; and numerous other works, including + "Robinson Crusoe;" "Life of Captain Singleton;" "History of Duncan + Campbell;" "Life of Moll Flanders;" "Roxana;" "Life of Colonel Jack;" + "Journal of the Plague;" "History of the Devil;" and "Religious + Courtship." He edited a paper called "The Review," to which Swift here + refers, and against which Charles Leslie wrote his "Rehearsals." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: John Tutchin, a virulent writer of the reign of James II. For + a political work in defence of Monmouth he was sentenced by Judge + Jefferies to be whipped through several market towns. He wrote the + "Observator" (begun April, 1702), and suffered at the hands of the Tories + for his writings. He died in great poverty in 1708, at the age of + forty-seven. He was also the author of a play entitled, "The Unfortunate + Shepherd." Pope refers to these punishments meted out to Defoe and + Tutchin, in the second book of the "Dunciad": + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Earless on high, stood unabashed De Foe, + And Tutchin flagrant from the scourge below." [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Dr. Thomas Tenison (1636-1715), born at Cottenham, + Cambridgeshire. For his attacks on the Roman Catholics he was in 1691 + created Bishop of Lincoln. He was made Archbishop of Canterbury in 1694. + He wrote a "Discourse of Idolatry," an answer to Hobbes, and published + several sermons. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Dr. William King. See vol. iii., p. 241, note. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Dr. King was twice imprisoned in the castle of Dublin after + the landing of King James in Ireland in 1699, and narrowly escaped + assassination. The title of the work alluded to is: "The State of the + Protestants in Ireland under the late King James's Government, in which + their carriage towards him is justified, and the absolute necessity of + their endeavouring to be freed from his Government, and of submitting to + their present Majesties, is demonstrated." [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The portion of this paragraph beginning with "The reason why + I mention him," to the end, "such as employ him," is omitted by Faulkner. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + I now come to answer the other part of your letter, and shall give you my + opinion freely about repealing the Sacramental Test; only whereas you + desire my thoughts as a friend, and not as I am a member of parliament, I + must assure you they are exactly the same in both capacities. + </p> + <p> + I must begin by telling you, we are generally surprised at your wonderful + kindness to us on this occasion, it being so very industrious to teach us + to see our interest in a point where we are so unable to see it ourselves. + This hath given us some suspicion; and though in my own particular, I am + hugely bent to believe, that whenever you concern yourselves in our + affairs, it is certainly for our good, yet I have the misfortune to be + something singular in this belief, and therefore I never attempt to + justify it, but content myself to possess my own opinion in private, for + fear of encountering men of more wit or words than I have to spare. + </p> + <p> + We at this distance, who see nothing of the spring of actions, are forced + by mere conjecture to assign two reasons for your desiring us to repeal + the Sacramental Test: One is, because you are said to imagine it will be + one step towards the like good work in England: The other more immediate, + that it will open a way for rewarding several persons who have well + deserved upon a great occasion, but who are now unqualified through that + impediment. + </p> + <p> + I do not frequently quote poets, especially English, but I remember there + is in some of Mr. Cowley's love verses, a strain that I thought + extraordinary at fifteen, and have often since imagined it to be spoken by + Ireland: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Forbid it Heaven my life should be + Weigh'd with her least conveniency:" +</pre> + <p> + In short, whatever advantage you propose to yourselves by repealing the + Sacramental Test, speak it out plainly, 'tis the best argument you can + use, for we value your interest much more than our own: If your little + finger be sore, and you think a poultice made of our vitals will give it + any ease, speak the word and it shall be done; the interest of our whole + kingdom is at any time ready to strike to that of your poorest fishing + towns; it is hard you will not accept our services, unless we believe at + the same time that you are only consulting our profit, and giving us marks + of your love. If there be a fire at some distance, and I immediately blow + up my house before there be occasion, because you are a man of quality, + and apprehend some danger to a corner of your stable; yet why should you + require me to attend next morning at your levee with my humble thanks for + the favour you have done me? + </p> + <p> + If we might be allowed to judge for ourselves, we had abundance of benefit + by the Sacramental Test, and foresee a number of mischiefs would be the + consequence of repealing it, and we conceive the objections made against + it by the dissenters are of no manner of force: They tell us of their + merits in the late war in Ireland, and how cheerfully they engaged for the + safety of the nation; that had they thought they had been fighting only + other people's quarrels, perhaps it might have cooled their zeal; and that + for the future, they shall sit down quietly and let us do our work + ourselves; nay, that it is necessary they should do so, since they cannot + take up arms under the penalty of high treason. + </p> + <p> + Now supposing them to have done their duty, as I believe they did, and not + to trouble them about the <i>fly on the wheel</i>; I thought Liberty, + Property and Religion had been the three subjects of the quarrel, and have + not all those been amply secured to them? Had they not at that time a + mental reservation for power and employments? And must these two articles + be added henceforward in our national quarrels? It is grown a mighty + conceit among some men to melt down the phrase of a <i>Church Established + by law</i> into that of the <i>Religion of the Magistrate</i>; of which + appellation it is easier to find the reason than the sense: If by the + magistrate they mean the prince, the expression includes a falsehood; for + when King James was prince[10], the Established Church was the same it is + now. If by the same word they mean the Legislature, we desire no more. Be + that as it will, we of this kingdom believe the Church of Ireland to be + the National Church, and the only one established by law, and are willing + by the same law to give a toleration to dissenters: But if once we repeal + our Sacramental Test, and grant a toleration, or suspend the execution of + the penal laws, I do not see how we can be said to have any Established + Church remaining; or rather why there will not be as many established + churches, as there are sects of dissenters. No, say they, yours will still + be the National Church, because your bishops and clergy are maintained by + the public; but, that, I suppose, will be of no long duration, and it + would be very unjust it should, because, to speak in Tindal's phrase,[11] + it is not reasonable that revenues should be annexed to one opinion more + than another, when all are equally lawful, and 'tis the same author's + maxim, that no freeborn subject ought to pay for maintaining speculations + he does not believe. <i>But why should any man, upon account of opinions + he cannot help, be deprived of the opportunity of serving his Queen and + country?</i> Their zeal is commendable, and when employments go a begging + for want of hands, they shall be sure to have the refusal, only upon + condition they will not pretend to them upon maxims which equally include + atheists, Turks, Jews, infidels, and heretics, or which is still more + dangerous, even Papists themselves; the former you allow, the other you + deny, because these last own a foreign power, and therefore must be shut + out. But there is no great weight in this; for their religion can suit + with free states, with limited or absolute monarchies, as well as a + better, and the Pope's power in France is but a shadow; so that upon this + foot there need be no great danger to the constitution by admitting + Papists to employments. I will help you to enough of them who shall be + ready to allow the Pope as little power here as you please; and the bare + opinion of his being vicar of Christ is but a speculative point, for which + no man it seems ought to be deprived of the capacity of serving his + country. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The words from "the expression" to "was prince" are omitted + by Faulkner in his edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: See vol. iii, p. 9, note. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + But, if you please, I will tell you the great objection we have against + repealing this same Sacramental Test. It is, that we are verily persuaded + the consequence will be an entire alteration of religion among us in a no + great compass of years. And, pray observe, how we reason here in Ireland + upon this matter. + </p> + <p> + We observe the Scots in our northern parts, to be a brave, industrious + people, extremely devoted to their religion, and full of an undisturbed + affection towards each other. Numbers of that noble nation, invited by the + fertilities of the soil, are glad to exchange their barren hills of + Loquabar, by a voyage of three hours, for our fruitful vales of Down and + Antrim, so productive of that grain, which, at little trouble and less + expense finds diet and lodging for themselves and their cattle.[12] These + people by their extreme parsimony, wonderful dexterity in dealing, and + firm adherence to one another, soon grow into wealth from the smallest + beginnings, never are rooted out where they once fix, and increase daily + by new supplies; besides when they are the superior number in any tract of + ground, they are not over patient of mixture; but such, whom they cannot + assimilate, soon find it their interest to remove. I have done all in my + power on some land of my own to preserve two or three English fellows in + their neighbourhood, but found it impossible, though one of them thought + he had sufficiently made his court by turning Presbyterian. Add to all + this, that they bring along with them from Scotland a most formidable + notion of our Church, which they look upon at least three degrees worse + than Popery; and it is natural it should be so, since they come over full + fraught with that spirit which taught them to abolish Episcopacy at home. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: From this passage, perhaps, Johnson derived the famous + definition of oats, in his Dictionary, as the food of horses in England, + and of men in Scotland. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + Then we proceed farther, and observe, that the gentlemen of employments + here, make a very considerable number in the House of Commons, and have no + other merit but that of doing their duty in their several stations; + therefore when the Test is repealed, it will be highly reasonable they + should give place to those who have much greater services to plead. The + commissions of the revenue are soon disposed of, and the collectors and + other officers throughout this kingdom, are generally appointed by the + commissioners, which give them a mighty influence in every country. As + much may be said of the great officers in the law; and when this door is + open to let dissenters into the commissions of the peace, to make them + High Sheriffs, Mayors of Corporations, and officers of the army and + militia; I do not see how it can be otherwise, considering their industry + and our supineness, but that they may in a very few years grow to a + majority in the House of Commons, and consequently make themselves the + national religion, and have a fair pretence to demand the revenues of the + Church for their teachers. I know it will be objected, that if all this + should happen as I describe, yet the Presbyterian religion could never be + made the national by act of Parliament, because our bishops are so great a + number in the House of Lords, and without a majority there, the Church + could not be abolished. But I have two very good expedients for that, + which I shall leave you to guess, and I dare swear our Speaker here has + often thought on, especially having endeavoured at one of them so lately. + That this design is not so foreign from some people's thoughts, I must let + you know that an honest bellwether[13] of our house (you have him now in + England, I wish you could keep him there) had the impudence some years + ago, in Parliament time, to shake my Lord Bishop of Kilaloe[14] by his + lawn sleeve, and tell him in a threatening manner, "that he hoped to live + to see the day when there should not be one of his order in the kingdom." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Supposed to be Mr. Broderick. [F.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Dr. Lindsay, afterwards Lord Primate. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + These last lines perhaps you think a digression; therefore to return: I + have told you the consequences we fully reckon upon from repealing the + Sacramental Test, which although the greatest number of such as are for + doing it, are actually in no manner of pain about it, and many of them + care not threepence whether there be any Church, or no; yet because they + pretend to argue from conscience as well as policy and interest, I thought + it proper to understand and answer them accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Now, sir, in answer to your question, whether if an attempt should be made + here for repealing the Sacramental Test, it would be likely to succeed? + The number of professed dissenters in this Parliament was, as I remember, + something under a dozen, and I cannot call to mind above thirty others who + were expected to fall in with them. This is certain, that the Presbyterian + party having with great industry mustered up their forces, did endeavour + one day upon occasion of a hint in my Lord Pembroke's speech, to introduce + a debate about repealing the Test clause, when there appeared at least + four to one odds against them; and the ablest of those who were reckoned + the most staunch and thorough-paced Whigs upon all other occasions, fell + off with an abhorrence at the first mention of this. + </p> + <p> + I must desire you to take notice, that the terms of Whig and Tory, do not + properly express the different interests in our parliament. I remember + when I was last in England, I told the King, that the highest Tories we + had with us would make tolerable Whigs there; this was certainly right, + and still in the general continues so, unless you have since admitted new + characteristics, which did not come within our definition.[15] Whoever + bears a true veneration for the glorious memory of King William, as our + great deliverer from Popery and slavery; whoever is firmly loyal to our + present Queen, with an utter abhorrence and detestation of the Pretender; + whoever approves the succession to the Crown in the House of Hanover, and + is for preserving the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, + with an indulgence for scrupulous consciences; such a man we think acts + upon right principles, and may be justly allowed a Whig: And I believe + there are not six members in our House of Commons, who may not fairly come + under this description. So that the parties among us are made up, on one + side, of moderate Whigs, and on the other, of Presbyterians and their + abettors; by which last I mean, such who can equally go to a Church or + Conventicle, or such who are indifferent to all religion in general, or + lastly such who affect to bear a personal rancour toward the clergy: These + last are a set of men not of our own growth, their principles at least + have been imported of late years; yet this whole party put together will + not, I am confident, amount to above fifty men in Parliament, which can + hardly be worked up into a majority of three hundred. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: The passage beginning with "I remember when I was last in + England," and ending with "within our definition," is omitted by Faulkner. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + As to the House of Lords, the difficulty there is conceived at least as + great as in ours. So many of our temporal peers live in England, that the + bishops are generally pretty near a par of the House, and we reckon they + will be all to a man against repealing the Test; and yet their lordships + are generally thought as good Whigs upon our principles as any in the + kingdom. There are indeed a few lay lords who appear to have no great + devotion for Episcopacy; and perhaps one or two more with whom certain + powerful motives might be used for removing any difficulty whatsoever; but + these are in no sort of a number to carry any point against the + conjunction of the rest and the whole bench of bishops. + </p> + <p> + Besides, the whole body of our clergy is utterly against repealing the + Test, though they are entirely devoted to her Majesty, and hardly one in a + hundred who are not very good Whigs in our acceptation of the word. And I + must let you know, that we of Ireland are not yet come up to other folk's + refinements; for we generally love and esteem our clergy, and think they + deserve it; nay, we are apt to lay some weight upon their opinion, and + would not willingly disoblige them, at least unless it were upon some + greater point of interest than this. And their judgment in the present + affair is the more to be regarded, because they are the last persons who + will be affected by it: This makes us think them impartial, and that their + concern is only for religion and the interest of the kingdom. Because the + act which repeals the Test, will only qualify a layman for an employment, + but not a Presbyterian or Anabaptist preacher for a church-living. Now I + must take leave to inform you, that several members of our House, and + myself among the rest, knowing some time ago what was upon the anvil, went + to all the clergy we knew of any distinction, and desired their judgment + of the matter, wherein we found a most wonderful agreement; there being + but one divine that we could hear of in the whole kingdom, who appeared of + a contrary sentiment, wherein he afterwards stood alone in the + convocation, very little to his credit, though, as he hoped, very much to + his interest. + </p> + <p> + I will now consider a little the arguments offered to shew the advantages, + or rather the necessity, of repealing the Test in Ireland. We are told, + the Popish interest is here so formidable, that all hands should be joined + to keep it under; that the only names of distinction among us ought to be + those of Protestant and Papist, and that this expedient is the only means + to unite all Protestants upon one common bottom. All which is nothing but + misrepresentation and mistake. + </p> + <p> + If we were under any real fear of the Papists in this kingdom, it would be + hard to think us so stupid, not to be equally apprehensive with others, + since we are likely to be the greatest, and more immediate sufferers; but + on the contrary, we look upon them to be altogether as inconsiderable as + the women and children. Their lands are almost entirely taken from them, + and they are rendered incapable of purchasing any more; and for the little + that remains, provision is made by the late act against Popery, that it + will daily crumble away: To prevent which, some of the most considerable + among them are already turned Protestants, and so in all probability will + many more. Then, the Popish priests are all registered, and without + permission (which I hope will not be granted) they can have no successors; + so that the Protestant Clergy will find it perhaps no difficult matter to + bring great numbers over to the Church; and in the meantime, the common + people without leaders, without discipline, or natural courage, being + little better than "hewers of wood, and drawers of water," are out of all + capacity of doing any mischief, if they were ever so well inclined. + Neither are they at all likely to join in any considerable numbers with an + invader, having found so ill success when they were much more numerous and + powerful; when they had a prince of their own religion to head them, had + been trained for some years under a Popish deputy, and received such + mighty aids from the French king. + </p> + <p> + As to that argument used for repealing the Test, that it will unite all + Protestants against the common enemy, I wonder by what figure those + gentlemen speak who are pleased to advance it: Suppose in order to + increase the friendship between you and me, a law should pass that I must + have half your estate; do you think that would much advance the union + between us? Or, suppose I share my fortune equally between my own + children, and a stranger whom I take into my protection; will that be a + method to unite them? Tis an odd way of uniting parties, to deprive a + majority of part of their ancient right, by conferring it on a faction who + had never any right at all, and therefore cannot be said to suffer any + loss or injury if it be refused them. Neither is it very clear, how far + some people may stretch the term of common enemy. How many are there of + those that call themselves Protestants, who look upon our worship to be + idolatrous as well as that of the Papists, and with great charity put + Prelacy and Popery together, as terms convertible? + </p> + <p> + And, therefore, there is one small doubt, I would be willingly satisfied + in before I agree to the repealing of the Test; that is, whether, these + same Protestants, when they have by their dexterity made themselves the + national religion, and disposed the Church revenues among their pastors or + themselves, will be so kind to allow us dissenters, I do not say a share + in employments, but a bare toleration by law? The reason of my doubt is, + because I have been so very idle as to read above fifty pamphlets, written + by as many Presbyterian divines, loudly disclaiming this idol Toleration, + some of them calling it (I know not how properly) a rag of Popery, and all + agreeing it was to establish iniquity by law. Now, I would be glad to know + when and where their successors have renounced this doctrine, and before + what witnesses. Because, methinks I should be loth to see my poor titular + bishop <i>in partibus</i>, seized on by mistake in the dark for a Jesuit, + or be forced myself to keep my chaplain disguised like my butler, and + steal to prayers in a back room, as my grandfather[l6] used in those times + when the Church of England was malignant. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: This is Thomas Swift, vicar of Goodrich, in Herefordshire, + "much distinguished by his courage, as well as his loyalty to King Charles + the First, and the sufferings he underwent for that prince, more than any + person of his condition in England." See the "Fragment of Autobiography," + printed by Scott and Forster in their Lives of Swift. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + But this is ripping up old quarrels long forgot; Popery is now the common + enemy, against which we must all unite; I have been tired in history with + the perpetual folly of those states who call in foreigners to assist them + against a common enemy: But the mischief was, those allies would never be + brought to allow that the common enemy was quite subdued. And they had + reason; for it proved at last, that one part of the common enemy was those + who called them in, and so the allies became at length the masters. + </p> + <p> + 'Tis agreed among naturalists that a lion is a larger, a stronger, and + more dangerous enemy than a cat; yet if a man were to have his choice, + either a lion at his foot, bound fast with three or four chains, his teeth + drawn out, and his claws pared to the quick, or an angry cat in full + liberty at his throat; he would take no long time to determine. + </p> + <p> + I have been sometimes admiring the wonderful significancy of that word + persecution, and what various interpretations it hath acquired even within + my memory. When I was a boy, I often heard the Presbyterians complain that + they were not permitted to serve God in their own way; they said they did + not repine at our employments, but thought that all men who live peaceably + ought to have liberty of conscience, and leave to assemble. That + impediment being removed at the Revolution, they soon learned to swallow + the Sacramental Test and began to take very large steps, wherein all that + offered to oppose them, were called men of a persecuting spirit. During + the time the Bill against Occasional Conformity was on foot, persecution + was every day rung in our ears, and now at last the Sacramental Test + itself has the same name. Where then is this matter likely to end, when + the obtaining of one request is only used as a step to demand another? A + lover is ever complaining of cruelty while anything is denied him, and + when the lady ceases to be cruel, she is from the next moment at his + mercy: So persecution it seems, is everything that will not leave it in + men's power to persecute others. + </p> + <p> + There is one argument offered against a Sacramental Test, by a sort of men + who are content to be styled of the Church of England, who perhaps attend + its service in the morning, and go with their wives to a conventicle in + the afternoon, confessing they hear very good doctrine in both. These men + are much offended that so holy an institution as that of the Lord's Supper + should be made subservient to such mercenary purposes as the getting of an + employment. Now, it seems, the law, concluding all men to be members of + that Church where they receive the Sacrament; and supposing all men to + live like Christians (especially those who are to have employments) did + imagine they received the Sacrament in course about four times a year, and + therefore only desired it might appear by certificate to the public, that + such who took an office were members of the Church established, by doing + their ordinary duty. However, lest we should offend them, we have often + desired they would deal candidly with us; for if the matter stuck only + there, we would propose it in parliament, that every man who takes an + employment should, instead of receiving the sacrament, be obliged to + swear, that he is a member of the Church of Ireland by law established, + with Episcopacy, and so forth; and as they do now in Scotland, <i>to be + true to the Kirk</i>. But when we drive them thus far, they always retire + to the main body of the argument, urge the hardship that men should be + deprived the liberty of serving their Queen and country, on account of + their conscience: And, in short, have recourse to the common style of + their half brethren. Now whether this be a sincere way of arguing, I will + appeal to any other judgment but theirs. + </p> + <p> + There is another topic of clamour somewhat parallel to the foregoing: It + seems, by the Test clause, the military officers are obliged to receive + the Sacrament as well as the civil. And it is a matter of some patience to + hear the dissenters declaiming upon this occasion: They cry they are + disarmed, they are used like Papists; when an enemy appears at home, or + from abroad, they must sit still, and see their throats cut, or be hanged + for high treason if they offer to defend themselves. Miserable condition! + Woful dilemma! It is happy for us all, that the Pretender was not apprized + of this passive Presbyterian principle, else he would have infallibly + landed in our northern parts, and found them all sat down in their + formalities, as the Gauls did the Roman senators, ready to die with honour + in their callings. Sometimes to appease their indignation, we venture to + give them hopes that in such a case the government will perhaps connive, + and hardly be so severe to hang them for defending it against the letter + of the law; to which they readily answer, that they will not lie at our + mercy, but let us fight our battles ourselves. Sometimes we offer to get + an act, by which upon all Popish insurrections at home, or Popish invasion + from abroad, the government shall be empowered to grant commissions to all + Protestants whatsoever, without that persecuting circumstance of obliging + them to say their prayers when they receive the Sacrament; but they abhor + all thoughts of occasional commissions, they will not do our drudgery, and + we reap the benefit: It is not worth their while to fight <i>pro aris et + focis</i>, and they had rather lose their estates, liberties, religion and + lives, than the pleasure of governing. + </p> + <p> + But to bring this discourse toward a conclusion: If the dissenters will be + satisfied with such a toleration by law as hath been granted them in + England, I believe the majority of both Houses will fall readily in with + it; farther it will be hard to persuade this House of Commons, and perhaps + much harder the next. For, to say the truth, we make a mighty difference + here between suffering thistles to grow among us, and wearing them for + posies. We are fully convinced in our consciences, that <i>we</i> shall + always tolerate them, but not quite so fully that <i>they</i> will always + tolerate us, when it comes to their turn; and <i>we</i> are the majority, + and <i>we</i> are in possession. + </p> + <p> + He who argues in defence of a law in force, not antiquated or obsolete, + but lately enacted, is certainly on the safer side, and may be allowed to + point out the dangers he conceives to foresee in the abrogation of it. + </p> + <p> + For if the consequences of repealing this clause, should at some time or + other enable the Presbyterians to work themselves up into the National + Church; instead of uniting Protestants, it would sow eternal divisions + among them. First, their own sects, which now lie dormant, would be soon + at cuffs again with each other about power and preferment; and the + dissenting Episcopals, perhaps discontented to such a degree, as upon some + fair unhappy occasion, would be able to shake the firmest loyalty, which + none can deny theirs to be. + </p> + <p> + Neither is it very difficult to conjecture from some late proceedings, at + what a rate this faction is likely to drive wherever it gets the whip and + the seat. They have already set up courts of spiritual judicature in open + contempt of the laws: They send missionaries everywhere, without being + invited, in order to convert the Church of England folks to Christianity. + They are as vigilant as <i>I know who</i>, to attend persons on their + death-beds, and for purposes much alike. And what practices such + principles as these (with many other that might be invidious to mention) + may spawn when they are laid out to the sun, you may determine at leisure. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, Whether we are so entirely sure of their loyalty upon the present + foot of government as you may imagine, their detractors make a question, + which however, does, I think, by no means affect the body of dissenters; + but the instance produced is, of some among their leading teachers in the + north, who having refused the Abjuration Oath, yet continue their + preaching, and have abundance of followers. The particulars are out of my + head, but the fact is notorious enough, and I believe has been published; + I think it a pity, it has not been remedied. + </p> + <p> + Thus, I have fairly given you, Sir, my own opinion, as well as that of a + great majority in both Houses here, relating to this weighty affair, upon + which I am confident you may securely reckon. I will leave you to make + what use of it you please. + </p> + <p> + I am, with great respect, Sir, + </p> + <p> + Yours, &c. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PRESBYTERIANS' PLEA OF MERIT. + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + THE reference casually made by Swift, in his "Letter on the Sacramental + Test," to his grandfather and the "malignant Church," probably points to + one of the causes for his persistent dislike towards the Protestant + dissenters. His attitude displays a profound disgust both for their + teaching and their conduct; and he found, very early, occasion to ridicule + them, as may be seen in his description of Jack, Martin, and Peter in "A + Tale of a Tub" (see vol. i. of this edition). In spite, however, of this + attitude, Swift seems to have remained silent on the question of the + repeal of the Test Act for a period of more than twenty years. He had + published his "Letter from a Member of the House of Commons in Ireland" in + 1708; but it was not until 1731 that he again took up his pen against + Dissent. + </p> + <p> + In that year, and in the two subsequent ones, the Presbyterians fought + very strenuously for a mitigation of the laws against them; and the + literature which has been handed down to us of that fight is by no means + insignificant. The tracts which we know to be of Swift's authorship are: + "The Presbyterians' Plea of Merit" (1731); "A Narrative of the several + Attempts which the Dissenters of Ireland have made for a repeal of the + Sacramental Test" (1731); "The Advantages proposed by Repealing the + Sacramental Test impartially considered" (1732); "Queries Relating to the + Sacramental Test" (1732); "Reasons humbly offered to the Parliament of + Ireland for Repealing the Test in favour of Roman Catholics" (1733); "Some + Few Thoughts Concerning the Test;" and, according to Sir Walter Scott, + "Ten Reasons for Repealing the Test Act." + </p> + <p> + Monck Mason, in his elaborate note on this particular literature of the + period (see "History of St. Patrick's Cathedral," pp. 387, 388, notes), + gives a list of sixteen pamphlets, many of which he considers to be so + well written that they would have done no discredit to Swift himself. The + list is here transcribed for the benefit of the student: + </p> + <p> + (i.) "Nature and Consequences of the Sacramental Test considered; with + Remarks humbly offered for the Repeal of it." 1732. + </p> + <p> + (ii.) "Remarks on a Pamphlet, entitled, 'The Nature and Consequences of + the Sacramental Test Considered.'" Dublin, 1732, 12mo. + </p> + <p> + (iii.) "The History of the Test Act: in which the Mistakes in some + Writings against it are Rectified, and the Importance of it to the Church + explained." Printed at London and Dublin: and reprinted by George + Faulkner. 1733, 12mo. + </p> + <p> + (iv.) "Plain Reasons against the Repeal of the Test Act; humbly offered to + publick Consideration." Dublin: printed by George Faulkner. 1733, 12mo. + </p> + <p> + (v.) "The Test Act Examined by the Test of Reason." Dublin, 1733, 12mo. + </p> + <p> + (vi.) "The Case of the Episcopal Dissenters in Scotland, and that of the + Dissenters in Ireland Compared; with Relation to Toleration, and a + Capacity for Civil Offices. In a Letter to a Member of Parliament." + Dublin, 1733, 8vo. + </p> + <p> + ¶ This tract refers to another entitled: "The Tables Turned against the + Presbyterians; or, Reasons against the Sacramental Test, by a General + Assembly of Scotland." + </p> + <p> + (vii.) "The Case of the Test Considered, with respect to Ireland." Dublin, + Faulkner, 1733. + </p> + <p> + (viii) "The natural Impossibilities of better Uniting Protestants &c. + by Repealing the Test." Dublin: Printed by George Faulkner, 1733. + </p> + <p> + (ix.) "Ten Reasons for Repealing the Test Act." + </p> + <p> + ¶ Scott reprints this as Swift's from the broadside original. + </p> + <p> + (x-xi.) "A Vindication of the Protestant Dissenters from the Aspersions + Cast upon them in a late Pamphlet, entitled, 'The Presbyterians 'Plea of + Merit &c.,' with some Remarks on a Paper called 'The Correspondent,' + giving a pretended Narrative, &c." + </p> + <p> + ¶ Swift refers to this pamphlet in his "Roman Catholic Reasons for + Repealing the Test." It is also noted by the printer of the undated second + edition of the London reprint of "The Plea." + </p> + <p> + (xii.) "The Dispute Adjusted, about the <i>proper time</i> of applying for + a Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts: by shewing that <i>no time is + proper</i>. By the Reverend Father in God, Edmund Lord Bishop of London." + </p> + <p> + ¶ Faulkner, in the second edition of "The Presbyterians' Plea," advertises + this tract to appear in 1733. The author of "The Case of the Episcopal + Dissenters in Scotland" mentions that it has been "lately re-printed" in + Ireland, but that it is "falsely ascribed to the Bishop of London." + </p> + <p> + (xiii.) "The Test Act considered in a Political Light." 1733. Broadside. + </p> + <p> + (xiv.) "Queries upon the Demand of the Presbyterians to have the + Sacramental Test Repealed at this Session of Parliament." 1733. Broadside. + </p> + <p> + ¶ These Queries differ somewhat from those put by Swift in 1732. + </p> + <p> + (xv.) "A Letter from a Freeman of a certain Burrough, in the North of + Ireland, to his Friend and Representative in Parliament; shewing Reasons + why the Test Act should not be Repealed." 1733. Broadside. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +(xvi.) + "The Grunter's Request + To take Off the Test." + [A Poem.] 1733. 12mo. +</pre> + <p> + Scott suggests ("Life of Jonathan Swift," 1824, p.401) that "probably more + occasional tracts" were written by the Dean on the subject of the Test + "than have yet been recovered." The curious student may satisfy himself on + this matter by reading the above pamphlets. Neither Monck Mason, Dr. + Barrett, nor Scott himself, cared to take upon themselves to decide + whether any of them were by Swift; nor have any of the Dean's modern + biographers thrown any light on the subject. A point to note in this + consideration is the fact that Faulkner, in his collected edition of + Swift's works, did not include any of these; and, as he himself published + many of them, he would certainly have known something of their authorship. + </p> + <p> + Swift's agitation against the repeal of the Test was so successful that + the Irish House of Commons found itself in a majority for the Test. In + addition to the prose tracts Swift wrote a stinging poem "On the Words + Brother Protestants and Fellow Christians," an expression familiarly used + by the advocates for the Repeal of the Test Act. This poem brought him + into personal conflict with one Serjeant Bettesworth, who "openly swore, + before many hundreds of people, that upon the first opportunity, by the + help of ruffians, he would murder or maim the Dean of St. Patrick's." The + lines to which the Serjeant took exception were: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Thus at the bar the booby Bettesworth, + Though half-a-crown o'erpays his sweat's worth; + Who knows in law, nor text, nor margent, + Calls Singleton his brother serjeant." +</pre> + <p> + The affair ended in the further ridicule of Bettesworth, who complained in + the Irish House of Commons that the lampoon had cost him £1,200 a year. A + full account of Swift's interview with Bettesworth is given by Swift in a + letter to the Duke of Dorset, dated January, 1733-1734; and the "Grub + Street Journal" for August 9th, 1734, tells how the inhabitants of the + City of Dublin came to Swift's aid. Perhaps Bettesworth finally found + consolation in the thought, satirically suggested by Dr. William Dunkin, + that, after all, it might be worth the loss of money to be "transmitted to + posterity in Dr. Swift's works." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For had he not pointed me out, I had slept till + E'en Doomsday, a poor insignificant reptile; + Half lawyer, half actor, pert, dull, and inglorious, + Obscure, and unheard of—but now I'm notorious: + Fame has but two gates, a white and a black one; + The worst they can say is, I got in at the back one: + If the end be obtained 'tis equal what portal + I enter, since I'm to be render'd immortal: + So clysters applied to the anus, 'tis said, + By skilful physicians, give ease to the head— + Though my title be spurious, why should I be dastard, + A man is a man though he should be a bastard. + Why sure 'tis some comfort that heroes should slay us, + If I fall, I would fall by the hand of Aeneas; + And who by the Drapier would not rather damn'd be, + Than demigoddized by madrigal Namby."[1] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Namby was the nickname for Ambrose Philips.] + </p> + <p> + Scott, and all Swift's editors and biographers, state that "The + Presbyterians' Plea of Merit" was first published in 1731. What authority + they have for this statement, I have not been able to discover. My own + research has, so far, failed to find a copy of it with the date, 1731, on + the title-page. The edition upon which the present text is based, is that + printed by Faulkner in 1733, of the title-page of which, a facsimile is + here given. This, I believe to be the first edition. Scott, following + Nichols, states that in the first edition of "The Plea," the "Ode to + Humphry French, Esq.," appeared, and that in the second edition, this ode + was omitted to make room for the "Narrative of the Several Attempts made + for the Repeal of the Test Act." Now in the British Museum, there are two + <i>undated</i> editions of "The Plea," which bear out this statement; but + these, as the title-pages inform us, are London reprints of Dublin + editions. Since, however, no one has recorded dated Dublin editions + corresponding exactly to these London reprints, the evidence of the + reprints counts for very little. Monck Mason, a very accurate authority, + usually, says distinctly, "The Plea" was printed in 1731, and a second + edition issued in 1733; but one gathers from his note that the only + edition in his possession was that of 1733, and this has neither the "Ode" + nor the "Narrative"; the last page consisting of an advertisement of the + collected editions of Swift's works, which Faulkner was then preparing. + The first of the London reprints bears no indication of any particular + edition; the second has the words "second edition" on the title-page. In + his note to this reprint of the "Narrative," and in his "Life of Swift," + Scott refers to a Dublin periodical called "The Correspondent" (in which + the "Narrative" was first published) as being printed in 1731. The only + edition of this periodical, of which I have either seen or heard, is the + copy in the British Museum, and that copy distinctly states: "Printed by + James Hoey in Skinner-Row, 1733." If, therefore, this be the first edition + of "The Correspondent," the "Narrative" must be ascribed to the year 1733, + and the second edition of "The Plea" to the end of the same, or the + beginning of the following year. I conclude, therefore, first, that the + first edition of "The Plea" is that dated "Dublin, 1733;" second, that the + undated London reprint with the "Ode" is of the same year; and, lastly, + that the undated second London reprint with the "Narrative," is probably + of the year, 1734. Examining Scott's text of this tract, one is forced to + the conclusion that he could not have seen the Dublin edition of 1733; + whereas, its almost exact similarity to the London reprint suggests that + he used that. For purposes of the present text all three editions have + been collated with one another, and with those given by Faulkner, + Hawkesworth and Scott. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE + <i>Presbyterians</i> PLEA + OF + MERIT; + In Order to take off the + TEST, + Impartially Examined. + + [Illustration] + + <i>DUBLIN:</i> + + Printed and fold by GEORGE FAULKNER, in + <i>Essex-Street</i>, opposite to the <i>Bridge</i>, 1733. +</pre> + <p> + We have been told in the common newspapers, that all attempts are to be + made this session by the Presbyterians, and their abettors, for taking off + the Test, as a kind of preparatory step, to make it go down smoother in + England. For, if once their light would so shine, the Papists, delighted + with the blaze, would all come in, and dance about it. This I take to be a + prudent method; like that of a discreet physician, who first gives a new + medicine to a dog, before he prescribes it to a human creature.[1] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: See note prefixed to the "Letter on the Sacramental Test." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + The Presbyterians have, ever since the Revolution directed their learned + casuists to employ their pens on this subject; by shewing the merits and + pretensions upon which they claim this justice; as founded upon the + services they did toward the restoration of King Charles the Second; and + at the Revolution under the Prince of Orange. Which pleas I take to be the + most singular, in their kind, that ever were offered in the face of the + sun, against the most glaring light of truth, and against a continuation + of public facts, known to all Europe for twenty years together. I shall, + therefore, impartially examine the merits and conduct of the + Presbyterians, upon those two great events; and the pretensions to favour, + which they challenge upon them. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the Reformation of the Church in England, under Edward the + Sixth, upon Queen Mary's succeeding to the crown, who restored Popery, + many Protestants fled out of England, to escape the persecution raised + against the Church, as her brother had left it established. Some of these + exiles went to Geneva; which city had received the doctrine of Calvin, and + rejected the government of bishops; with many other refinements. These + English exiles readily embraced the Geneva system; and having added + farther improvements of their own, upon Queen Mary's death returned to + England; where they preached up their own opinions; inveighing bitterly + against Episcopacy, and all rites and ceremonies, however innocent and + ancient in the Church: building upon this foundation; to run as far as + possible from Popery, even in the most minute and indifferent + circumstances: this faction, under the name of Puritan, became very + turbulent, during the whole reign of Queen Elizabeth; and were always + discouraged by that wise queen, as well as by her two successors. However, + their numbers, as well as their insolence and perverseness, so far + increased, that soon after the death of King James the First, many + instances of their petulancy and scurrility, are to be seen in their + pamphlets, written for some years after; which was a trade they began in + the days of Queen Elizabeth: particularly with great rancour against the + bishops, the habits, and the ceremonies: Such were that scurrilous libel + under the title of Martin Mar-prelate,[2] and several others. And, + although the Earl of Clarendon[3] tells us, that, until the year 1640, (as + I remember) the kingdom was in a state of perfect peace and happiness, + without the least appearance of thought or design toward making any + alterations in religion or government; yet I have found, by often + rummaging for old books in Little Britain and Duck-Lane, a great number of + pamphlets printed from the year 1530[4] to 1640, full of as bold and + impious railing expressions, against the lawful power of the Crown, and + the order of bishops, as ever were uttered during the Rebellion, or the + whole subsequent tyranny of that fanatic anarchy. However, I find it + manifest, that Puritanism did not erect itself into a new, separate + species of religion, till some time after the Rebellion began. For, in the + latter times of King James the First, and the former part of his son, + there were several Puritan bishops, and many Puritan private clergymen; + while people went, as their inclinations led them, to hear preachers of + each party in the parish churches. For the Puritan clergy had received + Episcopal orders as well as the rest. But, soon after the Rebellion broke + out, the term Puritan gradually dropped, and that of Presbyterian + succeeded; which sect was, in two or three years, established in all its + forms, by what they called an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons, without + consulting the King; who was then at war against his rebels. And, from + this period the Church continued under persecution, till monarchy was + restored in the year 1660. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: According to Mr. Edward Arber the writers of these famous + tracts were the Rev. John Penny and Job Throckmorton, Esq. He calls these + two writers "the most eminent prose satirists of the Elizabethan age." For + a full account of these tracts and the controversy, see Mr. Arber's + "Introductory Sketch to the Martin Mar-prelate Controversy, 1588-1590" + (1879, English Scholar's Library). The aim of the Mar-prelate writers is + thus stated by the able author of that sketch: "To ridicule and affront a + proud hierarchy [the bishops] endowed with large legal means of doing + mischief, and not wanting in will to exercise these powers to the full. + The spell of the unnatural civil power which had been enjoyed by the Papal + prelates in this country remained with their Protestant successors until + this Controversy broke it: so that from this time onwards the bishops set + about to forge a new spell, 'the Divine Right of their temporal position + and power', which hallucination was dissolved by the Long Parliament: from + which time a bishop has usually been considered no more than a man" + (Preface, pp. 11-12). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon (1608-1674), the author of the + "History of the Great Rebellion." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The original edition has 1630. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + In a year or two after; we began to hear of a new party risen, and growing + in the Parliament, as well as the army; under the name of Independent: It + spread, indeed somewhat more in the latter; but not equal with the + Presbyterians, either in weight or number, till the very time[5] that the + King was murdered. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Faulkner prints: "until some time before the King was + murdered."[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + When the King, who was then a prisoner in the Isle of Wight, had made his + last concessions for a peace to the Commissioners of the Parliament, who + attended him there; upon their return to London, they reported his + Majesty's answer to the House. Whereupon, a number of moderate members, + who, as Ludlow[6] says, had secured their own terms with his Majesty, + managed with so much art, as to obtain a majority, in a thin house, for + passing a vote, that <i>the King's concessions were a ground for future + settlement</i>. But the great officers of the army, joining with the + discontented members, came to a resolution, of excluding all those who had + consented to that vote; which they executed in a military way. Ireton told + Fairfax the General,[7] a rigid Presbyterian, of this resolution; who + thereupon issued his orders for drawing out the army the next morning, and + placing guards in Westminster-hall, the Court of Requests, and the lobby; + who, in obedience to the General, in conjunction with those members who + opposed the vote, would let no member enter the House, except those of + their own party. Upon which, the question for bringing the King to + justice, was immediately put and carried without opposition, that I can + find. Then, an order was made for his trial; the time and place appointed; + the judges named; of whom Fairfax himself was one; although by the advice + or threats of his wife, he declined sitting among them. However, by fresh + orders under his own hand, which I have seen in print, he appointed guards + to attend the judges at the trial, and to keep the city in quiet; as he + did likewise to prevent any opposition from the people, upon the day of + execution. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Edmund Ludlow (1620?-1693) lieutenant-general of the + Parliamentary army. He was one of the judges of King Charles's trial, and + who signed the death-warrant. He died at Vevay, in Switzerland, where he + had fled on finding that Charles's judges were not included in the Act of + Indemnity. His memoirs were printed at Vevay in 1698-1699.3 vols. 8vo. It + is to these Swift refers. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Ireton and Fairfax were two famous generals of the + Parliamentary army serving with Cromwell. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + From what I have already deduced, it appears manifest, that the + differences between those two sects, Presbyterian and Independent, did not + then amount to half so much as what there is between a Whig and Tory at + present among us. The design of utterly extirpating monarchy and + episcopacy, was equally the same in both; evidently the consequence of the + very same principles, upon which the Presbyterians alone began, continued, + and would have ended in the same events; if towards the conclusion, they + had not been bearded by that new party, with whom they could not agree + about dividing the spoil. However, they held a good share of civil and + military employments during the whole time of the usurpation; whose names, + and actions, and preferments, are frequent in the accounts of those times. + For I make no doubt, that all the prudent Presbyterians complied in proper + seasons, falling in with the stream; and thereby got that share in + employments, which many of them held to the Restoration; and perhaps too + many of them after. In the same manner, we find our wisest Tories, in both + kingdoms, upon the change of hands and measures at the Queen's death, have + endeavoured for several years, by due compliances, to recover the time + they had lost by a temporary obstinacy; wherein they have well succeeded, + according to their degrees of merit. Of whose names I could here make + honourable mention, if I did not fear it might offend their modesty. + </p> + <p> + As to what is alleged, that some of the Presbyterians declared openly + against the King's murder, I allow it to be true. But, from what motives? + No other can possibly be assigned, than perfect spite, rage, and envy, to + find themselves wormed out of all power by a new infant spawn of + Independents, sprung from their own bowels. It is true; the differences in + religious tenets between them are very few and trifling; the chief + quarrel, as far as I remember, relating to congregational and national + assemblies. But, wherever interest or power thinks fit to interfere, it + little imports what principles the opposite parties think fit to charge + upon each other: for, we see, at this day, that the Tories are more hated + by the whole set of zealous Whigs, than the very Papists themselves; and, + in effect, as much unqualified for the smallest office: although, both + these parties assert themselves to be of the same religion, in all its + branches of doctrine and discipline; and profess the same loyalty to the + same Protestant King and his heirs. + </p> + <p> + If the reader would know what became of this Independent party, upon whom + all the mischief is charged by their Presbyterian brethren; he may please + to observe, that during the whole usurpation, they contended by degrees + with their parent sect, and, as I have already said, shared in + employments; and gradually, after the Restoration, mingled with the mass + of Presbyterians; lying ever since undistinguished in the herd of + dissenters. + </p> + <p> + The Presbyterian merit is of as little weight, when they allege themselves + instrumental towards the King's restoration. The kingdom grew tired with + those ridiculous models of government: First, by a House of Lords and + Commons, without a king; then without bishops; afterwards by a Rump[8] and + lords temporal: then by a Rump alone; next by a single person for life, in + conjunction with a council: by agitators: by major-generals: by a new kind + of representatives from the three kingdoms: by the keepers of the + liberties of England; with other schemes that have slipped out of my + memory. Cromwell was dead; his son Richard, a weak, ignorant wretch, who + gave up his monarchy much in the same manner with the two usurping kings + of Brentford.[9] The people harassed with taxes and other oppressions; the + King's party, then called the Cavaliers began to recover their spirits. + The few nobility scattered through the kingdom, who lived in a most + retired manner, observing the confusion of things, could no longer endure + to be ridden by bakers, cobblers, brewers, and the like, at the head of + armies; and plundering everywhere like French dragoons: The Rump assembly + grew despicable to those who had raised them: The city of London, + exhausted by almost twenty years contributing to their own ruin, declared + against them. The Rump, after many deaths and resurrections, was, in the + most contemptuous manner, kicked out, and burned in effigy. The excluded + members were let in: a free Parliament called in as legal a manner as the + times would allow; and the King restored. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: This name was given to that part of the House of Commons + which remained after the moderate men had been expelled by military-force. + [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: In the "Rehearsal."] + </p> + <p> + The second claim of Presbyterian merit is founded upon their services + against the dangerous designs of King James the Second; while that prince + was using all his endeavours to introduce Popery, which he openly + professed upon his coming to the crown: To this they add, their eminent + services at the Revolution, under the Prince of Orange. + </p> + <p> + Now, the quantum of Presbyterian merit, during the four years' reign of + that weak, bigoted, and ill-advised prince, as well as at the time of the + Revolution, will easily be computed, by a recourse to a great number of + histories, pamphlets, and public papers, printed in those times, and some + afterwards; beside the verbal testimonies of many persons yet alive, who + are old enough to have known and observed the Dissenters' conduct in that + critical period. + </p> + <p> + It is agreed, that upon King Charles the Second's death, soon after his + successor had publicly owned himself a Roman Catholic; he began with his + first caresses to the Church party; from whom having received very cold + discouraging answers; he applied to the Presbyterian leaders and teachers, + being advised by the priests and Popish courtiers, that the safest method + toward introducing his own religion, would be by taking off the + Sacramental Test, and giving a full liberty of conscience to all + religions, (I suppose, that professed Christianity.) It seems, that the + Presbyterians, in the latter years of King Charles the Second, upon + account of certain plots, (allowed by Bishop Burnet to be genuine) had + been, for a short time, forbid to hold their conventicles: Whereupon, + these charitable Christians, out of perfect resentment against the Church, + received the gracious offers of King James with the strongest professions + of loyalty, and highest acknowledgments for his favour. I have seen + several of their addresses, full of thanks and praises, with bitter + insinuations of what they had suffered; putting themselves and the Papists + upon the same foot; as fellow-sufferers for conscience; and with the style + of, <i>Our brethren the Roman Catholics</i>. About this time began the + project of closeting, (which has since been practised many times, with + more art and success,) where the principal gentlemen of the kingdom were + privately catechised by his Majesty, to know whether, if a new parliament + were called, they would agree to pass an act for repealing the Sacramental + Test, and establishing a general liberty of conscience. But he received so + little encouragement, that, despairing of success, he had recourse to his + dispensing power, which the judges had determined to be part of his + prerogative. By colour of this determination, he preferred several + Presbyterians, and many Papists, to civil and military employments. While + the king was thus busied, it is well known, that Monsieur Fagel, the Dutch + envoy in London, delivered the opinion of the Prince and Princess of + Orange, concerning the repeal of the Test; whereof the king had sent an + account to their Highnesses, to know how far they approved of it. The + substance of their answer, as reported by Fagel, was this, "That their + highnesses thought very well of a liberty of conscience; but by no means + of giving employments to any other persons, than those who were of the + National Church." This opinion was confirmed by several reasons: I cannot + be more particular, not having the paper by me, although it hath been + printed in many accounts of those times. And thus much every moderate + churchman would perhaps submit to: But, to trust any part of the civil + power in the hands of those whose interest, inclination, conscience, and + former practices have been wholly turned to introduce a different system + of religion and government, hath very few examples in any Christian state; + nor any at all in Holland, the great patroness of universal toleration. + </p> + <p> + Upon the first intelligence King James received of an intended invasion by + the Prince of Orange; among great numbers of Papists, to increase his + troops, he gave commissions to several Presbyterians; some of whom had + been officers under the Rump; and particularly he placed one Richards, a + noted Presbyterian, at the head of a regiment; who had been governor of + Wexford in Cromwell's time, and is often mentioned by Ludlow in his + Memoirs. This regiment was raised in England against the Prince of Orange: + the colonel made his son a captain, whom I knew, and who was as zealous a + Presbyterian as his father. However at the time of the prince's landing, + the father easily foreseeing how things would go, went over, like many + others to the prince, who continued him in his regiment; but coming over a + year or two after to assist in raising the siege of Derry, he behaved + himself so like either a coward or a traitor, that his regiment was taken + from him. + </p> + <p> + I will now consider the conduct of the Church party, during the whole + reign of that unfortunate king. They were so unanimous against promising + to pass an act for repealing the Test, and establishing a general liberty + of conscience; that the king durst not trust a parliament; but encouraged + by the professions of loyalty given him by his Presbyterian friends, went + on with his dispensing power. + </p> + <p> + The Church clergy, at that time are allowed to have written the best + collection of tracts against Popery that ever appeared in England; which + are to this day in the highest esteem. But, upon the strictest enquiry, I + could never hear of above one or two papers published by the Presbyterians + at that time upon the same subject. Seven great prelates (he of Canterbury + among the rest) were sent to the Tower, for presenting a petition, wherein + they desired to be excused in not obeying an illegal command from the + King. The Bishop of London, Dr. Compton,[10] was summoned to answer before + the Commissioners for Ecclesiastical Affairs, for not suspending Dr. + Sharp[11] (afterwards Archbishop of York) by the King's command. If the + Presbyterians expressed the same zeal upon any occasion, the instances of + it are not as I can find, left upon record, or transmitted by tradition. + The proceedings against Magdalen College in Oxford, for refusing to comply + with the King's mandate for admitting a professed Papist upon their + foundation, are a standing proof of the courage and firmness in religion + shewn by that learned society, to the ruin of their fortunes. The + Presbyterians know very well, that I could produce many more instances of + the same kind. But these are enough in so short a paper as I intend at + present. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Henry Compton (1632-1713), educated at Oxford, was created + Bishop of London in 1675. During the Revolution of 1688 he conveyed the + Princess Anne from London to Nottingham. After, he crowned her Queen of + England. He was the author of a few works of little importance, such as + the "Treatise on the Holy Communion." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: John Sharp (1644-1714) was educated at Cambridge, and + created Archbishop of York in 1691. He gave great offence to James II. by + his preaching against Roman Catholicism. This is the same Archbishop Sharp + who prevented Swift's appointment to a bishopric, by urging that the + author of "A Tale of a Tub" was not a proper person to hold such an + office. See note prefixed to "A Tale of a Tub," vol. i., p. xcvi, of this + edition of Swift's Works. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + It is indeed very true, that after King William was settled on the English + throne, the Presbyterians began to appear, and offer their credentials, + and demand favour; and the new King having been originally bred a + Calvinist, was desirous enough to make them easy (if that would do it) by + a legal toleration; although in his heart he never bore much affection to + that sect; nor designed to favour them farther than it stood with the + present scheme of politics: as I have long since been assured by the + greatest men of Whig principles at that time in England. + </p> + <p> + It is likewise true, nor will it be denied; that when the King was + possessed of the English crown; and the remainder of the quarrel was left + to be decided in this kingdom; the Presbyterians wisely chose to join with + the Protestant army, rather than with that of King James their old friend, + whose affairs were then in a manner desperate. They were wise enough to + know, that this kingdom, divided against itself, could never prevail + against the united power of England. They fought <i>pro aris et focis</i>; + for their estates and religion; which latter will never suffer so much by + the Church of England as by that of Rome, where they are counted heretics + as well as we: and consequently they have no other game to play. But, what + merit they can build upon having joined with a Protestant army, under a + King they acknowledged, to defend their own liberties and properties + against a Popish enemy under an abdicated King; is, I confess to me + absolutely inconceivable; and I believe will equally be so for ever, to + any reasonable man. + </p> + <p> + When these sectaries were several years ago making the same attempt for + abolishing the Test, many groundless reports were industriously and + seasonably spread, of an invasion threatened by the Pretender on the north + of Ireland. At which time the Presbyterians in their pamphlets, argued in + a menacing manner, that if the Pretender should invade those parts of the + kingdom, where the numbers and estates of dissenters chiefly lay; they + would sit still, and let us fight our own battles;[12] since they were to + reap no advantage, whichever side should be victors. If this were the + course they intended to take in such a case; I should desire to know, how + they could contrive safely to stand neuters, otherwise than by a compact + with the Pretender and his army, to support their neutrality, and protect + them against the forces of the Crown? This is a necessary supposition; + because they must otherwise have inevitably been a prey to both. However, + by this frank declaration, they sufficiently shewed their good-will; and + confirmed the common charge laid at their door; that a Scottish or + northern Presbyterian hates our Episcopal Established Church more than + Popery itself. And, the reason for this hatred, is natural enough; because + it is the Church alone, that stands in the way between them and power, + which Popery doth not. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: See the poem, reprinted by Monck Mason ("History of St. + Patrick's," p. 388 note), entitled: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The Grunters' request + To take off the Test," +</pre> + <p> + in which the poet advises his "lauds" to "faight y'er ain battel." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Upon this occasion I am in some doubt, whether the political spreaders of + those chimerical invasions, made a judicious choice in fixing the northern + parts of Ireland for that romantic enterprize. Nor, can I well understand + the wisdom of the Presbyterians in countenancing and confirming those + reports. Because it seems to cast a most infamous reflection upon the + loyalty and religious principles of their whole body: For if there had + been any truth in the matter, the consequence must have been allowed, that + the Pretender counted upon more assistance from his father's friends the + Presbyterians, by choosing to land in those very parts, where their + number, wealth, and power most prevailed; rather than among those of his + own religion. And therefore, in charity to this sect, I rather incline to + believe, that those reports of an invasion were formed and spread by the + race of small politicians, in order to do a seasonable job. + </p> + <p> + As to Popery in general, which for a thousand years past hath been + introducing and multiplying corruptions both in doctrine and discipline; I + look upon it to be the most absurd system of Christianity professed by any + nation. But I cannot apprehend this kingdom to be in much danger from it. + The estates of Papists are very few; crumbling into small parcels, and + daily diminishing. Their common people are sunk in poverty, ignorance, and + cowardice, and of as little consequence as women and children. Their + nobility and gentry are at least one-half ruined, banished, or converted: + They all soundly feel the smart of what they suffered in the last Irish + war. Some of them are already retired into foreign countries; others as I + am told, intend to follow them; and the rest, I believe, to a man, who + still possess any lands, are absolutely determined never to hazard them + again for the sake of establishing their superstition. If it hath been + thought fit, as some observe, to abate of the law's rigour against Popery + in this kingdom, I am confident it was done for very wise reasons, + considering the situation of affairs abroad at different times, and the + interest of the Protestant religion in general. And as I do not find the + least fault in this proceeding; so I do not conceive why a sunk discarded + party, who neither expect nor desire anything more than a quiet life; + should under the names of highflyers, Jacobites, and many other vile + appellations, be charged so often in print, and at common tables, with + endeavouring to introduce Popery and the Pretender; while the Papists + abhor them above all other men, on account of severities against their + priests in her late Majesty's reign; when the now disbanded reprobate + party was in power. This I was convinced of some years ago by a long + journey into the southern parts; where I had the curiosity to send for + many priests of the parishes I passed through; and, to my great + satisfaction found them everywhere abounding in professions of loyalty to + the late King George; for which they gave me the reasons above-mentioned; + at the same time complaining bitterly of the hardships they suffered under + the Queen's last ministry. + </p> + <p> + I return from this digression to the modest demands of the Presbyterians + for a repeal of the Sacramental Test, as a reward for their merits at the + Restoration and the Revolution; which merits I have fairly represented as + well as my memory will allow me. If I have committed any mistakes they + must be of little moment. The facts and principal circumstances are what I + have obtained and digested, from reading the histories of those times, + written by each party; and many thousands have done the same as well as I, + who I am sure have in their minds drawn the same conclusions. + </p> + <p> + This is the faction, and these the men, who are now resuming their + applications, and giving in their bills of merit to both kingdoms upon two + points, which of all others, they have the least pretensions to offer. I + have collected the facts with all possible impartiality, from the current + histories of those times; and have shewn, although very briefly, the + gradual proceedings of those sectaries under the denomination of Puritans, + Presbyterians, and Independents, for about the space of an hundred and + eighty years, from the beginning of Queen Elizabeth to this present time. + But, notwithstanding all that can be said, these very schismatics (for + such they are in temporals as well as spirituals) are now again expecting, + soliciting, and demanding, (not without insinuating threats, according to + their custom) that the Parliament should fix them upon an equal foot with + the Church established. I would fain know to what branch of the + legislature they can have the forehead to apply. Not to my lords the + bishops; who must have often read, how the predecessors of this very + faction, acting upon the same principles, drove the whole bench out of the + house; who were then, and hitherto continue one of the three estates. Not + to the temporal peers, the second of the three estates; who must have + heard, that, immediately after those rebellious fanatics had murdered + their king, they voted a House of Lords to be useless and dangerous, and + would let them sit no longer, otherwise than when elected as commoners: + Not to the House of Commons; who must have heard, that in those fanatic + times the Presbyterian and Independent commanders in the army, by military + power, expelled all the moderate men out of the house, and left a Rump to + govern the nation. Lastly, not to the Crown, which those very saints + destined to rule the earth, trampled under their feet, and then in cold + blood murdered the blessed wearer. + </p> + <p> + But, the session now approaching, and a clan of dissenting teachers being + come up to town from their northern headquarters, accompanied by many of + their elders and agents, and supported by a general contribution, to + solicit their establishment, with a capacity of holding all military as + well as civil employments; I think it high time, that this paper should + see the light. However, I cannot conclude without freely confessing, that + if the Presbyterians should obtain their ends, I could not be sorry to + find them mistaken in the point which they have most at heart by the + repeal of the Test; I mean the benefit of employments. For, after all, + what assurance can a Scottish northern dissenter, born on Irish ground, + have, that he shall be treated with as much favour as a true Scot born + beyond the Tweed? + </p> + <p> + I am ready enough to believe that all I have said will avail but little. I + have the common excuse of other men, when I think myself bound by all + religious and civil ties, to discharge my conscience, and to warn my + countrymen upon this important occasion. It is true, the advocates for + this scheme promise a new world, after this blessed work shall be + completed: that all animosities and faction must immediately drop; that + the only distinction in this kingdom will then be of Papist and + Protestant. For, as to Whig and Tory, High Church and Low Church, Jacobite + and Hanoverian, Court and Country party, English and Irish interests, + Dissenters and Conformists, New Light and Old Light, Anabaptist and + Independent, Quaker and Muggletonian, they will all meet and jumble + together into a perfect harmony, at the sessions and assizes, on the bench + and in the revenues; and upon the whole, in all civil and military trust, + not excepting the great councils of the nation. For it is wisely argued + thus, that a kingdom being no more than a larger knot of friends met + together, it is against the rules of good manners to shut any person out + of the company, except the Papists; who profess themselves of another + club. + </p> + <p> + I am at a loss to know what arts the Presbyterian sect intends to use, in + convincing the world of their loyalty to kingly government; which long + before the prevalence, or even the birth of their independent rivals, as + soon as the King's forces were overcome, declared their principles to be + against monarchy, as well as Episcopacy and the House of Lords, even till + the King was restored: At which event, although they were forced to submit + to the present power, yet I have not heard that they did ever, to this + day, renounce any one principle by which their predecessors then acted; + yet this they have been challenged to do, or at least to shew that others + have done it for them, by a certain doctor,[13] who, as I am told, has + much employed his pen in the like disputes. I own, they will be ready + enough to insinuate themselves into any government: But, if they mean to + be honest and upright, they will and must endeavour by all means, which + they shall think lawful, to introduce and establish their own scheme of + religion, as nearest approaching to the word of God, by casting out all + superstitious ceremonies, ecclesiastical titles, habits, distinctions, and + superiorities, as rags of Popery; in order to a thorough reformation; and, + as in charity bound, to promote the salvation of their countrymen: wishing + with St. Paul, that the whole kingdom were as they are. But what assurance + will they please to give, that when their sect shall become the national + established worship, they will treat Us Dissenters as we have treated + them? Was this their course of proceeding during the dominion of the + saints? Were not all the remainders of the Episcopal Church in those days, + especially the clergy, under a persecution for above a dozen years, equal + to that of the primitive Christians under heathen emperors? That this + proceeding was suitable to their principles, is known enough; for many of + their preachers then writ books expressly against allowing any liberty of + conscience, in a religion different from their own; producing many + arguments to prove that opinion; and among the rest one frequently + insisted on; that allowing such a liberty would be to establish iniquity + by a law: Many of these writings are yet to be seen;[14] and I hear, have + been quoted by the doctor above mentioned. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Dr. Tisdal, in a tract entitled, "The Case of the + Sacramental Test stated and argued." Tisdal died 4th June, 1736. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: See many hundred quotations to prove this, in the treatise + called "Scotch Presbyterian Eloquence." [Note in Faulkner's edition, + 1738.]] + </p> + <p> + As to their great objection of prostituting that holy institution, the + blessed Sacrament, by way of a test before admittance into any employment; + I ask, whether they would not be content to receive it after their own + manner, for the office of a judge, for that of a commissioner in the + revenue, for a regiment of horse, or to be a lord justice? I believe they + would scruple it as little, as a long grace before and after dinner; which + they can say without bending a knee; for, as I have been told, their + manner of taking bread and wine in their conventicles, is performed with + little more solemnity than at their common meals. And, therefore, since + they look upon our practice in receiving the elements, to be idolatrous; + they neither can, nor ought, in conscience, to allow us that liberty, + otherwise than by connivance, and a bare toleration, like what is + permitted to the Papists. But, lest we should offend them, I am ready to + change this test for another; although, I am afraid, that sanctified + reason is, by no means, the point where the difficulty pinches; and only + offered by pretended churchmen, as if they could be content with our + believing, that the impiety and profanation of making the Sacrament a + test, were the only objection. I therefore propose, that before the + present law be repealed, another may be enacted; that no man shall receive + any employment, before he swears himself to be a true member of the Church + of Ireland, in doctrine and discipline, &c., and, that he will never + frequent, or communicate with any other form of worship. It shall likewise + be further enacted, that whoever offends, &c., shall be fined five + hundred pounds, imprisoned for a year and a day, and rendered incapable of + all public trust for ever. Otherwise, I do insist that those pious, + indulgent, external professors of our national religion, shall either give + up that fallacious hypocritical reason for taking off the Test; or freely + confess, that they desire to have a gate wide open for every sect, without + any test at all, except that of swearing loyalty to the King: Which, + however, considering their principles, with regard to monarchy yet + unrenounced, might, if they would please to look deep enough into their + own hearts, prove a more bitter test than any other that the law hath yet + invented. + </p> + <p> + For, from the first time that these sectaries appeared in the world, it + hath been always found, by their whole proceeding, that they professed an + utter hatred to kingly government. I can recollect, at present, three + civil establishments, where Calvinists, and some other reformers who + rejected Episcopacy, possess the supreme power; and, these are all + republics; I mean Holland, Geneva, and the reformed Swiss cantons. I do + not say this in diminution, or disgrace to commonwealths; wherein, I + confess, I have much altered many opinions under which I was educated, + having been led by some observation, long experience, and a thorough + detestation for the corruptions of mankind: Insomuch, that I am now justly + liable to the censure of Hobbes, who complains, that the youth of England + imbibe ill opinions, from reading the histories of Ancient Greece and + Rome, those renowned scenes of liberty and every virtue. + </p> + <p> + But, as to monarchs; who must be supposed well to study and understand + their own interest; they will best consider, whether those people, who in + all their actions, preachings, and writings, have openly declared + themselves against regal power, are to be safely placed in an equal degree + of favour and trust with those who have been always found the true and + only friends to the English establishment. From which consideration, I + could have added one more article to my new test, if I had thought it + worth my time. + </p> + <p> + I have been assured by some persons who were present, that several of + these dissenting teachers, upon their first arrival hither to solicit the + repeal of the Test, were pleased to express their gratitude, by publicly + drinking the healths of certain eminent patrons, whom they pretend to have + found among us; if this be true, and that the Test must be delivered up by + the very commanders appointed to defend it, the affair is already, in + effect, at an end. What secret reasons those patrons may have given for + such a return of brotherly love, I shall not inquire: "For, O my soul come + not thou into their secret, unto their assembly mine honour be not thou + united. For in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they + digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their + wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in + Israel." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A NARRATIVE OF THE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, WHICH THE DISSENTERS OF IRELAND HAVE + MADE, FOR A REPEAL OF THE SACRAMENTAL TEST. + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + This tract occupies Nos. iii. and iv. of a periodical paper called "The + Correspondent," originally printed at Dublin "by James Hoey in + Skinner-Row, 1733." The text here given is that of the original + "Correspondent"; that given by Scott and Nichols is evidently taken from + the London reprint. It will be seen that the matter as it was originally + printed contains much more than was afterwards reprinted. I have indicated + in footnotes where Scott's omissions occur. The title of the periodical + runs: "The Correspondent, No. iii. [No. iv.] Humbly inscribed to the + Conforming Nobility and Gentry of Ireland." Nos. i. and ii. dealt with + "Old and New Light Presbyterians"; but these are not by Swift. In + Nichols's edition this pamphlet appears in the second volume of the + "Supplement to Dr. Swift's Works," 1779, p. 307. See note to the previous + pamphlet, where the question of the date of the first publication of this + tract is discussed. It may be, as Monck Mason suggests ("History of St. + Patrick's," p. 389, note h), that a separate and second edition of this + "Narrative" was likewise printed, of the same size as "The Presbyterians' + Plea," and bound up, occasionally with that pamphlet; but such an edition + I have never seen. The only reprint of the time examined, is that by A. + Dodd, of Temple Bar, affixed to the second London edition of "The + Presbyterians' Plea of Merit," and the date of which may be put down to + 1734. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + My intention is in this and some following "Correspondents," to vindicate + the Test Act, from the insolent aspersions which are thrown upon it, and + to answer objections, which are raised against it, particularly by an + anonymous author, in a paper entitled, "The Nature and Consequence of the + Sacramental Test considered," &c., printed <i>anno</i> 1731, upon the + opening of the last session of parliament, and now republished. + </p> + <p> + As a proper introduction to this, I must take leave to put the conformists + in mind, of what (upon recollection) they may very well remember, and + which in some measure they have been formerly apprised of, and that is + in[1] a narrative of the several attempts, which the Dissenters of Ireland + have made, for a repeal of the Sacramental Test. + </p> + <p> + When the oath of supremacy was repealed which had been the Church's great + security since the second of Queen Elizabeth, against both Papists and + Presbyterians, who equally refused it, I presume it is no secret now to + tell the reader, that the repeal of that oath opened a sluice and let in + such a current of dissenters into some of our corporations, as bore down + all before them. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: From the beginning of this paragraph to the word "in" is + omitted in the editions issued by Scott and Nichols. The words "A + Narrative... Sacramental Test" are used by Scott as part of the sub-title + of the tract; but he adds the date, 1731. This is a mistake, since "The + Correspondent" appeared in 1733; and if it did appear in the second + edition of "The Plea," that edition was published either in the same or in + the following year. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Although the Sacramental Test had been for a considerable time in force in + England, yet that law did not reach Ireland, where the Church was more + oppressed by dissenters; and where her most sanguine friends were glad to + compound, to preserve what legal security she had left, rather than to + attempt any new, or even to recover what she had lost: And in truth they + had no reason to expect it, at a time when the dissenters had the interest + to have a motion made and debated in parliament, that there might be a + temporary repeal of all the penal laws against them, and when they were so + flushed with the conquest they had made in some corporations, as to reject + all overtures of a toleration; and to that end, had employed Mr. Boyse[2] + to write against it with the utmost contempt, calling it "a stone instead + of bread; a serpent instead of a fish." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In his note Scott calls him "Samuel" Boyse, but he is + distinctly mentioned further on in the tract as "Jo: Boyse." The Rev. + Joseph Boyse was a native of Leeds, who had settled in Dublin in 1683 as + joint-pastor with Dr. Daniel Williams. He died in poverty in 1728; and in + the same year his works were published in two folio volumes. His son, + Samuel Boyse, the poet, died in 1749. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + When the Church was in this situation, the clause of the Sacramental Test + was happily sent over from England, tacked to the Popery Bill, which + alarmed the whole body of the dissenters to that degree, that their + managers began to ply with the greatest artifice, and industry, to prevent + its passing into a law. But (to the honour of that parliament be it + spoken), the whole body of both Lords and Commons (some few excepted) + passed the clause with great readiness, and defended it afterwards with as + great resolution. + </p> + <p> + The immediate consequence of this law was the recovery of several + corporations, which the conformists had given to the dissenters, and the + preservation of others, to which the "enterprising people" had made very + bold and quick approaches. + </p> + <p> + It was hoped that this signal defeat would have discouraged the dissenters + from any further attempts against a law, which had so unanimously passed + both houses: But the contrary soon appeared. For, upon meeting of the + Parliament, held by the Earl of Pembroke,[3] they quickly reassumed their + wonted courage and confidence, and made no doubt, but they should either + procure an absolute repeal thereof, or get it so far relaxed, as that they + might be admitted to offices of military trust: To this, they apprehended + themselves encouraged by a paragraph in his Excellency's speech to both + Houses (which they applied to themselves) which was, "That the Queen would + be glad of any expedient, for strengthening the interests of her + Protestant subjects of Ireland." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: It will be remembered that the earl's viceroyalty commenced + April 7th, 1707. It was in his train that Swift came to England in that + year.[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + The advocates for the dissenters immediately took hold of this handle, and + in order to prepare the way for this expedient, insisted boldly upon their + merit and loyalty, charged the Church with persecution, and extolled their + signal behaviour in the late Revolution, to that degree, as if by their + signal prowess, they had saved the nation. + </p> + <p> + But all this, was only to prepare the way for the grand engine, which was + forming to beat down this law; and that was their expedient addresses. + </p> + <p> + The first of this kind was, from a provincial synod of the northern + dissenters, beginning with high encomiums upon themselves, and as high + demands from the public, "for their untainted loyalty in all turns of + government," which they said, was "the natural consequence of their known + principles"; expressions, which, had they been applied to them by their + adversaries, must have been understood as spoken ironically, and indeed to + have been the greatest sarcasm imaginable upon them; especially, when we + consider the insolent treatment given to her Majesty in the very same + address; for immediately after they pass this compliment upon themselves, + they tell her Majesty, they deeply regret the Sacramental Test; and + frankly declared, that neither the gentlemen, nor people of their + persuasion, could (they must mean <i>would</i>) serve her, whatever + exigencies might arise, unless that law was repealed. + </p> + <p> + The managers for the kirk, following this precedent, endeavoured to obtain + addresses to the same purpose from the corporations, and though they + proved unsuccessful in most, they procured them from several of our most + considerable conforming corporations; and that too at a critical juncture, + when numbers of Scotch Presbyterians, who had deserved well in the affair + of the Union, and could not be rewarded in England (where the Test Act was + in force) stood ready to overrun our preferments as soon as the Test + should be repealed in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + But after all when it came to a decisive trial in the House of Commons, + the dissenters were defeated. + </p> + <p> + When the managers found the House of Commons could not be brought into + that scheme of an expedient, to be offered by them; their refinement upon + this, was, to move for an address, "That the House would accept of an + expedient from her Majesty," but this also was rejected; for by this + project, the managers would have led the Queen into this dilemma, either + to disoblige the whole body of the dissenters, by refusing to name the + expedient, or else to give up the conformists to the insults and + encroachments of the dissenters, by the repeal of that law, which was + declared by the House of Lords, to be the great security of the + Established Church, and of the English interest of Ireland. + </p> + <p> + The next attempt they made against the Test was during the government of + Lord Wharton.[4] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Wharton was appointed Lord Lieutenant on November 25th, 1708. + This Wharton is the Thomas, Lord Wharton, against whom Swift wrote one of + his bitterest and most personal attacks. He was the eldest son of Philip, + Lord Wharton, and was created a marquis by George I. He died April 12th, + 1715. The ballad of "Lillibullero" is attributed to him. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + The dissenters seemed more resolute now than ever, to have the Test + repealed, especially when his Excellency had declared from the throne, + "that they were neither to be persecuted nor molested." For they who had + all along called the Test Act a persecution, might reasonably conclude + that grievance would be removed; when they were told by the chief + governor, that they were not to be even "molested." But to their great + confusion, they were soon undeceived, when they found upon trial, that the + House of Commons, would not bear the least motion towards it. + </p> + <p> + Their movements to repeal the Test Act being stopped this way; the + managers were obliged to take several other ways to come at it: And at the + time, that some pretended to soothe, others seemed to threaten even the + legislature, with a view, (as must be presumed) that those, whom they + could not cajole, might be frightened into it.[5] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Scott omits the words from "with a view" to the end of the + paragraph. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + There happened about the time, when the project of the expedient was on + foot, an excellent occasion, to express their resentments against this + law, and that was, when great numbers of them refused the oath of + allegiance, and to oppose the Pretender; insisting upon a repeal of the + Test Act, as the condition of their arming in defence of their Queen and + country. + </p> + <p> + The government was not reduced to such straits, as to submit to that + condition; and the Test stood firm, in spite of both the dissenters and + the Pretender, until the latter was driven from our coasts: And then, one + would have thought the hopes of the former, would have vanished with him. + </p> + <p> + But it proved quite contrary: For those sons of the earth, rebounding with + fresh vigour from their falls, recovered new strength and spirit from + every defeat, and the next attempt was bolder (considering the + circumstances they were in) than any they had made before. + </p> + <p> + The case was this: The House of Lords of Ireland had accused them to the + Queen of several illegal practices, which highly concerned the safety of + our constitution, both in church and state: The particulars of which + charge, were summed up in a representation from the Lords to this effect: + </p> + <p> + "That they (the dissenters) had opposed and persecuted the conformists, in + those parts where their power prevailed, had invaded their congregations, + propagated their schism in places where it had not the least footing + formerly; that they were protected from a legal prosecution by a <i>noli + prosequi</i> in the case of Drogheda." + </p> + <p> + "That they refused to take conforming apprentices, and confined trade + among themselves, exclusive of the conformists." + </p> + <p> + "That in their illegal assemblies they had prosecuted and censured their + people for being married according to law." + </p> + <p> + "That they have thrown public and scandalous reflections upon the + Episcopal order, and upon our laws, particularly the Sacramental Test, and + had misapplied the royal bounty of £1,200 <i>per annum</i>, in propagating + their schism, and undermining the Church: And had exercised an illegal + jurisdiction in their Presbyteries and Synods," &c. + </p> + <p> + To this representation of the Lords, the dissenters remonstrate in an + address to the Queen, or rather an appeal to their own people, in which, + although it is evident, they were conscious of those crimes whereof they + stood accused, as appears by the evasions they make to this high charge. + Yet even under these circumstances (such was their modesty) they pressed + for a repeal of the Test Act, by the modest appellation of a grievance and + odious mark of infamy, &c. Of which more hereafter. There is one + particular in another address which I cannot omit. The House of Lords in + their representation, had accused one dissenting teacher in particular + (well known to Mr. Boyse). The charge was in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Nor has the legislature itself escaped the censure of a bold author of + theirs, who has published in print, that the Sacramental Test is only an + engine to advance a state faction, and to debase religion, to serve base + and unworthy purposes." + </p> + <p> + To this, Mr. Boyse answers, in an address to the Queen, in the year 1712, + subscribed only by himself, and five more dissenting teachers, in these + words. + </p> + <p> + "As to this part of their Lordships' complaint, we beg leave to lay before + your Majesty the words of that author, which are these. + </p> + <p> + "'Nor can we altogether excuse those, who turn the holy Eucharist into an + engine, to advance a state faction, and endeavour to confine the communion + table of our Lord, by their arbitrary enclosures to a party; religion is + thereby debased to serve mean and unworthy purposes.' We humbly conceive + that the author in that passage, makes no mention of the legislature at + all, &c., and we cannot omit on this occasion, to regret it, as the + great unhappiness of this kingdom, that dissenters should now be disabled + from concurring in the defence of it, in any future exigency and danger, + and should have the same infamy put upon them with the Irish Papists. + </p> + <p> + "We therefore humbly hope, that your Majesty shall consider, how little + real grounds there are for those complaints made by their Lordships." + </p> + <p> + What a mixture of impudence and prevarication is this! That one dissenting + teacher accused to his prince of having censured the legislature, should + presume, backed only by five more of the same quality and profession, to + transcribe the guilty paragraph, and (to secure his meaning from all + possibility of being mistaken,) annex another to it; wherein, they rail at + that very law, for which he in so audacious a manner censured the Queen + and Parliament, and at the same time should expect to be acquitted by her + Majesty, because he had not mentioned the word "legislature": 'Tis true + the word legislature is not expressed in that paragraph; but let Mr. + Boyse[6] say, what other power but the legislature, could in this sense, + "turn the holy Eucharist into an engine to advance a state faction, or + confine offices of trust, or the communion table of our Lord, by their + arbitrary enclosures, to a party." It is plain he can from his principles + intend no others, but the legislators of the Sacramental Test; though at + the same time I freely own, that this is a vile description of them: For + neither have they by this law, made the Sacramental Test an engine to + advance, but rather to depress a state faction, nor have they made any + arbitrary enclosures, of the communion table of our Lord, since as many as + please, may receive the Sacrament with us in our churches; and those who + will not, may freely, as before, receive it in their separate + congregations: Nor in the last place, is religion hereby debased, to serve + mean and unworthy purposes; nor is it any more than all lawgivers do, by + enjoining an oath of allegiance, and making that a religious test. For an + oath is an act of religious worship as well as the Eucharist. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Scott remarks that "Mr. Boyse is here and in other places, + spoken of as alive, which was the case, I presume, when the tract first + appeared in 'The Correspondent.'" The tract, however, was printed in the + periodical in 1733, and Boyse died in 1728. It may be that when Swift + first wrote "The Narrative," Mr. Boyse was alive; in that case its date + must be put down to an earlier year than either 1733 or even 1731. Or it + may be that the style of so referring to Boyse was used for an + argumentative effect, to appeal to any reader who was in sympathy with + Boyse's opinions. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, is not this an instance of prodigious boldness in Mr. + Boyse, backed with only five dissenting teachers, thus to recriminate upon + the Irish House of Lords (as they were pleased to call them in the title + of their printed address,) and almost to insist with her Majesty, upon the + repeal of a law, which she had stamped with her royal authority, but a few + years before? + </p> + <p> + The[7] next instance, of the resolution of the dissenters, against this + law, was the attempt made during the government of the Duke of + Shrewsbury.[8] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: From this paragraph to the end is taken from "The + Correspondent," No. iv. The text as given by Scott is considerably altered + from that which appeared in the periodical. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: From September, 1713, until the Queen's death in 1714. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + This attack was by the whole compacted body, of their teachers and elders, + with a formidable engine, called a "representation of grievances," in + which, after they had reviled the Test Act, with the same odious + appellations, and insisted upon the same insolent arguments, for the + repeal thereof, which they had formerly urged to the Queen: They expressed + themselves to his Grace in these words: + </p> + <p> + "We beg leave to say, that those persons must be inexcusable, and + chargeable, with all the bad consequences that may follow, who in such a + kingdom as this, disable, disgrace, and divide Protestants; a thing that + ought not to be done at any time, or in any place, much less than in + this," &c. + </p> + <p> + Is it possible to conceive any thing more provoking than this humble + supplication of these remonstrators? Does not this sound like a demand of + the repeal of the Test, at the peril of those, who dare refuse it? Is it + not an application with a hat in one hand, and a sword in the other, and + that too, in the style of a King of Ulster, to a King of Connaught, + —"Repeal the Test, or if you don't........." + </p> + <p> + But to proceed in this narrative: Notwithstanding the defeat of the + dissenters in England, in their late attempt against the Test, their + brethren in Ireland, are so far from being discouraged, that they seem now + to conceive greater hopes of having it repealed here, than ever.[9] What + grounds they have for these hopes, was a secret to us, and I presume, to + themselves; however private whispers begin now to grow into general + rumours, and their managers proceed with great art and assiduity, from + feeling of pulses, to telling of noses. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: From this word to the end of this paragraph is omitted by + Scott.[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + In order to prepare necessaries, and furnish topics for this attempt, + there was a paper printed upon the opening of last session, and now + republished; entitled, "The Nature and Consequences of the Sacramental + Test considered, with reasons humbly offered for the Repeal thereof."[10] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: This pamphlet was reprinted in London in 1732. See note + prefixed to "The Presbyterians' Plea of Merit" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + It is not my intention, to follow this author, through all the mazes and + windings of his reasoning upon this subject, which (in truth) seem such + incoherent shreds, that it is impossible to tie them together; and + therefore, what I purpose is, to answer such objections to the Test, as + are advanced either by this author, or any other which have any appearance + of reason, or plausibility. + </p> + <p> + I know it is not prudent to despise an adversary, nor fair to prepossess + readers, before I show this bold and insolent writer, in his proper figure + and dress; and therefore, however I may take him to be a feeble advocate + for the repeal of the Test, in point of reasoning, yet I freely allow him + to be a most resolute champion in point of courage, who has, with such + intrepidity, attacked, not only the first enactors of this law, but all + such, who shall continue it, by giving their negatives to a repeal. I will + in this "Correspondent" only transcribe a few quotations from this author, + to shew the gallantry of this aggressor. + </p> + <p> + Page the 19th[11] he says: "the truth is the imposition of the Test, and + continuing it in such a state of the kingdom, appears (at first sight,) so + great an absurdity in politics, as can never be accounted for." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Page 23 in edition London, 1732. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Who are these absurd politicians? Who first passed, and secondly continue + the Sacramental Test, in all the preceding attempts of the Dissenters to + repeal it? Are they not the majority of both Houses of Parliament?[12] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Omitted by Scott in his edition, 1824. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + But to strengthen his reflections, page 26,[13] he gives the whole + legislature to understand, that continuing the Test, does not become the + wisdom, and justice of the legislature, under the pretence of its being + for the advantage of the state, when it is really prejudicial to it; and + further tells us, it infringes on the indisputable rights of the + dissenters. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Pp. 32-33 in London reprint. Scott places passages here in + quotation marks, the original in "The Correspondent" has no such marks, + nor are the passages quoted verbatim from the pamphlet referred to.[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Page, the 57th,[14] he says, "The gentlemen of the House of Commons, who + framed the bill, to prevent the farther growth of Popery, instead of + approving the Test clause which was inserted, publicly declared their + dislike to it, and their resolution to take the first opportunity of + repealing it, though at that time they unwillingly passed it, rather than + lose a bill they were so fond of. This resolution has not been as yet + fulfilled, for what reasons, our worthy patriots themselves know best." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: P. 71 in London reprint [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + I should be glad this author would inform us, who, and how many of those + members joined in this resolution, to repeal the Test; or where that + resolution is to be found, which he mentions twice in the same paragraph; + surely not in the books of the House of Commons! + </p> + <p> + If not, suppose some few gentlemen in the House of Commons, and to be sure + very few they were, who publicly declared their dislike to it, or entered + into any resolution; this, I think, he should have explained, and not + insinuated so gross a reflection on a great majority of the House of + Commons, who first passed this law, and have ever since opposed all + attempts to repeal it; these are the gentleman whom, in sarcasm and irony, + he is pleased to call the "worthy," that is, the unworthy patriots + themselves. + </p> + <p> + But to mention no more, he concludes his notable piece, with these + remarkable words, pages 62-63.[15] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: P. 79 of London reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + "Thus it appears, with regard to the Protestant succession, which has now + happily taken place, how reasonable it is to repeal the Sacramental Test, + and that granting that favour to the Dissenters," which, by the way, + cannot be granted but by parliament; "can be disagreeable to none, who + have a just sense of the many blessings we enjoy, by the Protestant + succession, in his Majesty's royal family." + </p> + <p> + I will not trouble the reader with any more quotations, to the same + purpose, out of this libel, for so I must now call it, but take leave to + make some general observations on those paragraphs I have mentioned. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: This paragraph is omitted by Scott. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + I conceive, it will be readily allowed, that in all applications, either + from any body of men, or from any particular subject to the legislature, + or any branch thereof, we are to take the highest encomiums as purely + complimental; if there be the least insinuation of disrespect or + reflection therein, in such cases I say, you are to take the compliments + in the lowest sense, but all the reflections in the highest sense the + expressions can bear; inasmuch as, the first may be presumed matter of + form, the latter must be matter of resentment. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: This paragraph is much curtailed by Scott, who combines it with + the next paragraph of the present text. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Now, if we apply this observation, to what this bold adventurer has said, + with respect to the legislators, of the Sacramental Test; Does he not + directly and plainly charge them with injustice, imprudence, gross + absurdity and Jacobitism? Let the most prejudiced reader that is not + pre-determined against conviction, say, whether this libeller of the + parliament, has not drawn up a high charge against the makers and + continuers of this law. + </p> + <p> + It is readily allowed, that this has been the old style of these + champions, who have attacked the Test, as in the instances before + mentioned, with this difference, that he descends lower in his charge, and + has been more particular than any of his brethren. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: This paragraph is omitted by Scott. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding my resentment, which to be sure, he does not value, I + would be sorry he should bring upon himself the resentment of those he has + been so free with, and I cannot help advising him, to take all possible + care, and use all effectual means, to conjure the printer, corrector, and + publisher of this libel to secrecy; that however the author may be + suspected, he may not be discovered. Upon the whole, is not this author, + justly to be reputed a defamer, till he produces instances wherein the + conforming nobility and gentry of Ireland, have shown their disaffection + to the succession of the illustrious House of Hanover? + </p> + <p> + Did they ever refuse the oath of abjuration, or support any conforming + nonjuring teachers in their congregations? Did ever any conforming + gentlemen, or common people, refuse to be arrayed, when the militia was + raised, upon the invasion of the Pretender? Did any of them ever shew the + least reluctance, or make any exception against their officers, whether + they were Dissenters or Churchmen? + </p> + <p> + It may be said, that from these insinuations, I would have it understood, + that the dissenters encouraged some of their teachers, who refused the + oath of abjuration; and that even in the article of danger, when the + Pretender made his attempt in Scotland, our northern Presbyterians shewed + great reluctance in taking arms, upon the array of militia. + </p> + <p> + I freely own it is my intention; and I must affirm both facts to be true, + however they have the assurance to deny it. + </p> + <p> + What can be more notorious, than the protection, countenance, and support, + which was continued to Riddall, McBride, and McCrackan,[16] who absolutely + refused the oath of abjuration; and yet were continued to teach in their + congregations, after they returned from Scotland, when a prosecution was + directed, and a council in criminal causes, was sent down to the county of + Antrim to prosecute them. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: Riddall, McBride, and McCrackan were three Presbyterian + clergymen who refused to take the oath of abjuring the Pretender. Of + Riddall and McCrackan little is known; but John McBride (1651?-1718) + (according to the writer in the "Dictionary of National Biography") was + born in Ulster, and graduated at Glasgow. He was a strong advocate of the + Hanoverian succession, but avoided the oath of abjuration, in 1703, by + retiring to Glasgow. He returned to Belfast in 1713, and died there. His + humorous excuse for non-abjuration is recorded by the writer of the + article in the Dictionary, and is worth repeating: "Once upon a time there + was a bearn, that cou'd not be persuaded to bann the de'el because he did + not know but he might soon come into his clutches." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + With respect to the parliament; did ever any House of Commons shew greater + alacrity in raising money, and equipping ships, in defence of the King, + than the last House did upon the expected invasion of the Pretender? And + did ever any parliament give money with greater unanimity, for the support + of the Crown, than the present has done, whatever the wants of their + private families might be? And must a very great majority of those + persons, be branded with the infamous aspersion of disaffection to the + illustrious House of Hanover, should they refuse to give their voices for + the repeal of the Test? + </p> + <p> + I am fully persuaded that this author, and his fellow-labourers, do not + believe one word of this heavy charge; but their present circumstances are + such, that they must run all hazards. + </p> + <p> + In many places their congregations are sub-divided, and have chosen an <i>Old</i> + and <i>New Light</i> teacher, and consequently those stipends must support + two, which were enjoyed by one before.[17] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: This paragraph is omitted by Scott. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + A great number of the nonconforming gentlemen daily leave them, though + they have not made any convert to their persuasion, among the conforming + gentlemen of fortune; many who were nonconformists themselves, and many + men whose parents were elders, or rigid nonconformists, are now constant + communicants, and justices of peace in their several counties; insomuch, + that it is highly probable, should the Test continue twenty years longer, + there would not be a gentleman left to solicit a repeal. + </p> + <p> + I shall hereafter take occasion to shew, how inconsiderable they are, for + their numbers and fortunes, who can be served or obliged by this repeal, + which number is daily lessening. + </p> + <p> + The dissenting teachers are sufficiently aware, that the general + conformity of the gentlemen, will be followed, by the conformity of + numbers of the people; and should it not be so, that they will be but + poorly supported by them; that by the continuance of the Test, "their + craft will be in danger to be set at nought," and in all probability, will + end in a general conformity of the Presbyterians to the Established + Church. + </p> + <p> + So that, they have the strongest reasons in the world, to press for the + repeal of the Test; but those reasons, must have equal force for the + continuance of it, with all that wish the peace of the Church and State, + and would not have us torn in pieces, with endless and causeless + divisions. + </p> + <p> + There is one short passage more, I had like to have omitted, which our + author leaves as a sting in the tail of his libel; his words are these, + page 59th.[18] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 18: P. 74 in London reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + "The truth is, no one party of a religious denomination, in Britain or + Ireland, were so united, as they, (the dissenters) indeed, no one, but + they, in an inviolable attachment to the Protestant succession." To detect + the folly of this assertion, I subjoin the following letter from a person + of known integrity, and inviolably attached to the Protestant succession, + as any dissenter in the kingdom, I mean Mr. Warreng of Warrengstown, then + a member of parliament, and commissioner of array, in the county of Down, + upon the expected invasion of the Pretender. + </p> + <p> + This letter was writ in a short time after the array, of the militia, for + the truth of which I refer to Mr. Warreng himself. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "That I may fulfil your desire, by giving you an account, how the + dissenters in my neighbourhood behaved themselves, when we were threatened + with an invasion of the Pretender. Be pleased to know, that upon an alarm + given of his being landed near Derry, none were more zealous and ready in + setting watch and keeping guard, than they, to prevent such disorders, as + might happen at that time, by ill-designing persons, passing through, and + disturbing the peace of the country. + </p> + <p> + "But when the government thought fit, to have the kingdom arrayed, and + sent commissioners into these parts, some time after it appeared, that the + dissenters had, by that time, been otherwise instructed, for several who + were so forward before, behaved themselves after a very different manner, + some refusing, and others with reluctancy, appearing upon the array, to be + enlisted, and serve in the militia. + </p> + <p> + "This behaviour surprised me so much, that I took occasion to discourse + several of them, over whom, I thought I had as much influence, as any + other person, and found them upon the common argument, of having their + hands tied up by a late act of parliament, &c. <i>Whereupon I took + some pains to shew the act to them, and wherein they were mistaken.</i> I + further pressed their concurrence with us, in procuring the common peace + and security of our country, and though they seemed convinced by what I + said, yet I was given to understand, their behaviour was according to the + sentiments of some persons, whom they thought themselves obliged to + observe, or be directed by, &c." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + QUAERIES WROTE BY DR. J. SWIFT, IN THE YEAR 1732. [RELATING TO THE + SACRAMENTAL TEST.] + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Very proper to be read (at this Time) by every Member of the + Established Church. +</pre> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + The text of this tract is based on that of the original broadside, + collated with those given by Faulkner and Scott. In 1733 was also + published a broadside with the title: "Queries upon the Demand of the + Presbyterians to have the Sacramental Test repealed at this Session of + Parliament." These queries seem to be based on those by Swift, though they + are not quite the same. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <h3> + <i>QUERY</i>. + </h3> + <p> + Whether hatred and violence between parties in a state be not more + inflamed by different views of interest, than by the greater or lesser + differences between them, either in religion or government? + </p> + <p> + Whether it be any part of the question, at this time, which of the two + religions is worse, Popery, or Fanaticism; or not rather, which of the + two, (having both the same good will) is in the hopefullest condition to + ruin the Church? + </p> + <p> + Whether the sectaries, whenever they come to prevail, will not ruin the + Church as infallibly and effectually as the Papists? + </p> + <p> + Whether the prevailing sectaries could allow liberty of conscience to + Dissenters, without belying all their former practice, and almost all + their former writings? + </p> + <p> + Whether many hundred thousand Scotch Presbyterians, are not full as + virulent against the Episcopal Church, as they are against the Papists; + or, as they would have us think, the Papists are against them? + </p> + <p> + Whether the Dutch, who are most distinguished for allowing liberty of + conscience, do ever admit any persons, who profess a different scheme of + worship from their own, into civil employments; although they <i>may</i> + be forced by the nature of their government, to receive mercenary troops + of all religions? + </p> + <p> + Whether the Dissenters ever pretended, until of late years, to desire more + than a bare toleration? + </p> + <p> + Whether, if it be true, what a sorry pamphleteer asserts, who lately writ + for repealing the Test, that the Dissenters in this kingdom are equally + numerous with the Churchmen: It would not be a necessary point of + prudence, by all proper and lawful means to prevent their further + increase? + </p> + <p> + The great argument given by those whom they call <i>Low</i> Church men, to + justify the large tolerations allowed to Dissenters, hath been; that by + such indulgencies, the rancour of those sectaries would gradually wear + off, many of them would come over to us, and their parties, in a little + time, crumble to nothing. + </p> + <h3> + <i>QUERY</i>. + </h3> + <p> + If what the above pamphleteer asserts, that the sectaries, are in equal + numbers with conformists, it doth not clearly follow, that those repeated + tolerations, have operated directly contrary to what those <i>Low</i> + Church politicians pretended to foresee and expect. + </p> + <p> + Whether any clergyman, however dignified or distinguished, if he think his + own profession most agreeable to Holy Scriptures, and the primitive + Church, can really wish in his heart, that all sectaries should be upon an + equal foot with the Churchmen, in the point of civil power and + employments? + </p> + <p> + Whether Episcopacy, which is held by the Church to be a divine and + apostolic institution, be not a fundamental point of religion, + particularly in that essential one of conferring holy orders? + </p> + <p> + Whether, by necessary consequences, the several expedients among the + sectaries to constitute their teachers, are not absolutely null and void? + </p> + <p> + Whether the sectaries will ever agree to accept ordination only from + bishops? + </p> + <p> + Whether the bishops and clergy will be content to give up Episcopacy, as a + point indifferent, without which the Church can well subsist? + </p> + <p> + Whether that great tenderness towards sectaries, which now so much + prevails, be chiefly owing to the fears of Popery, or to that spirit of + atheism, deism, scepticism, and universal immorality, which all good men + so much lament? + </p> + <p> + Granting Popery to have many more errors in religion than any one branch + of the sectaries; let us examine the actions of both, as they have each + affected the peace of these kingdoms, with allowance for the short time + which the sectaries had to act in, who are in a manner <i>but of yesterday</i>. + The Papists in the time of King James II. used all endeavours to establish + their superstition; wherein they failed, by the united power of English + Church protestants, with the Prince of Orange's assistance. But it cannot + be asserted, that these bigotted Papists had the least design to depose or + murder their King, much less to abolish kingly government; nor was it + their interest or inclination to attempt either. + </p> + <p> + On the other side the Puritans, who had almost from the beginning of Queen + Elizabeth's reign, been a perpetual thorn in the Church's side, joining + with the Scotch enthusiasts, in the time of King Charles the First, were + the principal cause of the Irish rebellion and massacre, by distressing + that Prince, and making it impossible for him to send over timely + succours. And, after that pious Prince had satisfied his Parliament in + every single point to be complained of; the same sectaries by poisoning + the minds and affections of the people, with the most false and wicked + representations of their King, were able, in the compass of a few years, + to embroil the three nations in a bloody rebellion, at the expense of many + thousand lives; to turn the kingly power into anarchy; or murder their + Prince in the face of the world, and (in their own style) to destroy the + Church <i>root and branch</i>. + </p> + <p> + The account therefore stands thus. The Papists aimed at one pernicious + act, which was to destroy the Protestant religion; wherein, by God's + mercy, and the assistance of our glorious King William, they absolutely + failed. The sectaries attempted the three most infernal actions, that + could possibly enter into the hearts of men, forsaken by God; which were, + the murder of a most pious King, the destruction of our monarchy, and the + extirpation of the Church; and succeeded in them all. + </p> + <p> + Upon which, I put the following queries. Whether any of those sectaries + have ever yet in a solemn public manner, renounced any one of those + principles upon which their predecessors then acted? + </p> + <p> + Whether, considering the cruel persecutions of the Episcopal Church, + during the course of that horrid rebellion and the consequences of it, + until the happy Restoration; is it not manifest, that the persecuting + spirit lieth so equally divided between the Papists and the sectaries, + that a feather would turn the balance on either side? + </p> + <p> + And, therefore, lastly, Whether any person of common understanding, who + professeth himself a member of the Church established, although, perhaps, + with little inward regard to any religion (which is too often the case) if + he loveth the peace and welfare of his country; can, after cool thinking, + rejoice to see a power placed again in the hands of so restless, so + ambitious, and so merciless a faction, to act over all the same parts a + second time? + </p> + <p> + Whether the candour of that expression, so frequent of late in sermons and + pamphlets, of the "strength and number of the Papists in Ireland," can be + justified? For as to their number, however great, it is always magnified + in proportion to the zeal, or politics, of the speaker and writer; but it + is a gross imposition upon common reason, to terrify us with their + strength. For Popery, under the circumstances it lieth in this kingdom; + although it be offensive, and inconvenient enough, from the consequences + it hath to increase the rapine, sloth and ignorance, as well as poverty of + the natives; is not properly dangerous in that sense, as some would have + us take it; because it is universally hated by every party of a different + religious profession. It is the contempt of the wise: The best topic for + clamours of designing men: But the real terror only of fools. The landed + Popish interest in England, far exceedeth that among us, even in + proportion to the wealth and extent of each kingdom. The little that + remaineth here, is daily dropping into Protestant hands, by purchase or + descent; and that affected complaint of counterfeit converts, will fall + with the cause of it in half a generation; unless it be raised or kept + alive, as a continual fund of merit and eloquence. The Papists are wholly + disarmed. They have neither courage, leaders, money, or inclinations to + rebel. They want every advantage which they formerly possessed, to follow + that trade; and wherein, even with those advantages, they always + miscarried. They appear very easy, and satisfied under that connivance + which they enjoyed during the whole last reign; nor ever scrupled to + reproach another party, under which they pretend to have suffered so much + severity. + </p> + <p> + Upon these considerations I must confess to have suspended much of my pity + towards the great dreaders of Popery; many of whom appear to be hale, + strong, active young men; who, as I am told, eat, drink, and sleep + heartily; and are very cheerful (as they have exceeding good reason) upon + all other subjects. However, I cannot too much commend the generous + concern, which, our neighbours and others, who come from the same + neighbourhood, are so kind to express for us upon this account; although + the former be further removed from the dangers of Popery, by twenty + leagues of salt water: But this, I fear, is a digression. + </p> + <p> + When an artificial report was raised here many years ago, of an intended + invasion by the Pretender, (which blew over after it had done its office) + the Dissenters argued in their talk, and in their pamphlets, after this + manner, applying themselves to those of the Church. "Gentlemen, if the + Pretender had landed, as the law now standeth, we durst not assist you; + and therefore, unless you take off the Test, whenever you shall happen to + be invaded in earnest, if we are desired to take up arms in your defence, + our answer shall be, Pray, gentlemen, fight your own battles,[1] we will + lie by quietly; conquer your enemies by yourselves, if you can; we will + not do your drudgery." This way of reasoning I have heard from several of + their chiefs and abettors, in an hundred conversations; and have read it + in twenty pamphlets: And, I am confident, it will be offered again, if the + project should fail to take off the Test. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: See note, p. 40, referring to the poem: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The Grunters' request + To take off the Test." [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + Upon which piece of oratory and reasoning I form the following query. + Whether, in case of an invasion from the Pretender (which is not quite so + probable as from the Grand Signior) the Dissenters can, with prudence and + safety, offer the same plea; except they shall have made a previous + stipulation with the invaders? And, Whether the full freedom of their + religion and trade, their lives, properties, wives and children, are not, + and have not always been reckoned sufficient motives for repelling + invasions, especially in our sectaries, who call themselves the truest + Protestants, by virtue of their pretended or real fierceness against + Popery? + </p> + <p> + Whether omitting or neglecting to celebrate the day of the martyrdom of + the blessed King Charles the First, enjoined by Act of Parliament, can be + justly reckoned a particular and distinguishing mark of good affection to + the present government? + </p> + <p> + Whether in those churches, where the said day is observed, it will fully + answer the intent of the said Act; if the preacher shall commend, excuse, + palliate, or extenuate the murder of that royal Martyr; and lay the guilt + of that horrid rebellion, with all its consequences, the following + usurpations, the entire destruction of the Church, the cruel and continual + persecutions of those who could be discovered to profess its doctrines, + with the ensuing Babel of fanaticism, to the account of that blessed King; + who, by granting the Petition of Right, and passing every bill that could + be asked for the security of the subject, had, by the confession even of + those wicked men, before the war began, left them nothing more to demand? + </p> + <p> + Whether such a preacher as I have named, (whereof there have been more + than <i>one</i> not many years past, even in the presence of viceroys) who + takes that course as a means for promotion; may not be thought to step a + little out of the common road, in a monarchy where the descendants of that + most blessed Martyr have reigned to this day? + </p> + <p> + I ground the reason of making these queries, on the title of the act; to + which I refer the reader. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE ADVANTAGES PROPOSED BY REPEALING THE SACRAMENTAL TEST, IMPARTIALLY + CONSIDERED. BY THE REV. DR. SWIFT, DEAN OF ST. PATRICK'S, + </h2> + <p> + Dublin, Printed; London, Re-printed for J. Roberts at the Oxford Arms in + Warwick Lane. 1732. (Price Six-pence.) + </p> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + The text here given is that of the London reprint of the original edition, + which has been collated with that given by Faulkner (vol. iv., 1735). In + 1790 the tract was reprinted by J. Walters, and it is evidently from this + reprint that Scott obtained his text; for the two agree in almost every + particular. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + Whoever writes impartially upon this subject, must do it not only as a + mere secular man, but as one who is altogether indifferent to any + particular system of Christianity. And, I think, in whatever country that + religion predominates, there is one certain form of worship and ceremony, + which is looked upon as the established, and consequently only the priests + of that particular form, are maintained at the public charge, and all + civil employments are bestowed among those who comply (at least outwardly) + with the same establishment. + </p> + <p> + This method is strictly observed, even by our neighbours the Dutch, who + are confessed to allow the fullest liberty to conscience of any Christian + state; and yet are never known to admit any persons into religious or + civil offices, who do not conform to the legal worship. As to their + military men, they are indeed not so scrupulous, being, by the nature of + their government, under a necessity of hiring foreign troops of whatever + religious denomination, upon every great emergency, and maintaining no + small number in time of peace. + </p> + <p> + This caution therefore of making one established faith, seems to be + universal, and founded upon the strongest reasons; the mistaken, or + affected zeal of obstinacy, and enthusiasm, having produced such a number + of horrible, destructive events, throughout all Christendom. For, whoever + begins to think the national worship is wrong, in any important article of + practice or belief, will, if he be serious, naturally have a zeal to make + as many proselytes as he can, and a nation may possibly have an hundred + different sects with their leaders; every one of which hath an equal right + to plead; they must "obey God rather than man," must "cry aloud and spare + not," must "lift up their voice like a trumpet" + </p> + <p> + This was the very case of England, during the fanatic times. And against + all this, there seems to be no defence, but that of supporting one + established form of doctrine and discipline; leaving the rest to a bare + liberty of conscience, but without any maintenance or encouragement from + the public. + </p> + <p> + Wherever this national religion grows so corrupt, or is thought to do so + by a very great majority of learned[1] people, joined to the governing + party, whether prince or senate, or both, it ought to be changed, provided + the work might be done without blood or tumults.[2] Yet, whenever such a + change shall be made, some other establishment must succeed (although for + the worse), allowing all deviations that would break the union to be only + tolerated. In this sense, those who affirm, that every law, which is + contrary to the law of God, is void in itself, seem to be mistaken. For, + many laws in Popish kingdoms and states, many more among the Turks, and + perhaps not a few in other countries, are directly against the divine + laws; and yet, God knows, are very far from being void in the executive + parts. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Scott has "landed." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Scott has "confusion." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Thus, for instance, if the three estates of Parliament in England (whereof + the lords spiritual[3] are one) should agree, and obtain the royal assent + to abolish Episcopacy, together with the liturgy, and the whole frame of + the English church, as "burthensome, dangerous, and contrary to Holy + Scripture"; and that Presbytery, Anabaptism, Quakerism, Independency,[4] + or any other subdivided sect among us, should be established in its place; + without question, all peaceable subjects ought passively to submit, and + the predominant sect must become the religion established, the public + maintaining no other teachers, nor admitting any persons of a different + religious profession, into civil offices; at least, if their intention be + to preserve the nation in peace. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Scott inserts here the words: "who represent the Church." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Scott inserts here "Muggletonianism, Brownism, Familism." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Supposing then, that the present system of religion were abolished; and + Presbytery, which stands much the fairest, with its synods and classes, + and all its forms and ceremonies, essential or circumstantial, were + erected into the national worship: Their teachers, and no others, could + have any legal claim to be supported at the public charge, whether by + stipends or tithes; and only the rest of the same faith to be capable of + civil employments. + </p> + <p> + If there be any true reasoning in what I have laid down, it should seem, + that the project now in agitation for repealing the Test Act, and yet + leaving the name of an establishment to the present national church, is + altogether inconsistent, and may admit of consequences, which those, who + are the most indifferent to any religion at all, are possibly not aware + of. + </p> + <p> + I presume, whenever the Test shall be repealed, which obliges all men, who + enter into office under the Crown, to receive the sacrament according to + the rites of the Church of Ireland, the way to employments will + immediately be left open to all dissenters, (except Papists) whose + consciences can suffer them to take the common oaths in such cases + prescribed, after which they are qualified to fill any lay station in this + kingdom, from that of chief governor, to an exciseman. + </p> + <p> + Thus of the three judges on each bench, the first may be a Presbyterian, + the second a Free-will Baptist, and the third a Churchman; the Lord + Chancellor may be an Independent; the revenues may be managed by seven + commissioners of as many different sects; and the like of all other + employments. Not to mention the strong probability, that the lawfulness of + taking oaths may be <i>revealed</i> to the Quakers, who then will stand + upon as good a foot for preferment, as any other loyal subject. It is + easy[5] to imagine, under such a motley administration of affairs, what a + clashing there will be of interests and inclinations, what puttings and + haulings backwards and forwards, what a zeal and bias in each religionist, + to advance his own tribe, and depress the others. For, I suppose nothing + will be readier granted, than that how indifferent soever most men are in + faith and morals, yet whether out of artifice, natural complexion, or love + of contradiction, none are more obstinate in maintaining their own + opinions, and worrying all who differ from them, than those who publicly + shew the least sense, either of religion or common honesty. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Scott has "obvious." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + As to the latter, Bishop Burnet tells us, that the Presbyterians, in the + fanatic times, professed themselves to be above morality; which, as we + find in some of their writings, was numbered among the "beggarly + elements"; and accordingly at this day, no scruples of conscience with + regard to conformity, are in any trade or calling, inconsistent with the + greatest fraud, oppression, perjury, or any other vice. + </p> + <p> + This brings to my memory a passage in Montaigne, of a common prostitute, + who, in the storming of a town, when a soldier came up to her chamber, and + offered violence to her chastity, rather chose to venture her neck, by + leaping out of the window, than suffer a rape; yet still continued her + trade of lewdness, whilst she had any customers left.[6] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The passage referred to by Swift is to be found in the first + chapter of the second book of Florio's translation of Montaigne's "Essays"—"Of + the Inconstancie of our Actions." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + I confess, that in my private judgment, an unlimited permission of all + sects whatsoever (except Papists) to enjoy employments, would be less + pernicious to the public, than a fair struggle between two contenders; + because in the former case, such a jumble of principles, might possibly + have the effect of contrary poisons mingled together, which a strong + constitution might perhaps be able for some time to survive. + </p> + <p> + But however, I shall take the other, and more probable supposition, that + this battle for employments, is to be fought only between the + Presbyterians, and those of the church <i>yet</i> established. I shall not + enter into the merits of either side, by examining which of the two is the + better spiritual economy, or which is most suited to the civil + constitution: But the question turns upon this point: When the + Presbyterians shall have got their share of employments (which, must be + one full half, or else they cannot look upon themselves as fairly dealt + with) I ask, whether they ought not by their own principles, and by the + strictest rules of conscience, to use the utmost of their skill, power, + and influence, in order to reduce the whole kingdom to an uniformity in + religion, both as to doctrine and discipline, most agreeable to the word + of God. Wherein, if they can succeed without blood (as, under the present + disposition of things, it is very possible they may) it is to be hoped + they will at last be satisfied: Only I would warn them of a few + difficulties. The first is for compromising that important controversy + about the <i>Old Light</i> and the <i>New</i>;[7] which otherwise may, + after this establishment, split them as wide as Papist and Protestant, + Whig and Tory, or Churchmen and Dissenters; and consequently the work will + be to begin again. For in religious quarrels, it is of little moment how + few or small the differences are, especially when the dispute is only + about power. Thus the jealous Presbyterians of the north, are more + alienated from the established clergy, than from the Romish priests; + taxing the former with idolatrous worship, as disguised Papists, + ceremony-mongers, and many other terms of arts, and this for a very + powerful reason, because the clergy stand in their way, which the Popish + priests do not. Thus I am assured, that the quarrel between <i>Old</i> and + <i>New Light men</i>, is managed with more rage and rancour, than any + other dispute of the highest importance; and this because it serves to + lessen or increase their several congregations, from whom they receive + their contributions. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: See "The Correspondent," Nos. 1 and 2, 1733, and note + prefixed to present reprint of "Narrative of Several Attempts for the + Repeal of the Sacramental Test" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Another difficulty which may embarrass the Presbyterians after their + establishment, will be how to adjust their claim of the kirk's + independency on the civil power, with the constitution of this monarchy; a + point so delicate, that it hath often filled the heads of great patriots + with dangerous notions of the church-clergy, without the least ground of + suspicion. + </p> + <p> + As to the Presbyterians allowing liberty of conscience to those of + Episcopal principles, when their own kirk is predominant, their writers + are so universally agreed in the negative, as well as their practice + during Oliver's reign, that I believe no reasonable Churchman, (who must + then be a dissenter) will expect it. + </p> + <p> + I shall here take notice, that in the division of employments among the + Presbyterians, after this approaching repeal of the Test Act, supposing + them, in proper time, to have an equal share, I compute the odds will be + three or four to one on their side, in any further scheme they may have + towards making their religion national. For I reckon, all those gentlemen + sent over from England, whatever religion they profess, or have been + educated in, to be of that party: Since it is no mark of prudence, for any + persons to oppose the current of a nation, where they are in some sort + only sojourners, unless they have it in direction. + </p> + <p> + If there be any maxim in politics, not to be controlled, it must be the + following: That those whose private interest is united with the interest + of their country, supposing them to be of equal understanding with the + rest of their neighbours, will heartily wish, that the nation should + thrive. Out of these are indubitably excepted all persons who are sent + from another kingdom, to be employed in places of profit or power; because + they can possibly bear no affection to the place where they sojourn, even + for life; their sole business being to advance themselves, by following + the advice of their principals. I except, likewise, those persons who are + taken into offices, although natives of the land, because they are greater + gainers while they keep their offices, than they could possibly be by + mending the miserable condition of their country. + </p> + <p> + I except, Thirdly, all hopers, who, by balancing accounts with themselves, + turn the scale on the same side; because the strong expectation of a good + certain salary, will outweigh the loss by bad rents, received out of lands + in moneyless times. + </p> + <p> + If my lords, the bishops, who, I hear, are now employed in a scheme for + regulating the conduct and maintenance of the inferior clergy, shall in + their wisdom and piety, and love of the church, consent to this repeal of + the Test, I have not the least doubt, that the whole reverend body will + cheerfully submit to their spiritual fathers, of whose paternal tenderness + for their welfare, they have already found so many amazing instances. + </p> + <p> + I am not, therefore, under the least concern about the clergy on this + account. They will (<i>for some time</i>) be no great sufferers by this + repeal; because I cannot recollect among all our sects, any one that gives + latitude enough to take the oaths required at an institution to a + church-living; and, until that bar shall be removed, the present Episcopal + clergy are safe for two years. Although it may be thought somewhat + unequal, that in the northern parts, where there may be three Dissenters + to one Churchman, the whole revenue should be engrossed by one who hath so + small a part of the cure. + </p> + <p> + It is true, indeed, that this disadvantage, which the Dissenters at + present lie under, of a disability to receive church-preferments, will be + easily remedied by the repeal of the Test. For the dissenting teachers are + under no incapacity of accepting civil and military employments, wherein + they agree perfectly with the Popish clergy, among whom great cardinals + and prelates have been commanders of armies, chief ministers, knights of + many orders, ambassadors, secretaries of state, and in most high offices + under the Crown, although they assert the indelible character, which no + sectaries among us did ever assume. But, that many, both Presbyterians and + Independents, commanders, as well as private soldiers, were professed + preachers in the time of their dominion, is allowed by all. Cromwell + himself was a preacher, and hath left us one of his sermons in print[8]: + So was Col. Howard, Sir George Downing,[9] and several others whose names + are on record. I can, therefore, see no reason why a painful Presbyterian + teacher, as soon as the Test shall be repealed, may not be privileged, to + hold along with his spiritual office and stipend, a commission in the + army, or the civil list <i>in commendam</i>: For, as I take it, the Church + of England is the only body of Christians, which, in effect, disqualifies + those who are employed to preach its doctrine, from sharing in the civil + power, further than as senators; which, however, was an institution[10] + begun in times of Popery, many hundred years before the Reformation, and + woven with the very institution of this limited monarchy. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Scott inserts here the words: "exactly in the same style and + manner with those of our modern Presbyterian teachers." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Sir George Downing (1623?-1684) born in England, completed + his education at Harvard, Mass., U.S.A. In 1650, we hear of him as + scout-master general of Cromwell's army in Scotland. He wrote many of the + letters in "Mercurius Politicus." Distinguished himself principally as + Cromwell's ambassador in France and Holland. Through Thomas Howard, + however, he obtained an opportunity while legate in Holland for the Rump + Parliament, for ingratiating himself in Charles II.'s favour. This Howard + was brother to the Earl of Suffolk. As a consequence of this favour, + Downing was made a baronet at the Restoration; and although a man of + undoubted ability, his character has come down to us by no means free from + taint. Many of his despatches are quoted by Clarendon in that writer's + great history. Downing also wrote: "A Reply to the Remarks of the Deputies + of the States-General upon Sir G. Downing's Memorial," 1665,; and + "Discourses vindicating his Royal Master from a Libel," 1672. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Scott has, instead of "which, however, was an institution," + the words, "yet this was a privilege." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + There is indeed another method, by which the stipends of dissenting + teachers may be raised, and the farmer much relieved; If it should be + thought proper to reward a people so deserving, and so loyal by their + principles. Every bishop, upon the vacancy of a church-living, can + sequester the profits for the use of the next incumbent. Upon a lapse of + half a year, the donation falls to the archbishop, and after a full year + to the Crown, during pleasure; therefore it would be no hardship for any + clergyman alive, if, in those parts of Ireland, where the number of + sectaries much exceed that of the conformists, the profits, when + sequestered, might be applied to the support of the dissenting teacher, + who hath so many souls to take care of, whereby the poor tenants would be + much relieved in these hard times, and in a better condition to pay their + rents. + </p> + <p> + But there is another difficulty in this matter, against which a remedy + doth not so readily occur. For, supposing the Test Act repealed, and the + Dissenters in consequence fully qualified for all secular employments, the + question may still be put, whether those of Ireland will be often the + persons on whom they shall be bestowed; because it is imagined, there may + be another <i>seminary</i>[11] in view, <i>more numerous</i> and <i>more + needy</i>, as well as <i>more meriting</i>, and more easily contented with + such low offices, as some nearer neighbours hardly think it worth stirring + from their chimney-sides to obtain. And, I am told, it is the common + practice of those who are skilled in the management of bees, that when + they see a foreign swarm at some distance, approaching with an intention + to plunder their hives, these artists have a trick to divert them into + some neighbouring apiary, there to make what havoc they please. This I + should not have hinted, if I had not known it already, to have gotten + ground in many suspecting heads: For it is the peculiar talent of this + nation, to see dangers afar off: To all which I can only say, that our + native Presbyterians, must, by pains and industry, raise such a fund of <i>merit</i>, + as will answer to a birth six degrees more to the north. If they cannot + arrive at this perfection, as several of the established church have + compassed by indefatigable pains, I do not well see how their affairs will + much mend by repealing the Test; for, to be qualified by law for[12] an + employment, and yet to be disqualified in fact, as it will much increase + the mortification, so it will withdraw the pity of many among their + well-wishers, and utterly deprive them of that merit, they have so long + made of being a loyal, true Protestant people, persecuted only for + religion. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Scotland.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Scott has "to accept." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + If this happen to be their case, they must wait maturity of time, till + they can by prudent, gentle steps make their faith become the religion + established in the nation, after which, I do not in the least doubt, their + taking the most effectual methods to secure their power against those who + must then be Dissenters in their turn, whereof, if we may form a future + opinion from present times, and the disposition of Dissenters, who love to + make a thorough reformation, the number and qualities will be very + inconsiderable. + </p> + <p> + Thus I have with the utmost sincerity, after long thinking, given my + judgment upon this arduous affair; but with the utmost deference and + submission to public wisdom and power. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + REASONS HUMBLY OFFERED TO THE PARLIAMENT OF IRELAND <i>FOR REPEALING THE</i> + SACRAMENTAL TEST, &c. IN FAVOUR OF THE CATHOLICS, OTHERWISE CALLED + ROMAN CATHOLICS, AND BY THEIR ILL-WISHERS PAPISTS. + </h2> + <p> + Drawn partly from Arguments as they are Catholics, and partly from + Arguments common to them with their Brethren the Dissenters. WRITTEN IN + THE YEAR 1733. + </p> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + In the 4to edition of Swift's works (1755) is given the following note: + </p> + <p> + "The author having before examined 'The Presbyterians' Plea of Merit' with + respect to their own principles and practices, has in this tract put them + in the balance against Papists." + </p> + <p> + In a reprint of this tract in the second volume of "Political Tracts," 2 + vols. 8vo, 1738, London, is the following "Advertisement"—neither + Scott, Faulkner, nor Hawkesworth give this. Probably it appeared in the + first edition; but as I have not been able to come across this, I am not + certain. + </p> + <p> + "In the years 1732, and 1733, an attempt was made for repealing the Test + Act in Ireland, introductory of a like attempt in England. The various + arguments for it were answered in every shape; but no way more effectually + than by examining what pretence the Presbyterians had to share in all the + privileges of government, either from their own principles and behaviour, + or compared with those of other sectaries. Under the former head they were + fully silenced by our author in 'The Presbyterians' Plea of Merit + Impartially Examined'. They are now put in the balance with Papists, whom + though they have sometimes styled their brethren in adversity, yet when + placed in competition, they will hate as brethren likewise. But let them + here dispute the preference, and then put in their claim to be part of the + establishment." "The arguments pretended to be urged by the Roman + Catholics, in this tract," says Monck Mason, "consist partly of true + statements and partly of ironical allusions, which are combined together + into such a trellis work, as to render it almost unassailable." + </p> + <p> + The text here given is that from the 4to edition (1755) of Swift's Works, + collated with that in the second volume of "Political Tracts" above + referred to. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + It is well known, that the first conquerors of this kingdom were English + Catholics, subjects to English Catholic kings, from whom, by their valour + and success, they obtained large portions of land given them as a reward + for their many victories over the Irish: To which merit our brethren the + Dissenters of any denomination whatsoever, have not the least pretensions. + </p> + <p> + It is confessed, that the posterity of those first victorious Catholics + were often forced to rise in their own defence, against new colonies from + England, who treated them like mere native Irish, with innumerable + oppressions; depriving them of their lands, and driving them by force of + arms into the most desolate parts of the kingdom. Till in the next + generation, the children of these tyrants were used in the same manner by + new English adventurers, which practice continued for many centuries. But + it is agreed on all hands, that no insurrections were ever made, except + after great oppressions by fresh invaders. Whereas all the rebellions of + Puritans, Presbyterians, Independents, and other sectaries, constantly + began before any provocations were given, except that they were not + suffered to change the government in Church and State, and seize both into + their own hands; which, however, at last they did, with the murder of + their King and of many thousands of his best subjects. + </p> + <p> + The Catholics were always defenders of monarchy, as constituted in these + kingdoms. Whereas our brethren the Dissenters were always republicans, + both in principle and practice. It is well known that all the Catholics of + these kingdoms, both priests and laity, are true Whigs in the best and + most proper sense of the word; bearing as well in their hearts, as in + their outward profession, an entire loyalty to the royal house of Hanover + in the person and posterity of George II. against the Pretender and all + his adherents. To which they think themselves bound in gratitude as well + as conscience, by the lenity wherewith they have been treated since the + death of Queen Anne, so different from what they suffered in the four last + years of that Princess, during the administration of that <i>wicked</i> + minister, the Earl of Oxford. + </p> + <p> + The Catholics of this kingdom humbly hope, that they have at least as fair + a title as any of their brother Dissenters, to the appelation of + Protestants. They have always protested against the selling, dethroning, + or murdering their Kings: Against the usurpations and avarice of the court + of Rome: Against Deism, Atheism, Socinianism, Quakerism, Muggletonianism, + Fanaticism, Brownism, as well as against all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and + Heretics. Whereas the title of Protestants assumed by the whole herd of + Dissenters (except ourselves) dependeth entirely upon their protesting + against archbishops, bishops, deans, and chapters, with their revenues; + and the whole hierarchy. Which are the very expressions used in The Solemn + League and Covenant,[1] where the word Popery is only mentioned <i>ad + invidiam</i>; because the Catholics agree with the Episcopal church in + those fundamentals. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: A solemn league and covenant entered into between the Scots + and English fanatics, in the rebellion against King Charles I., 1643, by + which they solemnly engaged, among other things, "To endeavour the + extirpation of prelacy, that is, church government by archbishops, + bishops, deans, archdeacons, and all other episcopal officers, depending + on that hierarchy." [H.]] + </p> + <p> + Although the Catholics cannot deny, that in the great rebellion against + King Charles I. more soldiers of their religion were in the Parliament + army than in His Majesty's troops; and that many Jesuits and friars went + about in the disguise of Presbyterian and Independent ministers, to preach + up rebellion; as the best historians of those times inform us; yet the + bulk of Catholics in both kingdoms preserved their loyalty entire. + </p> + <p> + The Catholics have some reason to think it a little hard, when their + enemies will not please to distinguish between the rebellious riot + committed by that brutal ruffian, Sir Phelim O'Neal[2] with his tumultuous + crew of rabble; and the forces raised afterwards by the Catholic lords and + gentlemen of the English pale, in defence of the King after the English + rebellion began. It is well known, that His Majesty's affairs were in + great distraction some time before, by an invasion of the covenanting, + Scottish, kirk rebels, and by the base terms the King was forced to + accept, that they might be kept in quiet, at a juncture when he was every + hour threatened at home by that fanatic party, which soon after set all in + a flame. And, if the Catholic army in Ireland fought for their King + against the forces sent over by the Parliament, then in actual rebellion + against him, what person of loyal principles can be so partial to deny, + that they did their duty, by joining with the Marquis of Ormonde, and + other commanders, who bore their commissions from the King? For which, + great numbers of them lost their lives, and forfeited their estates; a + great part of the latter being now possessed by many descendants from + those very men who had drawn their swords in the service of that + rebellious Parliament which cut off his head, and destroyed monarchy. And + what is more amazing, although the same persons, when the Irish were + entirely subdued, continued in power under the Rump; were chief + confidants, and faithful subjects to Cromwell, yet being wise enough to + foresee a restoration, they seized the forts and castles here, out of the + hands of their old brethren in rebellion, for the service of the King; + just saving the tide, and putting in a stock of merit, sufficient not only + to preserve the lands which the Catholics lost by their loyalty; but + likewise to preserve their civil and military employments, or be higher + advanced. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Sir Phelim O'Neill (1604?-1683) one of the most picturesque + characters of Irish history. For his share in the rebellion of 1641 he was + expelled from the Irish House of Commons. The rebellion was an attempt to + assist Charles as against the Parliament, and O'Neill forged a commission, + purporting to come from the King, authorizing the Irish to rise in his + favour. The Scottish settlers in Ulster, on whom O'Neill relied for aid + disappointed him, and he thereupon set to work to reduce all their towns. + The famous siege of Drogheda was one of the many incidents of his + campaign. He joined forces with his kinsman, Owen Roe O'Neill, but a + jealous difference on his part urged Sir Phelim to support Ormonde, in + 1640, in that general's endeavours for a peace. Sir Phelim, however, was + not included in the benefit of the Articles of Kilkenny, and a price was + placed on his head. He was betrayed by Philip Roe McHugh O'Neill, brought + to Dublin, and executed as a traitor. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Those insurrections wherewith the Catholics are charged from the beginning + of the seventeenth century to the great English rebellion, were occasioned + by many oppressions they lay under. They had no intention to introduce a + new religion, but to enjoy the liberty of preserving the old; the very + same which their ancestors professed from the time that Christianity was + first introduced into this island, which was by Catholics; but whether + mingled with corruptions, as some pretend, doth not belong to the + question. They had no design to change the government; they never + attempted to fight against, to imprison, to betray, to sell, to bring to a + trial, or to murder their King. The schismatics acted by a spirit directly + contrary; they united in a Solemn League and Covenant, to alter the whole + system of spiritual government, established in all Christian nations, and + of apostolic institution; concluding the tragedy with the murder of the + King in cold blood, and upon mature deliberation; at the same time + changing the monarchy into a commonwealth. + </p> + <p> + The Catholics of Ireland, in the great rebellion, lost their estates for + fighting in defence of their King. The schismatics, who cut off the + father's head, forced the son to fly for his life, and overturned the + whole ancient frame of government, religious and civil; obtained grants of + those very estates which the Catholics lost in defence of the ancient + constitution, many of which estates are at this day possessed by the + posterity of those schismatics: And thus, they gained by their rebellion + what the Catholics lost by their loyalty.[3] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: This paragraph is omitted in edition of 1743, but it is + printed in that of 1755. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + We allow the Catholics to be brethren of the Dissenters; some people, + indeed, (which we cannot allow) would have them to be our children, + because <i>we</i> both dissent from the Church established, and both agree + in abolishing this persecuting Sacramental Test; by which negative + discouragement we are both rendered incapable of civil and military + employments. However, we cannot but wonder at the bold familiarity of + these schismatics, in calling the members of the National Church their + brethren and fellow Protestants. It is true, that all these sects (except + the Catholics) are brethren to each other in faction, ignorance, iniquity, + perverseness, pride, and (if we except the Quakers) in rebellion. But, how + the churchmen can be styled their fellow Protestants, we cannot + comprehend. Because, when the whole Babel of sectaries joined against the + Church, the King, and the nobility for twenty years, in a match at + football; where the proverb expressly tells us, that <i>all are fellows</i>; + while the three kingdoms were tossed to and fro, the churches, and cities, + and royal palaces shattered to pieces by their balls, their buffets, and + their kicks; the victors would allow no more <i>fellows at football</i>: + But murdered, sequestered, plundered, deprived, banished to the + plantations, or enslaved all their opposers who had lost the game. + </p> + <p> + It is said the world is governed by opinion; and politicians assure us, + that all power is founded thereupon. Wherefore, as all human creatures are + fond to distraction of their own opinions; and so much the more, as those + opinions are absurd, ridiculous, or of little moment; it must follow, that + they are equally fond of power. But no opinions are maintained with so + much obstinacy as those in religion, especially by such zealots who never + bore the least regard to religion, conscience, honour, justice, truth, + mercy, or common morality, farther than in outward appearance; under the + mask of hypocrisy, to promote their diabolical designs. And therefore + Bishop Burnet, one of their oracles, tells us honestly, that the <i>saints</i> + of those fanatic times, pronounced themselves above morality; which they + reckoned among "beggarly elements"; but the meaning of those two last + words thus applied, we confess to be above our understanding. + </p> + <p> + Among those kingdoms and states which first embraced the Reformation, + England appears to have received it in the most regular way; where it was + introduced in a peaceable manner, by the supreme power of a King,[4] and + the three estates in Parliament; to which, as the highest legislative + authority, all subjects are bound passively to submit. Neither was there + much blood shed on so great a change of religion. But a considerable + number of lords, and other persons of quality through the kingdom still + continued in their old faith, and were, notwithstanding their difference + in religion, employed in offices civil as well as military, more or less + in every reign, until the Test Act in the time of King Charles II. + However, from the time of the Reformation, the number of Catholics + gradually and considerably lessened. So that in the reign of King Charles + I. England became, in a great degree, a Protestant Kingdom, without taking + the sectaries into the number; the legality whereof, with respect to human + laws, the Catholics never disputed: But the Puritans, and other + schismatics, without the least pretence to any such authority, by an open + rebellion, destroyed that legal Reformation, as we observed before, + murdered their King, and changed the monarchy into a republic. It is + therefore not to be wondered at, if the Catholics, in such a Babel of + religions, chose to adhere to their own faith left to them by their + ancestors, rather than seek for a better among a rabble of hypocritical, + rebellious, deluding knaves, or deluded enthusiasts. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Henry VIII [H.]] + </p> + <p> + We repeat once more, that if a national religion be changed by the supreme + legislative power, we cannot dispute the human legality of such a change. + But we humbly conceive, that if any considerable party of men which + differs from an establishment, either old or new, can deserve liberty of + conscience, it ought to consist of those who for want of conviction, or of + a right understanding the merits of each cause, conceive themselves bound + in conscience to adhere to the religion of their ancestors; because they + are of all others least likely to be authors of innovations, either in + Church or State. + </p> + <p> + On t'other side; If the reformation of religion be founded upon rebellion + against the King, without whose consent, by the nature of our + constitution, no law can pass. If this reformation be introduced by only + one of the three estates, I mean the Commons, and not by one half even of + those Commons; and this by the assistance of a rebellious army: Again, if + this reformation were carried on by the exclusion of nobles both lay and + spiritual (who constitute the two other parts of the three estates) by the + murder of their King, and by abolishing the whole system of government; + the Catholics cannot see why the successors of those schismatics, who are + universally accused by all parties except themselves, and a few infamous + abettors, for still retaining the same principles in religion and + government, under which their predecessors acted; should pretend to a + better share of civil or military trust, profit and power than the + Catholics, who during all that period of twenty years, were continually + persecuted with utmost severity, merely on account of their loyalty and + constant adherence to kingly power. + </p> + <p> + We now come to those arguments for repealing the Sacramental Test, which + equally affect the Catholics, and their brethren the Dissenters. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>, We agree with our fellow Dissenters; that "persecution + merely for conscience' sake, is against the genius of the Gospel."[5] And + so likewise is "any law for depriving men of their natural and civil + rights which they claim as men." We are also ready enough to allow that + "the smallest negative discouragements for uniformity's sake are so many + persecutions." Because, it cannot be denied, that the scratch of a pin is + in some degree a real wound, as much as a stab through the heart. In like + manner, an incapacity by law for any man to be made a judge, a colonel, or + justice of the peace, "merely on a point of conscience, is a negative + discouragement," and consequently a real persecution: For, in this case, + the author of the pamphlet quoted in the margin[6] puts a very pertinent + and powerful question: That, "If God be the sole lord of the conscience, + why should the rights of conscience be subject to human jurisdiction?" Now + to apply this to the Catholics: The belief of transubstantiation "is a + matter purely of religion and conscience, which doth not affect the + political interest of society as such. Therefore, Why should the rights of + conscience, whereof God is the sole lord, be subject to human + jurisdiction?" And why should God be deprived of this right over a + Catholic's conscience any more than over that of any other Dissenter? + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: <i>Vid</i>. Reasons for the Repeal of the Sacramental Test. + [Note in edit. 1738.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: <i>Idem</i>.] + </p> + <p> + And whereas another author among our brethren the Dissenters, hath very + justly complained, that by this persecuting Test Act, great numbers of + true Protestants have been forced to leave the kingdom, and fly to the + plantations, rather than stay here branded with an incapacity for civil + and military employments; we do affirm, that the Catholics can bring many + more instances of the same kind; some thousands of their religion have + been forced by the Sacramental Test, to retire into other countries, + rather than live here under the incapacity of wearing swords, sitting in + Parliament, and getting that share of power and profit which belongs to + them as fellow Christians, whereof they are deprived "merely upon account + of conscience, which would not allow them to take the sacrament after the + manner prescribed in the liturgy." Hence it clearly follows in the words + of the same author,[7] "That if we Catholics are uncapable of employments, + we are punished for our dissent, that is, for our conscience, which wholly + turns upon political considerations." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: See "Reasons against the Test." [Note in edit. 1738.]] + </p> + <p> + The Catholics are willing to acknowledge the King's supremacy, whenever + their brethren the Dissenters shall please to shew them the example. + </p> + <p> + Further, The Catholics, whenever their religion shall come to be the + national established faith, are willing to undergo the same test offered + by the author already quoted. His words are these: "To end this debate, by + putting it upon a foot which I hope will appear to every impartial person + a fair and equitable one; We Catholics propose, with submission to the + proper judges, that effectual security be taken against persecution, by + obliging all who are admitted into places of power and trust, whatever + their religious profession be, in the most solemn manner to disclaim + persecuting principles." It is hoped the public will take notice of these + words; "Whatever their religious profession be;" which plainly include the + Catholics; and for which we return thanks to our dissenting brethren. + </p> + <p> + And, whereas it is objected by those of the established Church, that if + the schismatics and fanatics were once put into a capacity of possessing + civil and military employments; they would never be at ease till they had + raised their own way of worship into the national religion through all His + Majesty's dominions, equal with the true orthodox Scottish kirk; which + when they had once brought to pass, they would no more allow liberty of + conscience to Episcopal Dissenters, than they did in the time of the great + English rebellion, and in the succeeding fanatic anarchy till the King was + restored. There is another very learned schismatical pamphleteer,[8] who + in answer to a malignant libel, called, <i>The Presbyterians' Plea of + Merit, &c</i>., clearly wipes off this aspersion; by assuring all + Episcopal Protestants of the present Church, upon his own word, and to his + own knowledge, that our brethren the Dissenters will never offer at such + an attempt. In like manner, the Catholics when legally required, will + openly declare upon their words and honours, that, as soon as their + negative discouragements and their persecution shall be removed by + repealing the Sacramental Test, they will leave it entirely to the merits + of the cause, whether the kingdom shall think fit to make their faith the + established religion or not. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: "Vindication of the Protestant Dissenters." This pamphlet has + been mentioned in the note prefixed to "The Presbyterians' Plea of Merit." + It was written as a reply to that tract, and to the "Narrative."[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + And again, Whereas our Presbyterian brethren in many of their pamphlets, + take much offence, that the great rebellion in England, the murder of the + King, with the entire change of religion and government, are perpetually + objected against them both in and out of season, by our common enemy, the + present conformists: We do declare in the defence of our said brethren, + that the reproach aforesaid is <i>an old worn-out threadbare cant</i>, + which they always disdained to answer: And I very well remember, that, + having once told a certain conformist, how much I wondered to hear him and + his tribe, dwelling perpetually on so beaten a subject; he was pleased to + divert the discourse with a foolish story, which I cannot forbear telling + to his disgrace. He said, there was a clergyman in Yorkshire, who for + fifteen years together preached every Sunday against drunkenness: Whereat + the parishioners being much offended, complained to the archbishop; who + having sent for the clergyman, and severely reprimanded him, the minister + had no better an answer, than by confessing the fact; adding, that all the + parish were drunkards; that he desired to reclaim them from one vice + before he would begin upon another; and, since they still continued to be + as great drunkards as before, he resolved to go on, except his Grace would + please to forbid him. + </p> + <p> + We are very sensible how heavy an accusation lieth upon the Catholics of + Ireland; that some years before King Charles II. was restored, when theirs + and the King's forces were entirely reduced, and the kingdom declared by + the Rump to be settled; after all His Majesty's generals were forced to + fly to France, or other countries, the heads of the said Catholics who + remained here in an enslaved condition, joined to send an invitation to + the Duke of Lorrain; engaging, upon his appearing here with his forces, to + deliver up the whole island to his power, and declare him their sovereign; + which, after the Restoration, was proved against them by Dean Boyle, since + primate, who produced the very original instrument at the board. The + Catholics freely acknowledge the fact to be true; and, at the same time + appeal to all the world, whether a wiser, a better, a more honourable, or + a more justifiable project could have been thought of. They were then + reduced to slavery and beggary by the English rebels, many thousands of + them murdered, the rest deprived of their estates, and driven to live on a + small pittance in the wilds of Connaught; at a time when either the Rump + or Cromwell absolutely governed the three kingdoms. And the question will + turn upon this, Whether the Catholics, deprived of all their possessions, + governed with a rod of iron, and in utter despair of ever seeing the + monarchy restored, for the preservation of which they had suffered so + much, were to be blamed for calling in a foreign prince of their own + religion, who had a considerable army to support them; rather than submit + to so infamous an usurper as Cromwell, or such a bloody and ignominious + conventicle as the Rump. And I have often heard, not only our friends the + Dissenters, but even our common enemy the Conformists, who are conversant + in the history of those times, freely confess, that considering the + miserable situation the Irish were then in, they could not have thought of + a braver or more virtuous attempt; by which they might have been + instruments of restoring the lawful monarch, at least to the recovery of + England and Scotland, from those betrayers, and sellers, and murderers of + his royal father. + </p> + <p> + To conclude, Whereas the last quoted author complains very heavily and + frequently of a <i>brand</i> that lies upon them, it is a great mistake: + For the first original brand hath been long taken off. Only we confess, + the scar will probably remain and be visible for ever to those who know + the principles by which they acted, and until those principles shall be + openly renounced; else it must continue to all generations, like the mark + set upon Cain, which some authors say descended to all his posterity: Or + like the Roman nose and Austrian lip, or like the long bag of flesh + hanging down from the gills of the people in Piedmont. But as for any + brands fixed on schismatics for several years past, they have been all + made with cold iron; like thieves, who by the benefit of the clergy are + condemned to be only burned in the hand; but escape the pain and the mark, + by being in fee with the jailor. Which advantage the schismatical teachers + will never want, who, as we are assured, and of which there is a very + fresh instance, have the souls, and bodies, and purses of the people a + hundred times more at their mercy, than the Catholic priests could ever + pretend to. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, upon the whole, the Catholics do humbly petition (without the + least insinuation of threatening) that upon this favourable juncture their + incapacity for civil and military employments may be wholly taken off, for + the very same reasons (besides others more cogent) that are now offered by + their brethren the Dissenters. + </p> + <p> + <i>And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c</i>.[9] + </p> + <p> + Dublin, Nov. 1733. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: In this controversy the author was again victorious, for the + Test was not repealed. [H.]] + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SOME FEW THOUGHTS CONCERNING THE REPEAL OF THE TEST.[1] + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The text is that of the quarto edition (1765) of Swift's + Works. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Those of either side who have written upon this subject of the Test, in + making or answering objections, seem to fail by not pressing sufficiently + the chief point upon which the controversy turns. The arguments used by + those who write for the Church are very good in their kind, but will have + little force under the present corruptions of mankind, because the authors + treat this subject <i>tanquam in republicâ, Platonis, et non in fæce + Romuli</i>. + </p> + <p> + It must be confessed, that, considering how few employments of any + consequence fall to the share of those English who are born in this + kingdom, and those few very dearly purchased, at the expense of + conscience, liberty, and all regard for the public good, they are not + worth contending for: And, if nothing but profit were in the case, it + would hardly cost me one sigh when I should see those few scraps thrown + among every species of fanatics, to scuffle for among themselves. + </p> + <p> + And this will infallibly be the case, after repealing the Test. + </p> + <p> + For, every subdivision of sect will, with equal justice, pretend to have a + share; and, as it is usual with sharers, will never think they have + enough, while any pretender is left unprovided. I shall not except the + Quakers; because, when the passage is once let open for all sects to + partake in public emoluments, it is very probable the lawfulness of taking + oaths, and wearing carnal weapons,[2] may be revealed to the brotherhood; + which thought, I confess, was first put into my head by one of the + shrewdest Quakers in this kingdom.[3] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: The Quakers were more likely to admit this relaxation of + their peculiar tenets, as, upon their first appearance as a sect, they did + not by any means profess the principle of non-resistance, which they + afterwards adopted. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The Quaker hinted at by Dr. Swift was Mr. George Rooke, a + linen-draper. In a letter to Mr. Pope, Aug. 30, 1716, Dr. Swift says, + "There is a young ingenious Quaker in this town, who writes verses to his + mistress, not very correct, but in a strain purely what a poetical Quaker + should do, commending her look and habit, &c. It gave me a hint, that + a set of Quaker pastorals might succeed, if our friend Gay would fancy it; + and I think it a fruitful subject: pray hear what he says."—Accordingly + Gay wrote "The Espousal, a sober Eclogue, between two of the People called + Quakers." [S.]] + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TEN REASONS FOR REPEALING THE TEST ACT.[1] + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "This Tract is from a rare broadside copy. It appears to be + written by the Dean, and the arguments correspond with those he uses + elsewhere" So says Scott; but Monck Mason considers this tract no more the + work of Swift than several others he mentions. See note prefixed to "The + Presbyterians' Plea of Merit." [T.S.]] + </p> + <h3> + I. + </h3> + <p> + Because the Presbyterians are people of such great interest in this + kingdom, that there are not above ten of their persuasion in the House of + Commons, and but one in the House of Lords; though they are not obliged to + take the sacrament in the Established Church to qualify them to be members + of either House. + </p> + <p> + 2. Because those of the Established Church of this kingdom are so + disaffected to the King, that not one of them worth mentioning, except the + late Duke of Ormond,[2] has been concerned in the rebellion; and that our + Parliament, though there be so few Presbyterians, has, upon all occasions, + proved its loyalty to King George, and has readily agreed to and enacted + what might support his government. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: James Butler, Duke of Ormond (1610-1688), was + lieutenant-general of the army of Ireland during the rebellion of 1641. + After his defeat of General Preston, in 1643, he was appointed + Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland; but retired to France on the fall of the + Stuart dynasty. The execution of Charles caused Ormond to land again in + Ireland for the purpose of rousing that country in favour of the royal + cause; but he forsook it on the landing of Cromwell. At the Restoration he + came over with Charles, and was raised, for his services, to the dukedom. + He was, however, deprived of his lord-lieutenancy for his friendship for + the exiled Clarendon. He had a narrow escape for his life from the plots + of Colonel Blood, whom he forgave at the request of the King. In 1682 he + was rewarded by being promoted to an English dukedom. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + 3. Because very few of the Presbyterians have lost an employment worth £20 + per annum, for not qualifying themselves according to the Test Act; nor + will they accept of a militia commission, though they do of one in the + army. + </p> + <p> + 4. Because, if they are not in the militia and other places of trust, the + Pretender and his adherents will destroy us; when he has no one to support + him but the King of Spain; when King George is at a good understanding + with Sweden, Prussia, and Denmark; and when he has made the best alliances + in Christendom. When the Emperor, King of Great Britain, the French King, + the King of Sardinia, are all in the quadruple alliance against the + Spaniard, his upstart cardinal,[3] and the Pretender; when bloody plots + against Great Britain and France are blown up; when the Spanish fleet is + quite dispersed; when the French army is overrunning Spain; and when the + rebels in Scotland are cut off. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Cardinal Julius Alberoni (1664-1752), born at Parma, obtained + the favour, when a humble parish priest, of the Duke of Vendôme, by + informing that general of the whereabouts of some corn, which the country + folk had hidden. He followed the Duke to Spain, and was successful in + bringing about the marriage between the Princess of Parma and Philip V. + For this service he was made Prime Minister of Spain, a cardinal, and + Archbishop of Valencia. He entered heartily into Philip's designs for + recovering Spain's lost territory, and showed even more boldness than his + royal master in their execution. His reduction of Sardinia precipitated + the alliance between England, France, Holland, and afterwards, Austria. + Spain, with Alberoni as its guiding spirit, supported the Jacobite cause + to harass England, and conquered Sicily. But at Messina the Spanish fleet + was destroyed by the English, and in the north of Spain the forces of + Philip were repulsed by the French. In the end, Spain gave way, and + Alberoni was dismissed to retire to Rome, and to be safely lodged in the + Jesuits' College there. On his release he returned to his native town, but + died at Rome. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + 5. The test clause should be repealed, because it is a defence against the + reformation the Presbyterians long since promised the churches of England + and Ireland, viz. "We, noblemen, barons, knights, gentlemen, citizens, + burgesses, ministers of the Gospel, commons of all sorts in the kingdoms + of Scotland, England, and Ireland, &c.[4] each one of us for himself, + with our hands lifted up to the most high God, do swear, first, That we + shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of God, + endeavour, in our several places and callings, the preservation of the + reformed religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship, + discipline, and government. Secondly, That we shall in like manner, + without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy; + that is, church-government by archbishops, their chancellors, and + commissaries, deans, deacons, and chapters, archdeacons, and all other + ecclesiastical officers depending on that hierarchy." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: <i>Vide</i> "Confession of Faith," pp. 304, 305.] + </p> + <p> + 6. Because the Presbyterian Church-Government may be independent of the + state. The Lord Jesus is King and Head of his Church;[5] hath therein + appointed a government in the hands of church-officers, distinct from the + civil magistrate. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers to + consult and advise with about matters of religion; so, if magistrates be + open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ of themselves, by + virtue of their office, or they with other fit persons, upon delegation + from their churches, may meet together in such assemblies.[6] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "Confession of Faith," p. 87.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: <i>Ibid</i>., pp. 88, 89.] + </p> + <p> + 7. Because they have not the free use of their religion, when they disdain + a toleration. + </p> + <p> + 8. Because they have so much charity for Episcopacy, as to account it + iniquitous. The address of the General Assembly to the Duke of Queensbury + in the late reign says, that to tolerate the Episcopal clergy in Scotland + would be to establish iniquity by a law. + </p> + <p> + 9. Because repealing the test clause will probably disoblige ten of his + Majesty's good subjects, for one it can oblige. + </p> + <p> + 10. Because, if the test clause be repealed, the Presbyterians may with + the better grace get into employments, and the easier worm out those of + the Established Church. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SERMONS. + </h2> + <p> + The following Form of Prayer, which Dr. Swift constantly used in the + pulpit before his sermon, is copied from his own handwriting: + </p> + <p> + "Almighty and most merciful God! forgive us all our sins. Give us grace + heartily to repent them, and to lead new lives. Graft in our hearts a true + love and veneration for thy holy name and word. Make thy pastors burning + and shining lights, able to convince gainsayers, and to save others and + themselves. Bless this congregation here met together in thy name; grant + them to hear and receive thy holy word, to the salvation of their own + souls. Lastly, we desire to return thee praise and thanksgiving for all + thy mercies bestowed upon us; but chiefly for the Fountain of them all, + Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name and words we further call upon thee, + saying, 'Our Father,' &c." + </p> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + These twelve sermons are what have been handed down to us of a bundle of + thirty-five which Swift, some years before his death, gave to Dr. + Sheridan. Swift had no great opinion of them himself, if we may judge from + what he said to his friend when he offered him the bundle. "You may have + them if you please; they may be of use to you, they never were of any to + me." There is not much in any of them of that quality which characterizes + the average sermon. For the artifices of rhetoric which are usually + employed to move hearers Swift had no small contempt. He aimed to convince + the mind by plain statements of common-sense views. He had no faith in a + conviction brought about under the stress of emotional excitement. His + sermons exactly answer to the advice he gave a young clergyman—"First + tell the people what is their duty, and then convince them that it is so." + In the note to his reprint of these sermons Sir Walter Scott has very + admirably summed up their qualities. + </p> + <p> + "The Sermons of Swift," says Scott, "have none of that thunder which + appals, or that resistless and winning softness which melts, the hearts of + an audience. He can never have enjoyed the triumph of uniting hundreds in + one ardent sentiment of love, of terror, or of devotion. His reasoning, + however powerful, and indeed unanswerable, convinces the understanding, + but is never addressed to the heart; and, indeed, from his instructions to + a young clergyman, he seems hardly to have considered pathos as a + legitimate ingredient in an English sermon. Occasionally, too, Swift's + misanthropic habits break out even from the pulpit; nor is he altogether + able to suppress his disdain of those fellow mortals, on whose behalf was + accomplished the great work of redemption. With such unamiable feelings + towards his hearers, the preacher might indeed command their respect, but + could never excite their sympathy. It may be feared that his Sermons were + less popular from another cause, imputable more to the congregation than + to the pastor. Swift spared not the vices of rich or poor; and, disdaining + to amuse the imaginations of his audience with discussion of dark points + of divinity, or warm them by a flow of sentimental devotion, he rushes at + once to the point of moral depravity, and upbraids them with their + favourite and predominant vices in a tone of stern reproof, bordering upon + reproach. In short, he tears the bandages from their wounds, like the + hasty surgeon of a crowded hospital, and applies the incision knife and + caustic with salutary, but rough and untamed severity. But, alas! the mind + must be already victorious over the worst of its evil propensities, that + can profit by this harsh medicine. There is a principle of opposition in + our nature, which mans itself with obstinacy even against avowed truth, + when it approaches our feelings in a harsh and insulting manner. And Swift + was probably sensible, that his discourses, owing to these various causes, + did not produce the powerful effects most grateful to the feelings of the + preacher, because they reflect back to him those of the audience. + </p> + <p> + "But although the Sermons of Swift are deficient in eloquence, and were + lightly esteemed by their author, they must not be undervalued by the + modern reader. They exhibit, in an eminent degree, that powerful grasp of + intellect which distinguished the author above all his contemporaries. In + no religious discourses can be found more sound good sense, more happy and + forcible views of the immediate subject. The reasoning is not only + irresistible, but managed in a mode so simple and clear, that its force is + obvious to the most ordinary capacity. Upon all subjects of morality, the + preacher maintains the character of a rigid and inflexible monitor; + neither admitting apology for that which is wrong, nor softening the + difficulty of adhering to that which is right; a stern stoicism of + doctrine, that may fail in finding many converts, but leads to excellence + in the few manly minds who dare to embrace it. In treating the doctrinal + points of belief, (as in his Sermon upon the Trinity,) Swift + systematically refuses to quit the high and pre-eminent ground which the + defender of Christianity is entitled to occupy, or to submit to the test + of human reason, mysteries which are placed, by their very nature, far + beyond our finite capacities. Swift considered, that, in religion, as in + profane science, there must be certain ultimate laws which are to be + received as fundamental truths, although we are incapable of defining or + analysing their nature; and he censures those divines, who, in + presumptuous confidence of their own logical powers, enter into + controversy upon such mysteries of faith, without considering that they + give thereby the most undue advantage to the infidel. Our author wisely + and consistently declared reason an incompetent judge of doctrines, of + which God had declared the fact, concealing from man the manner. He + contended, that he who, upon the whole, receives the Christian religion as + of divine inspiration, must be contented to depend upon God's truth, and + his holy word, and receive with humble faith the mysteries which are too + high for comprehension. Above all, Swift points out, with his usual + forcible precision, the mischievous tendency of those investigations + which, while they assail one fundamental doctrine of the Christian + religion, shake and endanger the whole fabric, destroy the settled faith + of thousands, pervert and mislead the genius of the learned and acute, + destroy and confound the religious principles of the simple and ignorant." + </p> + <p> + In 1744, Faulkner printed three sermons as a single volume; these were "On + Mutual Subjection," "On Conscience," and "On the Trinity." The other + sermons appeared in the various editions issued by Nichols and others. The + text here given is that of the volume of 1744, of Hawkesworth and Scott. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON MUTUAL SUBJECTION. + </h2> + <h3> + I PETER, V. 5. + </h3> + <p> + "—Yea, all of you be subject one to another." + </p> + <p> + The Apostle having in many parts of this epistle given directions to + Christians concerning the duty of subjection or obedience to superiors; in + the several instances of the subject to his prince, the child to his + parent, the servant to his master, the wife to her husband, and the + younger to the elder; doth here, in the words of my text, sum up the + whole, by advancing a point of doctrine, which at first may appear a + little extraordinary: "Yea, all of you," saith he, "be subject one to + another." For it should seem, that two persons cannot properly be said to + be subject to each other, and that subjection is only due from inferiors + to those above them: yet St Paul hath several passages to the same + purpose. For he exhorts the Romans, "in honour to prefer one another:"[1] + and the Philippians, "that in lowliness of mind they should each esteem + other better than themselves;"[2] and the Ephesians, "that they should + submit themselves one to another in the fear of the Lord."[3] Here we find + these two great apostles recommending to all Christians this duty of + mutual subjection. For we may observe by St Peter, that having mentioned + the several relations which men bear to each other, as governor and + subject, master and servant, and the rest which I have already repeated, + he maketh no exception, but sums up the whole with commanding "all to be + subject one to another." From whence we may conclude, that this subjection + due from all men to all men, is something more than the compliment of + course, when our betters are pleased to tell us they are our humble + servants, but understand us to be their slaves. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Rom. xii. 10.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Philip. ii. 3.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Ephes. v. 21.] + </p> + <p> + I know very well, that some of those who explain this text, apply it to + humility, to the duties of charity, to private exhortations, and to + bearing with each other's infirmities: And it is probable, the apostle may + have had a regard to all these: But however, many learned men agree, that + there is something more understood, and so the words in their plain + natural meaning must import; as you will observe yourselves, if you read + them with the beginning of the verse, which is thus: "Likewise ye younger + submit yourselves unto the elder; yea, all of you be subject one to + another." So, that upon the whole, there must be some kind of subjection + due from every man to every man, which cannot be made void by any power, + pre-eminence, or authority whatsoever. Now, what sort of subjection this + is, and how it ought to be paid, shall be the subject of my present + discourse. + </p> + <p> + As God hath contrived all the works of nature to be useful, and in some + manner a support to each other, by which the whole frame of the world + under his providence is preserved and kept up; so, among mankind, our + particular stations are appointed to each of us by God Almighty, wherein + we are obliged to act, as far as our power reacheth, toward the good of + the whole community. And he who doth not perform that part assigned him, + toward advancing the benefit of the whole, in proportion to his + opportunities and abilities, is not only a useless, but a very mischievous + member of the public: Because he taketh his share of the profit, and yet + leaves his share of the burden to be borne by others, which is the true + principal cause of most miseries and misfortunes in life. For, a wise man + who doth not assist with his counsels, a great man with his protection, a + rich man with his bounty and charity, and a poor man with his labour, are + perfect nuisances in a commonwealth. Neither is any condition of life more + honourable in the sight of God than another; otherwise he would be a + respecter of persons, which he assureth us he is not: For he hath proposed + the same salvation to all men, and hath only placed them in different ways + or stations to work it out. Princes are born with no more advantages of + strength or wisdom than other men; and, by an unhappy education, are + usually more defective in both than thousands of their subjects. They + depend for every necessary of life upon the meanest of their people: + Besides, obedience and subjection were never enjoined by God to humour the + passions, lusts, and vanities of those who demand them from us; but we are + commanded to obey our governors, because disobedience would breed + seditions in the state. Thus servants are directed to obey their masters, + children their parents, and wives their husbands; not from any respect of + persons in God, but because otherwise there would be nothing but confusion + in private families. This matter will be clearly explained, by considering + the comparison which St Paul maketh between the Church of Christ and the + body of man: For the same resemblance will hold, not only to families and + kingdoms, but to the whole corporation of mankind. "The eye," saith he,[4] + "cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to + the feet, I have no need of thee. Nay, much more, those members of the + body which seem to be more feeble, are necessary. And whether one member + suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the + members rejoice with it." The case is directly the same among mankind. The + prince cannot say to the merchant, I have no need of thee; nor the + merchant to the labourer, I have no need of thee. Nay, much more those + members, &c. For the poor are generally more necessary members of the + commonwealth than the rich: Which clearly shews, that God never intented + such possessions for the sake and service of those to whom he lends them: + but because he hath assigned every man his particular station to be useful + in life; and this for the reason given by the apostle, "that there should + be no schism in the body."[5] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: 1 Corin. xii. 21, 23, 26.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: 1 Corin. xii. 25.] + </p> + <p> + From hence may partly be gathered the nature of that subjection which we + all owe to one another. God Almighty hath been pleased to put us into an + imperfect state, where we have perpetual occasion of each other's + assistance. There is none so low, as not to be in a capacity of assisting + the highest; nor so high, as not to want the assistance of the lowest. + </p> + <p> + It plainly appears from what hath been said, that no one human creature is + more worthy than another in the sight of God; farther, than according to + the goodness or holiness of their lives; and, that power, wealth, and the + like outward advantages, are so far from being the marks of God's + approving or preferring those on whom they are bestowed, that, on the + contrary, he is pleased to suffer them to be almost engrossed by those who + have least title to his favour. Now, according to this equality wherein + God hath placed all mankind, with relation himself, you will observe, that + in all the relations between man and man, there is a mutual dependence, + whereby the one cannot subsist without the other. Thus, no man can be a + prince without subjects, nor a master without servants, nor a father + without children. And this both explains and confirms the doctrine of the + text: For, where there is a mutual dependence, there must be a mutual + duty, and consequently a mutual subjection. For instance, the subject must + only obey his prince, because God commands it, human laws require it, and + the safety of the public maketh it necessary: (For the same reasons we + must obey all that are in authority, and submit ourselves, not only to the + good and gentle, but also to the froward, whether they rule according to + our liking or no.) On the other side, in those countries that pretend to + freedom, princes are subject to those laws which their people have chosen; + they are bound to protect their subjects in liberty, property, and + religion; to receive their petitions, and redress their grievances: So, + that the best prince is, in the opinion of wisemen, only the greatest + servant of the nation; not only a servant to the public in general, but in + some sort to every man in it. In the like manner, a servant owes + obedience, and diligence and faithfulness to his master, from whom, at the + same time, he hath a just demand for protection, and maintenance, and + gentle treatment. Nay, even the poor beggar hath a just demand of an alms + from the rich man, who is guilty of fraud, injustice, and oppression, if + he doth not afford relief according to his abilities. + </p> + <p> + But this subjection we all owe one another is nowhere more necessary than + in the common conversations of life; for without it there could be no + society among men. If the learned would not sometimes submit to the + ignorant, the wise to the simple, the gentle to the froward, the old to + the weaknesses of the young, there would be nothing but everlasting + variance in the world. This our Saviour himself confirmed by his own + example; for he appeared in the form of a servant, and washed his + disciples' feet, adding those memorable words: "Ye call me Lord and + Master, and ye say well, for so I am. If I then your Lord and Master wash + your feet, how much more ought ye to wash one another's feet?" Under which + expression of washing the feet, is included all that subjection, + assistance, love, and duty, which every good Christian ought to pay his + brother, in whatever station God hath placed him. For the greatest prince + and the meanest slave, are not, by infinite degrees so distant, as our + Saviour and those disciples whose feet he vouchsafed to wash. + </p> + <p> + And, although this doctrine of subjecting ourselves to one another may + seem to grate upon the pride and vanity of mankind, and may therefore be + hard to be digested by those who value themselves upon their greatness or + their wealth; yet, it is really no more than what most men practise upon + other occasions. For, if our neighbour who is our inferior comes to see + us, we rise to receive him, we place him above us, and respect him as if + he were better than ourselves; and this is thought both decent and + necessary, and is usually called good manners. Now the duty required by + the apostle, is only that we should enlarge our minds, and that what we + thus practice in the common course of life, we should imitate in all our + actions and proceedings whatsoever; since our Saviour tells us, that every + man is our neighbour, and since we are so ready in the point of civility, + to yield to others in our own houses, where only we have any title to + govern. + </p> + <p> + Having thus shewn you what sort of subjection it is which all men owe one + to another, and in what manner it ought to be paid, I shall now draw some + observations from what hath been said. + </p> + <p> + And <i>first</i>: A thorough practice of this duty of subjecting ourselves + to the wants and infirmities of each other, would utterly extinguish in us + the vice of pride. For, if God hath pleased to entrust me with a talent, + not for my own sake, but for the service of others, and at the same time + hath left me full of wants and necessities which others must supply; I can + then have no cause to set any extraordinary value upon myself, or to + despise my brother, because he hath not the same talents which were lent + to me. His being may probably be as useful to the public as mine; and, + therefore, by the rules of right reason, I am in no sort preferable to + him. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: It is very manifest, from what hath been said, that no + man ought to look upon the advantages of life, such as riches, honour, + power, and the like, as his property, but merely as a trust, which God + hath deposited with him, to be employed for the use of his brethren; and + God will certainly punish the breach of that trust, although the laws of + man will not, or rather indeed cannot; because the trust was conferred + only by God, who hath not left it to any power on earth to decide + infallibly whether a man maketh a good use of his talents or no, or to + punish him where he fails. And therefore God seems to have more + particularly taken this matter into his own hands, and will most certainly + reward or punish us in proportion to our good or ill performance in it. + Now, although the advantages which one man possesseth more than another, + may in some sense be called his property with respect to other men, yet + with respect to God they are, as I said, only a trust: which will plainly + appear from hence. If a man doth not use those advantages to the good of + the public, or the benefit of his neighbour, it is certain he doth not + deserve them; and consequently, that God never intended them for a + blessing to him; and on the other side, whoever doth employ his talents as + he ought, will find by his own experience, that they were chiefly lent him + for the service of others: for to the service of others he will certainly + employ them. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>: If we could all be brought to practise this duty of + subjecting ourselves to each other, it would very much contribute to the + general happiness of mankind: for this would root out envy and malice from + the heart of man; because you cannot envy your neighbour's strength, if he + maketh use of it to defend your life, or carry your burden; you cannot + envy his wisdom, if he gives you good counsel; nor his riches, if he + supplieth you in your wants; nor his greatness, if he employs it to your + protection. The miseries of life are not properly owing to the unequal + distribution of things; but God Almighty, the great King of Heaven, is + treated like the kings of the earth; who, although perhaps intending well + themselves, have often most abominable ministers and stewards; and those + generally the vilest, to whom they entrust the most talents. But here is + the difference, that the princes of this world see by other men's eyes, + but God sees all things; and therefore whenever he permits his blessings + to be dealt among those who are unworthy, we may certainly conclude that + he intends them only as a punishment to an evil world, as well as to the + owners. It were well, if those would consider this, whose riches serve + them only as a spur to avarice, or as an instrument to their lusts; whose + wisdom is only of this world, to put false colours upon things, to call + good evil, and evil good, against the conviction of their own consciences; + and lastly, who employ their power and favour in acts of oppression or + injustice, in misrepresenting persons and things, or in countenancing the + wicked to the ruin of the innocent. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>: The practice of this duty of being subject to one + another, would make us rest contented in the several stations of life + wherein God hath thought fit to place us; because it would in the best and + easiest manner bring us back as it were to that early state of the Gospel + when Christians had all things in common. For, if the poor found the rich + disposed to supply their wants; if the ignorant found the wise ready to + instruct and direct them; or if the weak might always find protection from + the mighty; they could none of them with the least pretence of justice + lament their own condition. + </p> + <p> + From all that hath been hitherto said, it appears, that great abilities of + any sort, when they are employed as God directs, do but make the owners of + them greater and more painful servants to their neighbour, and the public; + however, we are by no means to conclude from hence, that they are not + really blessings, when they are in the hands of good men. For first, what + can be a greater honour than to be chosen one of the stewards and + dispensers of God's bounty to mankind? What is there, that can give a + generous spirit more pleasure and complacency of mind, than to consider + that he is an instrument of doing much good? that great numbers owe to + him, under God, their subsistence, their safety, their health, and the + good conduct of their lives? The wickedest man upon earth taketh a + pleasure in doing good to those he loveth; and therefore surely a good + Christian, who obeys our Saviour's command of loving all men, cannot but + take delight in doing good even to his enemies. God, who giveth all things + to all men, can receive nothing from any; and those among men, who do the + most good, and receive the fewest returns, do most resemble their Creator: + for which reason, St Paul delivereth it as a saying of our Saviour, that + "it is more blessed to give than to receive." By this rule, what must + become of those things which the world valueth as the greatest blessings, + riches, power, and the like, when our Saviour plainly determines, that the + best way to make them blessings, is to part with them? Therefore, although + the advantages which one man hath over another, may be called blessings, + yet they are by no means so in the sense the world usually understands. + Thus, for example, great riches are no blessing in themselves; because the + poor man, with the common necessaries of life enjoys more health, and hath + fewer cares without them: How then do they become blessings? No otherwise, + than by being employed in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, + rewarding worthy men, and in short, doing acts of charity and generosity. + Thus likewise, power is no blessing in itself, because private men bear + less envy, and trouble, and anguish without it. But when it is employed to + protect the innocent, to relieve the oppressed, and to punish the + oppressor, then it becomes a great blessing. And so lastly even great + wisdom is in the opinion of Solomon not a blessing in itself: For "in much + wisdom is much sorrow;" and men of common understandings, if they serve + God and mind their callings, make fewer mistakes in the conduct of life + than those who have better heads. And yet, wisdom is a mighty blessing, + when it is applied to good purposes, to instruct the ignorant, to be a + faithful counsellor either in public or private, to be a director to + youth, and to many other ends needless here to mention. + </p> + <p> + To conclude: God sent us into the world to obey his commands, by doing as + much good as our abilities will reach, and as little evil as our many + infirmities will permit. Some he hath only trusted with one talent, some + with five, and some with ten. No man is without his talent; and he that is + faithful or negligent in a little, shall be rewarded or punished, as well + as he that hath been so in a great deal. + </p> + <p> + Consider what hath been said; and the Lord give you a right understanding + in all things. To whom with the Son and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and + glory, now and for ever. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON THE TESTIMONY OF CONSCIENCE. + </h2> + <h3> + 2 CORINTHIANS, I. 12. PART OF IT. + </h3> + <p> + "——For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our + conscience." + </p> + <p> + There is no word more frequently in the mouths of men, than that of + conscience, and the meaning of it is in some measure generally understood: + However, because it is likewise a word extremely abused by many people, + who apply other meanings to it, which God Almighty never intended; I shall + explain it to you in the clearest manner I am able. The word conscience + properly signifies, that knowledge which a man hath within himself of his + own thoughts and actions. And, because, if a man judgeth fairly of his own + actions by comparing them with the law of God, his mind will either + approve or condemn him according as he hath done good or evil; therefore + this knowledge or conscience may properly be called both an accuser and a + judge. So that whenever our conscience accuseth us, we are certainly + guilty; but we are not always innocent when it doth not accuse us: For + very often, through the hardness of our hearts, or the fondness and favour + we bear to ourselves, or through ignorance or neglect, we do not suffer + our conscience to take any cognizance of several sins we commit. There is + another office likewise belonging to conscience, which is that of being + our director and guide; and the wrong use of this hath been the occasion + of more evils under the sun, than almost all other causes put together. + For, as conscience is nothing else but the knowledge we have of what we + are thinking and doing; so it can guide us no farther than that knowledge + reacheth. And therefore God hath placed conscience in us to be our + director only in those actions which Scripture and reason plainly tell us + to be good or evil. But in cases too difficult or doubtful for us to + comprehend or determine, there conscience is not concerned; because it + cannot advise in what it doth not understand, nor decide where it is + itself in doubt: but, by God's great mercy, those difficult points are + never of absolute necessity to our salvation. There is likewise another + evil, that men often say, a thing is against their conscience, when really + it is not. For instance: Ask any of those who differ from the worship + established, why they do not come to church? They will say, they dislike + the ceremonies, the prayers, the habits, and the like, and therefore it + goes against their conscience: But they are mistaken, their teacher hath + put those words into their mouths; for a man's conscience can go no higher + than his knowledge; and therefore until he has thoroughly examined by + Scripture, and the practice of the ancient church, whether those points + are blameable or no, his conscience cannot possibly direct him to condemn + them. Hence have likewise arisen those mistakes about what is usually + called "Liberty of Conscience"; which, properly speaking, is no more than + a liberty of knowing our own thoughts; which liberty no one can take from + us. But those words have obtained quite different meanings: Liberty of + conscience is now-a-days not only understood to be the liberty of + believing what men please, but also of endeavouring to propagate the + belief as much as they can, and to overthrow the faith which the laws have + already established, to be rewarded by the public for those wicked + endeavours: And this is the liberty of conscience which the fanatics are + now openly in the face of the world endeavouring at with their utmost + application. At the same time it cannot but be observed, that those very + persons, who under pretence of a public spirit and tenderness towards + their Christian brethren, are so zealous for such a liberty of conscience + as this, are of all others the least tender to those who differ from them + in the smallest point relating to government; and I wish I could not say, + that the Majesty of the living God may be offended with more security than + the memory of a dead prince. But the wisdom of the world at present seems + to agree with that of the heathen Emperor, who said, if the gods were + offended, it was their own concern, and they were able to vindicate + themselves.[1] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The saying of Tiberius as given by Tacitus ("Annals," bk. i., + c. lxxiii.), <i>Deorum offensa diis curæ</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + But although conscience hath been abused to those wicked purposes which I + have already related, yet a due regard to the directions it plainly giveth + us, as well as to its accusations, reproaches, and advices, would be of + the greatest use to mankind, both for their present welfare and future + happiness. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, my discourse at this time shall be directed to prove to you, + that there is no solid, firm foundation for virtue, but on a conscience + which is guided by religion. + </p> + <p> + In order to this, I shall first shew you the weakness and uncertainty of + two false principles, which many people set up in the place of conscience, + for a guide to their actions. + </p> + <p> + The first of these principles is, what the world usually calls <i>Moral + Honesty</i>. There are some people, who appear very indifferent as to + religion, and yet have the repute of being just and fair in their + dealings; and these are generally known by the character of good moral + men. But now, if you look into the grounds and the motives of such a man's + actions, you shall find them to be no other than his own ease and + interest. For example: You trust a moral man with your money in the way of + trade; you trust another with the defence of your cause at law, and + perhaps they both deal justly with you. Why? Not from any regard they have + for justice, but because their fortune depends upon their credit, and a + stain of open public dishonesty must be to their disadvantage. But let it + consist with such a man's interest and safety to wrong you, and then it + will be impossible you can have any hold upon him; because there is + nothing left to give him a check, or put in the balance against his + profit. For, if he hath nothing to govern himself by, but the opinion of + the world, as long as he can conceal his injustice from the world, he + thinks he is safe. + </p> + <p> + Besides, it is found by experience, that those men who set up for morality + without regard to religion, are generally but virtuous in part; they will + be just in their dealings between man and man; but if they find themselves + disposed to pride, lust, intemperance, or avarice, they do not think their + morality concerned to check them in any of these vices, because it is the + great rule of such men, that they may lawfully follow the dictates of + nature, wherever their safety, health, and fortune, are not injured. So, + that upon the whole, there is hardly one vice which a mere moral man may + not upon some occasions allow himself to practise. + </p> + <p> + The other false principle, which some men set up in the place of + conscience to be their director in life, is what those who pretend to it, + call <i>Honour</i>. + </p> + <p> + This word is often made the sanction of an oath; it is reckoned a great + commendation to be a man of strict honour; and it is commonly understood, + that a man of honour can never be guilty of a base action. This is usually + the style of military men; of persons with titles; and of others who + pretend to birth and quality. It is true, indeed, that in ancient times it + was universally understood, that honour was the reward of virtue; but if + such honour as is now-a-days going will not permit a man to do a base + action, it must be allowed, there are very few such things as base actions + in nature. No man of honour, as that word is usually understood, did ever + pretend that his honour obliged him to be chaste or temperate; to pay his + creditors; to be useful to his country; to do good to mankind; to + endeavour to be wise, or learned; to regard his word, his promise, or his + oath; or if he hath any of these virtues, they were never learned in the + catechism of honour; which contains but two precepts, the punctual payment + of debts contracted at play, and the right understanding the several + degrees of an affront, in order to revenge it by the death of an + adversary. + </p> + <p> + But suppose, this principle of honour, which some men so much boast of, + did really produce more virtues than it ever pretended to; yet since the + very being of that honour dependeth upon the breath, the opinion, or the + fancy of the people, the virtues derived from it could be of no long or + certain duration. For example: Suppose a man from a principle of honour + should resolve to be just, or chaste, or temperate; and yet the censuring + world should take a humour of refusing him those characters; he would then + think the obligation at an end. Or, on the other side, if he thought he + could gain honour by the falsest and vilest action, (which is a case that + very often happens,) he would then make no scruple to perform it. And God + knows, it would be an unhappy state, to have the religion, the liberty, or + the property of a people lodged in such hands, which however hath been too + often the case. + </p> + <p> + What I have said upon this principle of honour may perhaps be thought of + small concernment to most of you who are my hearers: However, a caution + was not altogether unnecessary; since there is nothing by which not only + the vulgar, but the honest tradesman hath been so much deceived, as this + infamous pretence to honour in too many of their betters. + </p> + <p> + Having thus shewn you the weakness and uncertainty of those principles + which some men set up in the place of conscience to direct them in their + actions, I shall now endeavour to prove to you that there is no solid, + firm foundation of virtue, but in a conscience directed by the principles + of religion. + </p> + <p> + There is no way of judging how far we may depend upon the actions of men, + otherwise than by knowing the motives, and grounds, and causes of them; + and, if the motives of our actions be not resolved and determined into the + law of God, they will be precarious and uncertain, and liable to perpetual + changes. I will shew you what I mean, by an example: Suppose a man thinks + it his duty to obey his parents, because reason tells him so, because he + is obliged by gratitude, and because the laws of his country command him + to do so; but, if he stops here, his parents can have no lasting security; + for an occasion may happen, wherein it may be extremely his interest to be + disobedient, and where the laws of the land can lay no hold upon him: + therefore, before such a man can safely be trusted, he must proceed + farther, and consider, that his reason is the gift of God; that God + commanded him to be obedient to the laws, and did moreover in a particular + manner enjoin him to be dutiful to his parents; after which, if he lays + due weight upon those considerations, he will probably continue in his + duty to the end of his life: Because no earthly interest can ever come in + competition to balance the danger of offending his Creator, or the + happiness of pleasing him. And of all this his conscience will certainly + inform him, if he hath any regard to religion. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly:</i> Fear and hope are the two greatest natural motives of all + men's actions: But, neither of these passions will ever put us in the way + of virtue, unless they be directed by conscience. For although virtuous + men do sometimes accidentally make their way to preferment, yet the world + is so corrupted, that no man can reasonably hope to be rewarded in it, + merely upon account of his virtue. And consequently, the fear of + punishment in this life will preserve men from very few vices, since some + of the blackest and basest do often prove the surest steps to favour; such + as ingratitude, hypocrisy, treachery, malice, subornation, atheism, and + many more which human laws do little concern themselves about. But when + conscience placeth before us the hopes of everlasting happiness, and the + fears of everlasting misery, as the reward and punishment of our good or + evil actions, our reason can find no way to avoid the force of such an + argument, otherwise than by running into infidelity. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: Conscience will direct us to love God, and to put our whole + trust and confidence in him. Our love of God will inspire us with a + detestation for sin, as what is of all things most contrary to his divine + nature; and if we have an entire confidence in him, <i>that</i> will + enable us to subdue and despise all the allurements of the world. + </p> + <p> + It may here be objected, if conscience be so sure a director to us + Christians in the conduct of our lives, how comes it to pass, that the + ancient heathens, who had no other lights but those of nature and reason, + should so far exceed us in all manner of virtue, as plainly appears by + many examples they have left on record? + </p> + <p> + To which it may be answered; first, those heathens were extremely strict + and exact in the education of their children; whereas among us this care + is so much laid aside, that the more God hath blessed any man with estate + or quality, just so much the less in proportion is the care he taketh in + the education of his children, and particularly of that child which is to + inherit his fortune: Of which the effects are visible enough among the + great ones of the world. Again, those heathens did in a particular manner + instil the principle into their children, of loving their country; which + is so far otherwise now-a-days, that, of the several parties among us, + there is none of them that seems to have so much as heard, whether there + be such a virtue in the world; as plainly appears by their practices, and + especially when they are placed in those stations where they can only have + opportunity of shewing it. Lastly; the most considerable among the + heathens did generally believe rewards and punishments in a life to come; + which is the great principle for conscience to work upon; Whereas too many + of those who would be thought the most considerable among us, do, both by + their practices and their discourses, plainly affirm, that they believe + nothing at all of the matter. + </p> + <p> + Wherefore, since it hath manifestly appeared that a religious conscience + is the only true solid foundation upon which virtue can be built, give me + leave, before I conclude, to let you see how necessary such a conscience + is, to conduct us in every station and condition of our lives. + </p> + <p> + That a religious conscience is necessary in any station, is confessed even + by those who tell us, that all religion was invented by cunning men, in + order to keep the world in awe. For, if religion, by the confession of its + adversaries, be necessary towards the well-governing of mankind; then + every wise man in power will be sure not only to choose out for every + station under him such persons as are most likely to be kept in awe by + religion, but likewise to carry some appearance of it himself, or else he + is a very weak politician. And accordingly in any country where great + persons affect to be open despisers of religion, their counsels will be + found at last to be fully as destructive to the state as to the church. + </p> + <p> + It was the advice of Jethro to his son-in-law Moses, to "provide able men, + such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness," and to place such + over the people; and Moses, who was as wise a statesman, at least, as any + in this age, thought fit to follow that advice. Great abilities, without + the fear of God, are most dangerous instruments, when they are trusted + with power. The laws of man have thought fit, that those who are called to + any office of trust should be bound by an oath to the faithful discharge + of it: But, an oath is an appeal to God, and therefore can have no + influence except upon those who believe that he is, and that he is a + rewarder of those that seek him, and a punisher of those who disobey him: + And therefore, we see, the laws themselves are forced to have recourse to + conscience in these cases, because their penalties cannot reach the arts + of cunning men, who can find ways to be guilty of a thousand injustices + without being discovered, or at least without being punished. And the + reason why we find so many frauds, abuses, and corruptions, where any + trust is conferred, can be no other, than that there is so little + conscience and religion left in the world, or at least that men in their + choice of instruments have private ends in view, which are very different + from the service of the public. Besides, it is certain, that men who + profess to have no religion, are full as zealous to bring over proselytes + as any Papist or fanatic can be. And therefore, if those who are in + station high enough to be of influence or example to others; if those (I + say) openly profess a contempt or disbelief of religion, they will be sure + to make all their dependents of their own principles; and what security + can the public expect from such persons, whenever their interests, or + their lusts, come into competition with their duty? It is very possible + for a man who hath the appearance of religion, and is a great pretender to + conscience, to be wicked and a hypocrite; but, it is impossible for a man + who openly declares against religion, to give any reasonable security that + he will not be false and cruel, and corrupt, whenever a temptation offers, + which he values more than he does the power wherewith he was trusted. And, + if such a man doth not betray his cause and his master, it is only because + the temptation was not properly offered, or the profit was too small, or + the danger was too great. And hence it is, that we find so little truth or + justice among us, because there are so very few, who either in the service + of the public, or in common dealings with each other, do ever look farther + than their own advantage, and how to guard themselves against the laws of + the country; which a man may do by favour, by secrecy, or by cunning, + although he breaks almost every law of God. + </p> + <p> + Therefore to conclude: It plainly appears, that unless men are guided by + the advice and judgment of a conscience founded on religion, they can give + no security that they will be either good subjects, faithful servants of + the public, or honest in their mutual dealings; since there is no other + tie through which the pride, or lust, or avarice, or ambition of mankind + will not certainly break one time or other. + </p> + <p> + Consider what has been said, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON THE TRINITY. + </h2> + <h3> + I. EPIST. GEN. OF JOHN, V. 7. + </h3> + <p> + "For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and + the Holy Ghost; and these Three are One." + </p> + <p> + This day being set apart to acknowledge our belief in the Eternal Trinity, + I thought it might be proper to employ my present discourse entirely upon + that subject; and, I hope, to handle it in such a manner, that the most + ignorant among you may return home better informed of your duty in this + great point, than probably you are at present. + </p> + <p> + It must be confessed, that by the weakness and indiscretion of busy (or at + best, of well-meaning) people, as well as by the malice of those who are + enemies to all revealed religion, and are not content to possess their own + infidelity in silence, without communicating it to the disturbance of + mankind; I say, by these means, it must be confessed, that the doctrine of + the Trinity hath suffered very much, and made Christianity suffer along + with it. For these two things must be granted: First, that men of wicked + lives would be very glad there were no truth in Christianity at all; and + secondly, if they can pick out any one single article in the Christian + religion which appears not agreeable to their own corrupted reason, or to + the arguments of those bad people, who follow the trade of seducing + others, they presently conclude, that the truth of the whole Gospel must + sink along with that one article; which is just as wise, as if a man + should say, because he dislikes one law of his country, he will therefore + observe no law at all; and yet, that one law may be very reasonable in + itself, although he does not allow it, or does not know the reason of the + law-givers. + </p> + <p> + Thus it hath happened with the great doctrine of the Trinity; which word + is indeed not in the Scripture, but was a term of art invented in the + earlier times to express the doctrine by a single word, for the sake of + brevity and convenience. The doctrine then, as delivered in Holy + Scripture, although not exactly in the same words, is very short, and + amounts only to this, that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, are + each of them God, and yet there is but one God. For, as to the word + Person, when we say there are three Persons; and as to those other + explanations in the Athanasian Creed this day read to you (whether + compiled by Athanasius or no) they were taken up three hundred years after + Christ, to expound this doctrine; and I will tell you upon what occasion. + About that time there sprang up a heresy of a people called Arians, from + one Arius the leader of them. These denied our Saviour to be God, although + they allowed all the rest of the Gospel (wherein they were more sincere + than their followers among us). Thus the Christian world was divided into + two parts, until at length, by the zeal and courage of St Athanasius, the + Arians were condemned in a general council, and a creed formed upon the + true faith, as St Athanasius hath settled it. This creed is now read at + certain times in our churches, which, although it is useful for + edification to those who understand it; yet, since it containeth some nice + and philosophical points which few people can comprehend, the bulk of + mankind is obliged to believe no more than the Scripture doctrine, as I + have delivered it. Because that creed was intended only as an answer to + the Arians in their own way, who were very subtle disputers. + </p> + <p> + But this heresy having revived in the world about a hundred years ago, and + continued ever since; not out of a zeal to truth, but to give a loose to + wickedness, by throwing off all religion; several divines, in order to + answer the cavils of those adversaries to truth and morality, began to + find out farther explanations of this doctrine of the Trinity, by rules of + philosophy; which have multiplied controversies to such a degree, as to + beget scruples that have perplexed the minds of many sober Christians, who + otherwise could never have entertained them. + </p> + <p> + I must therefore be bold to affirm, that the method taken by many of those + learned men to defend the doctrine of the Trinity, hath been founded upon + a mistake. + </p> + <p> + It must be allowed, that every man is bound to follow the rules and + directions of that measure of reason which God hath given him; and indeed + he cannot do otherwise, if he will be sincere, or act like a man. For + instance: If I should be commanded by an angel from heaven to believe it + is midnight at noon-day; yet I could not believe him. So, if I were + directly told in Scripture that three are one, and one is three, I could + not conceive or believe it in the natural common sense of that expression, + but must suppose that something dark or mystical was meant, which it + pleased God to conceal from me and from all the world. Thus, in the text, + "There are Three that bear record," &c. Am I capable of knowing and + defining what union and what distinction there may be in the divine + nature, which possibly may be hid from the angels themselves? Again, I see + it plainly declared in Scripture, that there is but one God; and yet I + find our Saviour claiming the prerogative of God in knowing men's + thoughts; in saying, "He and his Father are one;" and, "before Abraham + was, I am." I read, that the disciples worshipped him; that Thomas said to + him, "My Lord and my God." And St John, chap, 1st, "In the beginning was + the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." I read + likewise that the Holy Ghost bestowed the gift of tongues, and the power + of working miracles; which, if rightly considered, is as great a miracle + as any, that a number of illiterate men should of a sudden be qualified to + speak all the languages then known in the world; such as could be done by + the inspiration of God done. From these several texts it is plain, that + God commands us to believe that there is an union and there is a + distinction; but what that union, or what that distinction is, all mankind + are equally ignorant, and must continue so, at least till the day of + judgment, without some new revelation. + </p> + <p> + But because I cannot conceive the nature of this union and distinction in + the divine nature, am I therefore to reject them as absurd and impossible; + as I would, if any one told me that three men are one, and one man is + three? We are told, that a man and his wife are one flesh; this I can + comprehend the meaning of; yet, literally taken, it is a thing impossible. + But the apostle tell us, "We see but in part, and we know but in part;" + and yet we would comprehend all the secret ways and workings of God. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I shall again repeat the doctrine of the Trinity, as it is + positively affirmed in Scripture: that God is there expressed in three + different names, as Father, as Son, and as Holy Ghost: that each of these + is God, and that there is but one God. But this union and distinction are + a mystery utterly unknown to mankind. + </p> + <p> + This is enough for any good Christian to believe on this great article, + without ever inquiring any farther: And, this can be contrary to no man's + reason, although the knowledge of it is hid from him. + </p> + <p> + But there is another difficulty of great importance among those who + quarrel with the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as with several other + articles of Christianity; which is, that our religion abounds in + mysteries, and these they are so bold as to revile as cant, imposture, and + priestcraft. It is impossible for us to determine for what reasons God + thought fit to communicate some things to us in part, and leave some part + a mystery. But so it is in fact, and so the Holy Scripture tells us in + several places. For instance: the resurrection and change of our bodies + are called mysteries by St Paul: and our Saviour's incarnation is another: + The Kingdom of God is called a mystery by our Saviour, to be only known to + his disciples; so is faith, and the word of God by St Paul. I omit many + others. So, that to declare against all mysteries without distinction or + exception, is to declare against the whole tenor of the New Testament. + </p> + <p> + There are two conditions that may bring a mystery under suspicion. First, + when it is not taught and commanded in Holy Writ; or, secondly, when the + mystery turns to the advantage of those who preach it to others. Now, as + to the first, it can never be said, that we preach mysteries without + warrant from Holy Scripture, although I confess this of the Trinity may + have sometimes been explained by human invention, which might perhaps + better have been spared. As to the second, it will not be possible to + charge the Protestant priesthood with proposing any temporal advantage to + themselves by broaching or multiplying, or preaching of mysteries. Does + this mystery of the Trinity, for instance, and the descent of the Holy + Ghost, bring the least profit or power to the preachers? No; it is as + great a mystery to themselves as it is to the meanest of their hearers; + and may be rather a cause of humiliation, by putting their understanding + in that point upon a level with the most ignorant of their flock. It is + true indeed, the Roman church hath very much enriched herself by trading + in mysteries, for which they have not the least authority from Scripture, + and were fitted only to advance their own temporal wealth and grandeur; + such as transubstantiation, the worshipping of images, indulgences for + sins, purgatory, and masses for the dead; with many more: But, it is the + perpetual talent of those who have ill-will to our Church, or a contempt + for all religion, taken up by the wickedness of their lives, to charge us + with the errors and corruptions of Popery, which all Protestants have + thrown off near two hundred years: whereas, those mysteries held by us + have no prospect of power, pomp, or wealth, but have been ever maintained + by the universal body of true believers from the days of the apostles, and + will be so to the resurrection; neither will the gates of hell prevail + against them. + </p> + <p> + It may be thought perhaps a strange thing, that God should require us to + believe mysteries, while the reason or manner of what we are to believe is + above our comprehension, and wholly concealed from us: neither doth it + appear at first sight, that the believing or not believing them doth + concern either the glory of God, or contribute to the goodness or + wickedness of our lives. But this is a great and dangerous mistake. We see + what a mighty weight is laid upon faith, both in the Old and New + Testament. In the former we read how the faith of Abraham is praised, who + could believe that God would raise from him a great nation, at the very + time that he was commanded to sacrifice his only son, and despaired of any + other issue. And this was to him a great mystery. Our Saviour is + perpetually preaching faith to his disciples, or reproaching them with the + want of it: and St Paul produceth numerous examples of the wonders done by + faith. And all this is highly reasonable: For faith is an entire + dependence upon the truth, the power, the justice, and the mercy of God; + which dependence will certainly incline us to obey him in all things. So, + that the great excellency of faith, consists in the consequence it hath + upon our actions: as, if we depend upon the truth and wisdom of a man, we + shall certainly be more disposed to follow his advice. Therefore, let no + man think that he can lead as good a moral life without faith as with it; + for this reason, because he who hath no faith, cannot, by the strength of + his own reason or endeavours, so easily resist temptations, as the other + who depends upon God's assistance in the overcoming his frailties, and is + sure to be rewarded for ever in heaven for his victory over them. "Faith," + says the apostle, "is the evidence of things not seen": he means, that + faith is a virtue by which anything commanded us by God to believe appears + evident and certain to us, although we do not see, nor can conceive it; + because, by faith we entirely depend upon the truth and power of God. + </p> + <p> + It is an old and true distinction, that things may be above our reason, + without being contrary to it. Of this kind are the power, the nature, and + the universal presence of God, with innumerable other points. How little + do those who quarrel with mysteries, know of the commonest actions of + nature! The growth of an animal, of a plant, or of the smallest seed, is a + mystery to the wisest among men. If an ignorant person were told that a + loadstone would draw iron at a distance, he might say it was a thing + contrary to his reason, and could not believe before he saw it with his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + The manner whereby the soul and body are united, and how they are + distinguished, is wholly unaccountable to us. We see but one part, and yet + we know we consist of two; and this is a mystery we cannot comprehend, any + more than that of the Trinity. + </p> + <p> + From what hath been said, it is manifest that God did never command us to + believe, nor his ministers to preach, any doctrine which is contrary to + the reason he hath pleased to endow us with; but for his own wise ends has + thought fit to conceal from us the nature of the thing he commands; + thereby to try our faith and obedience, and increase our dependence upon + him. + </p> + <p> + It is highly probable, that if God should please to reveal unto us this + great mystery of the Trinity, or some other mysteries in our holy + religion, we should not be able to understand them, unless he would at the + same time think fit to bestow on us some new powers or faculties of the + mind, which we want at present, and are reserved till the day of + resurrection to life eternal. "For now," as the apostle says, "we see + through a glass darkly, but then face to face." + </p> + <p> + Thus, we see, the matter is brought to this issue: We must either believe + what God directly commands us in Holy Scripture, or we must wholly reject + the Scripture, and the Christian religion which we pretend to profess. But + this, I hope, is too desperate a step for any of us to make. + </p> + <p> + I have already observed, that those who preach up the belief of the + Trinity, or of any other mystery, cannot propose any temporal advantage to + themselves by so doing. But this is not the case of those who oppose these + doctrines. Do <i>they</i> lead better moral lives than a good Christian? + Are <i>they</i> more just in their dealings? more chaste, or temperate, or + charitable? Nothing at all of this; but on the contrary, their intent is + to overthrow all religion, that they may gratify their vices without any + reproach from the world, or their own conscience: and are zealous to bring + over as many others as they can to their own opinions; because it is some + kind of imaginary comfort to have a multitude on their side. + </p> + <p> + There is no miracle mentioned in Holy Writ, which, if it were strictly + examined, is not as much, contrary to common reason, and as much a + mystery, as this doctrine of the Trinity; and therefore we may, with equal + justice deny the truth of them all. For instance: It is against the laws + of nature, that a human body should be able to walk upon the water, as St + Peter is recorded to have done; or that a dead carcass should be raised + from the grave after three days, when it began to be corrupted; which + those who understand anatomy will pronounce to be impossible by the common + rules of nature and reason. Yet these miracles, and many others, are + positively affirmed in the Gospel; and these we must believe, or give up + our holy religion to atheists and infidels. + </p> + <p> + I shall now make a few inferences and observations upon what has been + said. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: It would be well, if people would not lay so much weight on + their own reason in matters of religion, as to think everything impossible + and absurd which they cannot conceive. How often do we contradict the + right rules of reason in the whole course of our lives! Reason itself is + true and just, but the reason of every particular man is weak and + wavering, perpetually swayed and turned by his interests, his passions, + and his vices. Let any man but consider, when he hath a controversy with + another, although his cause be ever so unjust, although the world be + against him, how blinded he is by the love of himself, to believe that + right is wrong, and wrong is right, when it maketh for his own advantage. + Where is then the right use of his reason, which he so much boasts of, and + which he would blasphemously set up to control the commands of the + Almighty? + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: When men are tempted to deny the mysteries of religion, + let them examine and search into their own hearts, whether they have not + some favourite sin which is of their party in this dispute, and which is + equally contrary to other commands of God in the Gospel. For, why do men + love darkness rather than light? The Scripture tells us, "Because their + deeds are evil;" and there can be no other reason assigned. Therefore when + men are curious and inquisitive to discover some weak sides in + Christianity, and inclined to favour everything that is offered to its + disadvantage; it is plain they wish it were not true, and those wishes can + proceed from nothing but an evil conscience; because, if there be truth in + our religion, their condition must be miserable. + </p> + <p> + And therefore, <i>Thirdly</i>: Men should consider, that raising + difficulties concerning the mysteries in religion, cannot make them more + wise, learned, or virtuous; better neighbours, or friends, or more + serviceable to their country; but, whatever they pretend, will destroy + their inward peace of mind, by perpetual doubts and fears arising in their + breasts. And, God forbid we should ever see the times so bad, when + dangerous opinions in religion will be a means to get favour and + preferment; although, even in such a case, it would be an ill traffic, to + gain the world, and lose our own souls. So, that upon the whole, it will + be impossible to find any real use toward a virtuous or happy life, by + denying the mysteries of the Gospel. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>: Those strong unbelievers, who expect that all mysteries + should be squared and fitted to their own reason, might have somewhat to + say for themselves, if they could satisfy the general reason of mankind in + their opinions: But herein they are miserably defective, absurd, and + ridiculous; they strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel; they can believe + that the world was made by chance; that God doth not concern himself with + things below; will neither punish vice, nor reward virtue; that religion + was invented by cunning men to keep the world in awe; with many other + opinions equally false and detestable, against the common light of nature + as well as reason; against the universal sentiments of all civilized + nations, and offensive to the ears even of a sober heathen. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: Since the world abounds with pestilent books particularly + against this doctrine of the Trinity; it is fit to inform you, that the + authors of them proceed wholly upon a mistake: They would shew how + impossible it is that three can be one, and one can be three; whereas the + Scripture saith no such thing, at least in that manner they would make it: + but, only, that there is some kind of unity and distinction in the divine + nature, which mankind cannot possibly comprehend: thus, the whole doctrine + is short and plain, and in itself incapable of any controversy: since God + himself hath pronounced the fact, but wholly concealed the manner. And + therefore many divines, who thought fit to answer those wicked books, have + been mistaken too, by answering fools in their folly; and endeavouring to + explain a mystery, which God intended to keep secret from us. And, as I + would exhort all men to avoid reading those wicked books written against + this doctrine, as dangerous and pernicious; so I think they may omit the + answers, as unnecessary. This I confess will probably affect but few or + none among the generality of our congregations, who do not much trouble + themselves with books, at least of this kind. However, many who do not + read themselves, are seduced by others that do; and thus become + unbelievers upon trust and at second-hand; and this is too frequent a + case: for which reason I have endeavoured to put this doctrine upon a + short and sure foot, levelled to the meanest understanding; by which we + may, as the apostle directs, be ready always to give an answer to every + man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and + fear. + </p> + <p> + And, thus I have done with my subject, which probably I should not have + chosen, if I had not been invited to it by the occasion of this season, + appointed on purpose to celebrate the mysteries of the Trinity, and the + descent of the Holy Ghost, wherein we pray to be kept stedfast in this + faith; and what this faith is I have shewn you in the plainest manner I + could. For, upon the whole, it is no more than this: God commandeth us, by + our dependence upon His truth, and His Holy Word, to believe a fact that + we do not understand. And, this is no more than what we do every day in + the works of nature, upon the credit of men of learning. Without faith we + can do no works acceptable to God; for, if they proceed from any other + principle, they will not advance our salvation; and this faith, as I have + explained it, we may acquire without giving up our senses, or + contradicting our reason. May God of his infinite mercy inspire us with + true faith in every article and mystery of our holy religion, so as to + dispose us to do what is pleasing in his sight; and this we pray through + Jesus Christ, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, the mysterious, + incomprehensible ONE GOD, be all honour and glory now and for evermore! <i>Amen</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON BROTHERLY LOVE.[1] + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote: 1 Notwithstanding the text and title of this sermon, and the + many excellent observations which it contains in illustration of both, + there are several passages in it which the dissenters of the time would + hardly consider as propitiatory towards the continuance of brotherly love. + There are also various allusions to the parties which raged at the time, + and some which appear to have been written in defence of the preacher's + character, then severely arraigned by the Irish Whigs, and held in + abhorrence by the people of Dublin, by whom he was afterwards idolized. + [S.]] + </p> + <h3> + HEB. XIII. I. + </h3> + <p> + "Let brotherly love continue." + </p> + <p> + In the early times of the Gospel, the Christians were very much + distinguished from all other bodies of men, by the great and constant love + they bore to each other; which, although it was done in obedience to the + frequent injunctions of our Saviour and his apostles, yet, I confess, + there seemeth to have been likewise a natural reason, that very much + promoted it. For the Christians then were few and scattered, living under + persecution by the heathens round about them, in whose hands was all the + civil and military power; and there is nothing so apt to unite the minds + and hearts of men, or to beget love and tenderness, as a general distress. + The first dissensions between Christians took their beginning from the + errors and heresies that arose among them; many of those heresies, + sometimes extinguished, and sometimes reviving, or succeeded by others, + remain to this day; and having been made instruments to the pride, + avarice, or ambition, of ill-designing men, by extinguishing brotherly + love, have been the cause of infinite calamities, as well as corruptions + of faith and manners, in the Christian world. + </p> + <p> + The last legacy of Christ was peace and mutual love; but then he foretold, + that he came to send a sword upon the earth: The primitive Christians + accepted the legacy, and their successors down to the present age have + been largely fulfilling his prophecy. But whatever the practice of mankind + hath been, or still continues, there is no duty more incumbent upon those + who profess the Gospel, than that of brotherly love; which, whoever could + restore in any degree among men, would be an instrument of more good to + human society, than ever was, or will be, done by all the statesmen and + politicians in the world. + </p> + <p> + It is upon this subject of brotherly love, that I intend to discourse at + present, and the method I observe shall be as follows:— + </p> + <p> + I. <i>First</i>, I will inquire into the causes of this great want of + brotherly love among us. + </p> + <p> + II. <i>Secondly</i>, I will lay open the sad effects and consequences, + which our animosities and mutual hatred have produced. + </p> + <p> + III. <i>Lastly</i>, I will use some motives and exhortations, that may + persuade you to embrace brotherly love, and continue in it. + </p> + <p> + I. <i>First</i>, I shall enquire into the causes of this great want of + brotherly love among us. + </p> + <p> + This nation of ours hath, for an hundred years past, been infested by two + enemies, the Papists and fanatics, who, each in their turns, filled it + with blood and slaughter, and, for a time, destroyed both the Church and + government. The memory of these events hath put all true Protestants + equally upon their guard against both these adversaries, who, by + consequence, do equally hate us. The fanatics revile us, as too nearly + approaching to Popery; and the Papists condemn us, as bordering too much + on fanaticism. The Papists, God be praised, are, by the wisdom of our + laws, put out of all visible possibility of hurting us; besides, their + religion is so generally abhorred, that they have no advocates or abettors + among Protestants to assist them. But the fanatics are to be considered in + another light; they have had of late years the power, the luck, or the + cunning, to divide us among ourselves; they have endeavoured to represent + all those who have been so bold as to oppose their errors and designs, + under the character of persons disaffected to the government; and they + have so far succeeded, that, now-a-days, if a clergyman happens to preach + with any zeal and vehemence against the sin and danger of schism, there + will not want too many, in his congregation, ready enough to censure him + as hot and high-flying, an inflamer of men's minds, an enemy to + moderation, and disloyal to his prince. This hath produced a formed and + settled division between those who profess the same doctrine and + discipline; while they who call themselves moderate are forced to widen + their bottom, by sacrificing their principles and their brethren to the + encroachments and insolence of dissenters, who are therefore answerable, + as a principal cause of all that hatred and animosity now reigning among + us. + </p> + <p> + Another cause of the great want of brotherly love is the weakness and + folly of too many among you of the lower sort, who are made the tools and + instruments of your betters to work their designs, wherein you have no + concern. Your numbers make you of use, and cunning men take the advantage, + by putting words into your mouths, which you do not understand; then they + fix good or ill characters to those words, as it best serves their + purposes: And thus you are taught to love or hate, you know not what or + why; you often suspect your best friends, and nearest neighbours, even + your teacher himself, without any reason, if your leaders once taught you + to call him by a name, which they tell you signifieth some very bad thing. + </p> + <p> + A third cause of our great want of brotherly love seemeth to be, that this + duty is not so often insisted on from the pulpit, as it ought to be in + such times as these; on the contrary, it is to be doubted, whether + doctrines are not sometimes delivered by an ungoverned zeal, a desire to + be distinguished, or a view of interest, which produce quite different + effects; when, upon occasions set apart to return thanks to God for some + public blessing, the time is employed in stirring up one part of the + congregation against the other, by representations of things and persons, + which God, in his mercy, forgive those who are guilty of. + </p> + <p> + The last cause I shall mention of the want of brotherly love is, that + unhappy disposition towards politics among the trading people, which has + been industriously instilled into them. In former times, the middle and + lower sorts of mankind seldom gained or lost by the factions of the + kingdom, and therefore were little concerned in them, further than as + matter of talk and amusement; but now the meanest dealer will expect to + turn the penny by the merits of his party. He can represent his neighbour + as a man of dangerous principles, can bring a railing accusation against + him, perhaps a criminal one, and so rob him of his livelihood, and find + his own account by that much more than if he had disparaged his + neighbour's goods, or defamed him as a cheat. For so it happens, that, + instead of enquiring into the skill or honesty of those kind of people, + the manner is now to enquire into their party, and to reject or encourage + them accordingly; which proceeding hath made our people, in general, such + able politicians, that all the artifice, flattery, dissimulation, + diligence, and dexterity, in undermining each other, which the satirical + wit of men hath charged upon courts; together with all the rage and + violence, cruelty and injustice, which have been ever imputed to public + assemblies; are with us (so polite are we grown) to be seen among our + meanest traders and artificers in the greatest perfection. All which, as + it may be matter of some humiliation to the wise and mighty of this world, + so the effects thereof may, perhaps, in time, prove very different from + what, I hope in charity, were ever foreseen or intended. + </p> + <p> + II. I will therefore now, in the second place, lay open some of the sad + effects and consequences which our animosities and mutual hatred have + produced. + </p> + <p> + And the first ill consequence is, that our want of brotherly love hath + almost driven out all sense of religion from among us, which cannot well + be otherwise; for since our Saviour laid so much weight upon his disciples + loving one another, that he gave it among his last instructions; and since + the primitive Christians are allowed to have chiefly propagated the faith + by their strict observance of that instruction, it must follow that, in + proportion as brotherly love declineth, Christianity will do so too. The + little religion there is in the world, hath been observed to reside + chiefly among the middle and lower sorts of people, who are neither + tempted to pride nor luxury by great riches, nor to desperate courses by + extreme poverty: And truly I, upon that account, have thought it a + happiness, that those who are under my immediate care are generally of + that condition; but where party hath once made entrance, with all its + consequences of hatred, envy, partiality, and virulence, religion cannot + long keep its hold in any state or degree of life whatsoever. For, if the + great men of the world have been censured in all ages for mingling too + little religion with their politics, what a havoc of principles must they + needs make in unlearned and irregular heads; of which indeed the effects + are already too visible and melancholy all over the kingdom! + </p> + <p> + Another ill consequence from our want of brotherly love is, that it + increaseth the insolence of the fanatics; and this partly ariseth from a + mistaken meaning of the word moderation; a word which hath been much + abused, and bandied about for several years past. There are too many people + indifferent enough to all religion; there are many others, who dislike the + clergy, and would have them live in poverty and dependence; both these + sorts are much commended by the fanatics for moderate men, ready to put an + end to our divisions, and to make a general union among Protestants. Many + ignorant well-meaning people are deceived by these appearances, + strengthened with great pretences to loyalty: and these occasions the + fanatics lay hold on, to revile the doctrine and discipline of the Church, + and even insult and oppress the clergy wherever their numbers or favourers + will bear them out; insomuch, that one wilful refractory fanatic hath been + able to disturb a whole parish for many years together. But the most + moderate and favoured divines dare not own, that the word moderation, with + respect to the dissenters, can be at all applied to their religion, but is + purely personal or prudential. No good man repineth at the liberty of + conscience they enjoy; and, perhaps a very moderate divine may think + better of their loyalty than others do; or, to speak after the manner of + men, may think it necessary, that all Protestants should be united against + the common enemy; or out of discretion, or other reasons best known to + himself, be tender of mentioning them at all. But still the errors of the + dissenters are all fixed and determined, and must, upon demand, be + acknowledged by all the divines of our church, whether they be called, in + party phrase, high or low, moderate or violent. And further, I believe it + would be hard to find many moderate divines, who, if their opinion were + asked whether dissenters should be trusted with power, could, according to + their consciences, answer in the affirmative; from whence it is plain, + that all the stir which the fanatics have made with this word moderation, + was only meant to increase our divisions, and widen them so far as to make + room for themselves to get in between. And this is the only scheme they + ever had (except that of destroying root and branch) for the uniting of + Protestants, they so much talk of. + </p> + <p> + I shall mention but one ill consequence more, which attends our want of + brotherly love; that it hath put an end to all hospitality and friendship, + all good correspondence and commerce between mankind. There are indeed + such things as leagues and confederacies among those of the same party; + but surely God never intended that men should be so limited in the choice + of their friends: However, so it is in town and country, in every parish + and street; the pastor is divided from his flock, the father from his son, + and the house often divided against itself. Men's very natures are soured, + and their passions inflamed, when they meet in party clubs, and spend + their time in nothing else but railing at the opposite side; thus every + man alive among us is encompassed with a million of enemies of his own + country, among which his oldest acquaintance and friends, and kindred + themselves, are often of the number; neither can people of different + parties mix together without constraint, suspicion, or jealousy, watching + every word they speak, for fear of giving offence, or else falling into + rudeness and reproaches, and so leaving themselves open to the malice and + corruption of informers, who were never more numerous or expert in their + trade. And as a further addition to this evil, those very few, who, by the + goodness and generosity of their nature, do in their own hearts despise + this narrow principle of confining their friendship and esteem, their + charity and good offices, to those of their own party, yet dare not + discover their good inclinations, for fear of losing their favour and + interest. And others again, whom God had formed with mild and gentle + dispositions, think it necessary to put a force upon their own tempers, by + acting a noisy, violent, malicious part, as a means to be distinguished. + Thus hath party got the better of the very genius and constitution of our + people; so that whoever reads the character of the English in former ages, + will hardly believe their present posterity to be of the same nation or + climate. + </p> + <p> + III. I shall now, in the last place, make use of some motives and + exhortations, that may persuade you to embrace brotherly love, and + continue in it. Let me apply myself to you of the lower sort, and desire + you will consider, when any of you make use of fair and enticing words to + draw in customers, whether you do it for their sakes or your own. And + then, for whose sakes do you think it is, that your leaders are so + industrious to put into your heads all that party rage and virulence? Is + it not to make you the tools and instruments, by which they work out their + own designs? Has this spirit of faction been useful to any of you in your + worldly concerns, except to those who have traded in whispering, + backbiting, or informing, and wanted skill or honesty to thrive by fairer + methods? It is no business of yours to inquire, who is at the head of + armies, or of councils, unless you had power and skill to choose, neither + of which is ever likely to be your case; and therefore to fill your heads + with fears, and hatred of persons and things, of which it is impossible + you can ever make a right judgment, or to set you at variance with your + neighbour, because his thoughts are not the same as yours, is not only in + a very gross manner to cheat you of your time and quiet, but likewise to + endanger your souls. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: In order to restore brotherly love, let me earnestly + exhort you to stand firm in your religion; I mean, the true religion + hitherto established among us, without varying in the least either to + Popery on the one side, or to fanaticism on the other; and in a particular + manner beware of that word, moderation; and believe it, that your + neighbour is not immediately a villain, a Papist, and a traitor, because + the fanatics and their adherents will not allow him to be a moderate man. + </p> + <p> + Nay, it is very probable, that your teacher himself may be a loyal, pious, + and able divine, without the least grain of moderation, as the word is too + frequently understood. Therefore, to set you right in this matter, I will + lay before you the character of a truly moderate man, and then I will give + you the description of such a one as falsely pretendeth to that title. + </p> + <p> + A man truly moderate is steady in the doctrine and discipline of the + Church, but with a due Christian charity to all who dissent from it out of + a principle of conscience; the freedom of which, he thinketh, ought to be + fully allowed, as long as it is not abused, but never trusted with power. + He is ready to defend with his life and fortune the Protestant succession, + and the Protestant established faith, against all invaders whatsoever. He + is for giving the Crown its just prerogative, and the people their just + liberties. He hateth no man for differing from him in political opinions; + nor doth he think it a maxim infallible, that virtue should always attend + upon favour, and vice upon disgrace. These are some few lineaments in the + character of a truly moderate man; let us now compare it with the + description of one who usually passeth under that title. + </p> + <p> + A moderate man, in the new meaning of the word, is one to whom all + religion is indifferent; who although he denominates himself of the + Church, regardeth it no more than a conventicle. He perpetually raileth at + the body of the clergy, with exceptions only to a very few, who, he + hopeth, and probably upon false grounds, are as ready to betray their + rights and properties as himself. He thinketh the power of the people can + never be too great, nor that of the prince too little; and yet this very + notion he publisheth, as his best argument, to prove him a most loyal + subject. Every opinion in government, that differeth in the least from + his, tendeth directly to Popery, slavery, and rebellion. Whoever lieth + under the frown of power, can, in his judgment, neither have common sense, + common honesty, nor religion. Lastly, his devotion consisteth in drinking + gibbets, confusion, and damnation[1]; in profanely idolizing the memory of + one dead prince,[2] and ungratefully trampling upon the ashes of + another.[3] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The subject of these political toasts was the theme of much + discussion in Ireland. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: King William.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Queen Anne.] + </p> + <p> + By these marks you will easily distinguish a truly moderate man from those + who are commonly, but very falsely, so called; and while persons thus + qualified are so numerous and so noisy, so full of zeal and industry to + gain proselytes, and spread their opinions among the people, it cannot be + wondered at that there should be so little brotherly love left among us. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: It would probably contribute to restore some degree of + brotherly love, if we would but consider, that the matter of those + disputes, which inflame us to this degree, doth not, in its own nature, at + all concern the generality of mankind. Indeed as to those who have been + great gainers or losers by the changes of the world, the case is + different; and to preach moderation to the first, and patience to the + last, would perhaps be to little purpose: But what is that to the bulk of + the people, who are not properly concerned in the quarrel, although evil + instruments have drawn them into it? For, if the reasonable men on both + sides were to confer opinions, they would find neither religion, loyalty, + nor interest, are at all affected in this dispute. Not religion, because + the members of the Church, on both sides, profess to agree in every + article: Not loyalty to our prince, which is pretended to by one party as + much as the other, and therefore can be no subject for debate: Not + interest, for trade and industry lie open to all; and, what is further, + concerns only those who have expectations from the public: So that the + body of the people, if they knew their own good, might yet live amicably + together, and leave their betters to quarrel among themselves, who might + also probably soon come to a better temper, if they were less seconded and + supported by the poor deluded multitude. + </p> + <p> + I have now done with my text, which I confess to have treated in a manner + more suited to the present times, than to the nature of the subject in + general. That I have not been more particular in explaining the several + parts and properties of this great duty of brotherly love, the apostle to + the Thessalonians will plead my excuse.—"Touching brotherly love" + (saith he) "ye need not that I write unto you, for ye yourselves are + taught of God to love one another[4]." So that nothing remains to add, but + our prayers to God, that he would please to restore and continue this duty + of brotherly love or charity among us, the very bond of peace and of all + virtues. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: 1 Thess. iv. 9.] + </p> + <p> + <i>Nov.</i> 29, 1717. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING ONE'S-SELF.[1] + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Prefixed to the issue in volume ten, "Miscellanies," 1745, is + the following: + </p> + <h3> + "ADVERTISEMENT. + </h3> + <p> + "The manuscript title page of the following sermon being lost, and no + memorandum writ upon it, as there were upon the others, when and where it + was preached, made the editor doubtful whether he should print it as the + Dean's, or not. But its being found amongst the same papers; and the hand, + though writ somewhat better, bearing a great similitude to the Dean's, + made him willing to lay it before the public, that they might judge + whether the style and manner also does not render it still more probable + to be his." [T.S.]] + </p> + <h3> + 2 KINGS, VIII. PART OF THE 13TH VERSE. + </h3> + <p> + "And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this + great thing?" + </p> + <p> + We have a very singular instance of the deceitfulness of the heart, + represented to us in the person of Hazael; who was sent to the prophet + Elisha, to enquire of the Lord concerning his master the King of Syria's + recovery. For the man of God, having told him that the king might recover + from the disorder he was then labouring under, begun to set and fasten his + countenance upon him of a sudden, and to break out into the most violent + expressions of sorrow, and a deep concern for it; whereupon, when Hazael, + full of shame and confusion, asked, "Why weepeth my lord?" he answered, + "Because I know all the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of + Israel; their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt + thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their + women with child." Thus much did the man of God say and know of him, by a + light darted into his mind from heaven. But Hazael not knowing himself so + well as the other did, was startled and amazed at the relation, and would + not believe it possible that a man of his temper could ever run out into + such enormous instances of cruelty and inhumanity. "What!" says he, "is + thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?" + </p> + <p> + And yet, for all this, it is highly probable that he was then that man he + could not imagine himself to be; for we find him, on the very next day + after his return, in a very treacherous and disloyal manner murdering his + own master, and usurping his kingdom; which was but a prologue to the sad + tragedy which he afterwards acted upon the people of Israel. + </p> + <p> + And now the case is but very little better with most men, than it was with + Hazael; however it comes to pass, they are wonderfully unacquainted with + their own temper and disposition, and know very little of what passes + within them: For of so many proud, ambitious, revengeful, envying, and + ill-natured persons, that are in the world, where is there one of them, + who, although he has all the symptoms of the vice appearing upon every + occasion, can look with such an impartial eye upon himself, as to believe + that the imputation thrown upon him is not altogether groundless and + unfair? Who, if he were told by men of a discerning spirit and a strong + conjecture, of all the evil and absurd things which that false heart of + his would at one time or other betray him into, would not believe as + little, and wonder as much, as Hazael did before him? Thus, for instance; + tell an angry person that he is weak and impotent, and of no consistency + of mind; tell him, that such or such a little accident, which he may then + despise and think much below a passion, shall hereafter make him say and + do several absurd, indiscreet, and misbecoming things: He may perhaps own + that he has a spirit of resentment within him, that will not let him be + imposed on, but he fondly imagines that he can lay a becoming restraint + upon it when he pleases, although 'tis ever running away with him into + some indecency or other. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, to bring the words of my text to our present occasion, I shall + endeavour, in a further prosecution of them, to evince the great necessity + of a nice and curious inspection into the several recesses of the heart, + being the surest and the shortest method that a wicked man can take to + reform himself: For let us but stop the fountain, and the streams will + spend and waste themselves away in a very little time; but if we go about, + like children, to raise a bank, and to stop the current, not taking notice + all the while of the spring which continually feeds it, when the next + flood of temptation rises, and breaks in upon it, then we shall find that + we have begun at the wrong end of our duty, and that we are very little + more the better for it, than if we had sat still, and made no advances at + all. + </p> + <p> + But, in order to a clearer explanation of the point, I shall speak to + these following particulars:— + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: By endeavouring to prove, from particular instances, that + man is generally the most ignorant creature in the world of himself. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: By inquiring into the grounds and reasons of his + ignorance. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i> and <i>Lastly</i>: By proposing several advantages that do + most assuredly attend a due improvement in the knowledge of ourselves. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>, then: To prove that man is generally the most ignorant + creature in the world, of himself. + </p> + <p> + To pursue the heart of man through all the instances of life, in all its + several windings and turnings, and under that infinite variety of shapes + and appearances which it puts on, would be a difficult and almost + impossible undertaking; so that I shall confine myself to such as have a + nearer reference to the present occasion, and do, upon a closer view, shew + themselves through the whole business of repentance. For we all know what + it is to repent, but whether he repents him truly of his sins or not, who + can know it? + </p> + <p> + Now the great duty of repentance is chiefly made up of these two parts, a + hearty sorrow for the follies and miscarriages of the time past, and a + full purpose and resolution of amendment for the time to come. And now, to + shew the falseness of the heart in both these parts of repentance, And + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: As to a hearty sorrow for the sins and miscarriages of the + time past. Is there a more usual thing than for a man to impose upon + himself, by putting on a grave and demure countenance, by casting a severe + look into his past conduct, and making some few pious and devout + reflections upon it, and then to believe that he has repented to an + excellent purpose, without ever letting it step forth into practice, and + shew itself in a holy conversation? Nay, some persons do carry the deceit + a little higher; who if they can but bring themselves to weep for their + sins, they are then full of an ill-grounded confidence and security; never + considering that all this may prove to be no more than the very garb and + outward dress of a contrite heart, which another heart, as hard as the + nether millstone, may as well put on. For tears and sighs, however in some + persons they may be decent and commendable expressions of a godly sorrow, + are neither necessary, nor infallible signs of a true and unfeigned + repentance. Not necessary, because sometimes, and in some persons, the + inward grief and anguish of the mind may be too big to be expressed by so + little a thing as a tear, and then it turneth its edge inward upon the + mind; and like those wounds of the body which bleed inwardly, generally + proves the most fatal and dangerous to the whole body of sin: Not + infallible, because a very small portion of sorrow may make some tender + dispositions melt, and break out into tears; or a man may perhaps weep at + parting with his sins, as he would bid the last farewell to an old friend. + </p> + <p> + But there is still a more pleasant cheat in this affair, that when we find + a deadness, and a strange kind of unaptness and indisposition to all + impressions of religion, and that we cannot be as truly sorry for our sins + as we should be, we then pretend to be sorry that we are not more sorry + for them; which is not more absurd and irrational, than that a man should + pretend to be very angry at a thing, because he did not know how to be + angry at all. + </p> + <p> + But after all, what is wanting in this part of repentance, we expect to + make up in the next; and to that purpose we put on a resolution of + amendment, which we take to be as firm as a house built upon a rock; so + that let the floods arise, and the winds blow, and the streams beat + vehemently upon it, nothing shall shake it into ruin or disorder. We doubt + not, upon the strength of this resolve, to stand fast and unmoved amid the + storm of a temptation; and do firmly believe, at the time we make it, that + nothing in the world will ever be able to make us commit those sins over + again, which we have so firmly resolved against. + </p> + <p> + Thus many a time have we come to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, with + a full purpose of amendment, and with as full a persuasion of putting that + same purpose into practice; and yet have we not all as often broke that + good purpose, and falsified that same persuasion, by starting aside, like + a broken bow, into those very sins, which we then so solemnly and so + confidently declared against? + </p> + <p> + Whereas had but any other person entered with us into a vow so solemn, + that he had taken the Holy Sacrament upon it, I believe had he but once + deceived us by breaking in upon the vow, we should hardly ever after be + prevailed upon to trust that man again, though we still continue to trust + our own fears, against reason and against experience. + </p> + <p> + This indeed is a dangerous deceit enough, and will of course betray all + those well-meaning persons into sin and folly, who are apt to take + religion for a much easier thing than it is. But this is not the only + mistake we are apt to run into; we do not only think sometimes that we can + do more than we can do, but sometimes that we are incapable of doing less; + an error of another kind indeed, but not less dangerous, arising from a + diffidence and false humility. For how much a wicked man can do in the + business of religion, if he would but do his best, is very often more than + he can tell. + </p> + <p> + Thus nothing is more common than to see a wicked man running headlong into + sin and folly, against his reason, against his religion, and against his + God. Tell him, that what he is going to do will be an infinite + disparagement to his understanding, which, at another time, he sets no + small value upon; tell him that it will blacken his reputation, which he + had rather die for than lose; tell him that the pleasure of sin is short + and transient, and leaves a vexatious kind of sting behind it, which will + very hardly be drawn forth; tell him that this is one of those things for + which God will most surely bring him to judgment, which he pretends to + believe with a full assurance and persuasion: And yet for all this, he + shuts his eyes against all conviction, and rusheth into the sin like a + horse into battle; as if he had nothing left to do, but, like a silly + child to wink hard, and to think to escape a certain and infinite + mischief, only by endeavouring not to see it. + </p> + <p> + And now to shew that the heart has given in a false report of the + temptation, we may learn from this, that the same weak man would resist + and master the same powerful temptation, upon considerations of infinitely + less value than those which religion offers, nay such vile considerations, + that the grace of God cannot without blasphemy be supposed to add any + manner of force and efficacy to them. Thus for instance, it would be a + hard matter to dress up a sin in such soft and tempting circumstances, + that a truly covetous man would not resist for a considerable sum of + money; when neither the hopes of heaven nor the fears of hell could make + an impression upon him before. But can anything be a surer indication of + the deceitfulness of the heart, than thus to shew more courage, + resolution, and activity, in an ill cause, than it does in a good one? And + to exert itself to better purpose, when it is to serve its own pride, or + lust, or revenge, or any other passion, than when it is to serve God upon + motives of the Gospel, and upon all the arguments that have ever been made + use of to bring men over to religion and a good life? And thus having + shewn that man is wonderfully apt to deceive and impose upon himself, in + passing through the several stages of that great duty, repentance, I + proceed now, in the + </p> + <p> + <i>Second place</i>: To inquire into the grounds and reasons of this + ignorance, <i>and to shew whence it comes to pass that man, the only + creature in the world that can reflect and look into himself, should know + so little of what passes within him, and be so very much unacquainted even + with the standing dispositions and complexion of his own heart</i>. The + prime reason of it is, because we so very seldom converse with ourselves, + and take so little notice of what passes within us: For a man can no more + know his own heart than he can know his own face, any other way than by + reflection: He may as well tell over every feature of the smaller portions + of his face without the help of a looking-glass, as he can tell all the + inward bents and tendencies of his soul, those standing features and + lineaments of the inward man, and know all the various changes that this + is liable to from custom, from passion, and from opinion, without a very + frequent use of looking within himself. + </p> + <p> + For our passions and inclinations are not always upon the wing, and always + moving toward their respective objects, but retire now and then into the + more dark and hidden recesses of the heart, where they lie concealed for a + while, until a fresh occasion calls them forth again: So that not every + transient, oblique glance upon the mind can bring a man into a thorough + knowledge of all its strength and weaknesses; for a man may sometimes turn + the eye of the mind inward upon itself, as he may behold his natural face + in a glass, and go away, "and straight forget what manner of man he was." + But a man must rather sit down and unravel every action of the past day + into all its circumstances and particularities, and observe how every + little thing moved and affected him, and what manner of impression it made + upon his heart; this done with that frequency and carefulness which the + importance of the duty does require, would in a short time bring him into + a nearer and more intimate acquaintance with himself. + </p> + <p> + But when men instead of this do pass away months and years in a perfect + slumber of the mind, without once awaking it, it is no wonder they should + be so very ignorant of themselves, and know very little more of what + passes within them than the very beasts which perish. But here it may not + be amiss to inquire into the reasons why most men have so little + conversation with themselves. + </p> + <p> + And, <i>first:</i> Because this reflection is a work and labour of the + mind, and cannot be performed without some pain and difficulty: For, + before a man can reflect upon himself, and look into his heart with a + steady eye, he must contract his sight, and collect all his scattering and + roving thoughts into some order and compass, that he may be able to take a + clear and distinct view of them; he must retire from the world for a + while, and be unattentive to all impressions of sense; and how hard and + painful a thing must it needs be to a man of passion and infirmity, amid + such a crowd of objects that are continually striking upon the sense, and + soliciting the affections, not to be moved and interrupted by one or other + of them. But, + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly:</i> Another reason why we so seldom converse with ourselves, + is, because the business of the world takes up all our time, and leaveth + us no portion of it to spend upon this great work and labour of the mind. + Thus twelve or fourteen years pass away before we can well discern good + from evil; and of the rest so much goes away in sleep, so much in the + proper business of our calling, that we have none to lay out upon the more + serious and religious employments. Every man's life is an imperfect sort + of a circle, which he repeats and runs over every day; he has a set of + thoughts, desires, and inclinations, which return upon him in their proper + time and order, and will very hardly be laid aside, to make room for + anything new and uncommon: So that call upon him when you please, to set + about the study of his own heart, and you are sure to find him + pre-engaged; either he has some business to do, or some diversion to take, + some acquaintance that he must visit, or some company that he must + entertain, or some cross accident has put him out of humour, and unfitted + him for such a grave employment. And thus it cometh to pass that a man can + never find leisure to look into himself, because he does not set apart + some portion of the day for that very purpose, but foolishly defers it + from one day to another, till his glass is almost run out, and he is + called to give a miserable account of himself in the other world. But, + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>, Another reason why a man does not more frequently converse + with himself, is, because such conversation with his own heart may + discover some vice or some infirmity lurking within him, which he is very + unwilling to believe himself guilty of. For can there be a more ungrateful + thing to a man, than to find that upon a nearer view he is not that person + he took himself to be? That he had neither the courage, nor the honesty, + nor the piety, nor the humility that he dreamed he had? That a very little + pain, for instance, putteth him out of patience, and as little pleasure + softens and disarms him into ease and wantonness? That he has been at more + pains, and labour, and cost, to be revenged of an enemy, than to oblige + the best friend he has in the world? That he cannot bring himself to say + his prayers, without a great deal of reluctancy; and when he does say + them, the spirit and fervour of devotion evaporate in a very short time, + and he can scarcely hold out a prayer of ten lines, without a number of + idle and impertinent, if not vain and wicked thoughts coming into his + head? These are very unwelcome discoveries that a man may make of himself; + so that 'tis no wonder that every one who is already flushed with a good + opinion of himself, should rather study how to run away from it, than how + to converse with his own heart. + </p> + <p> + But further, if a man were both able and willing to retire into his own + heart, and to set apart some portion of the day for that very purpose; yet + he is still disabled from passing a fair and impartial judgment upon + himself, by several difficulties, arising partly from prejudice and + prepossession, partly from the lower appetites and inclinations. And, + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: That the business of prepossession may lead and betray a man + into a false judgment of his own heart. For we may observe, that the first + opinion we take up of anything, or any person, does generally stick close + to us; the nature of the mind being such, that it cannot but desire, and + consequently endeavour to have some certain principles to go upon, + something fixed and unmoveable, whereon it may rest and support itself. + And hence it comes to pass, that some persons are with so much difficulty + brought to think well of a man they have once entertained an ill opinion + of: and perhaps that too for a very absurd and unwarrantable reason. But + how much more difficult then must it be for a man, who takes up a fond + opinion of his own heart long before he has either years or sense enough + to understand it, either to be persuaded out of it by himself, whom he + loveth so well, or by another, whose interest or diversion it may be to + make him ashamed of himself! Then, + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: As to the difficulties arising from the inferior + appetites and inclinations, let any man look into his own heart, and + observe in how different a light, and under what different complexions, + any two sins of equal turpitude and malignity do appear to him, if he has + but a strong inclination to the one, and none at all to the other. That + which he has an inclination to, is always drest up in all the false beauty + that a fond and busy imagination can give it; the other appears naked and + deformed, and in all the true circumstances of folly and dishonour. Thus + stealing is a vice that few gentlemen are inclined to; and they justly + think it below the dignity of a man to stoop to so base and low a sin; but + no principle of honour, no workings of the mind and conscience, not the + still voice of mercy, not the dreadful call of judgment, nor any + considerations whatever, can put a stop to that violence and oppression, + that pride and ambition, that revelling and wantonness, which we every day + meet with in the world. Nay, it is easy to observe very different thoughts + in a man, of the sin that he is most fond of, according to, the different + ebbs and flows of his inclination to it For as soon as the appetite is + alarmed, and seizeth upon the heart, a little cloud gathereth about the + head, and spreads a kind of darkness over the face of the soul, whereby + 'tis hindered from taking a clear and distinct view of things; but no + sooner is the appetite tired and satiated, but the same cloud passes away + like a shadow, and a new light springing up in the mind of a sudden, the + man sees much more, both of the folly and of the danger of the sin, than + he did before. + </p> + <p> + And thus having done with the several reasons why man, the only creature + in the world that can reflect and look into himself, is so very ignorant + of what passes within him, and so much unacquainted with the standing + dispositions and complexions of his own heart: I proceed now, in the + </p> + <p> + <i>Third</i> and <i>Last</i> place, to lay down several advantages, that + do <i>most assuredly</i> attend a due improvement in the knowledge of + ourselves. And, + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: One great advantage is, that it tends very much to mortify + and humble a man into a modest and low opinion of himself. For let a man + take a nice and curious inspection into all the several regions of the + heart, and observe every thing irregular and amiss within him: for + instance, how narrow and short-sighted a thing is the understanding; upon + how little reason do we take up an opinion, and upon how much less + sometimes do we lay it down again, how weak and false ground do we often + walk upon with the biggest confidence and assurance, and how tremulous and + doubtful are we very often where no doubt is to be made. Again; how wild + and impertinent, how busy and incoherent a thing is the imagination, even + in the best and wisest men; insomuch that every man may be said to be mad, + but every man does not shew it. Then as to the passions; how noisy, how + turbulent, and how tumultuous are they, how easy they are stirred and set + a-going, how eager and hot in the pursuit, and what strange disorder and + confusion do they throw a man into; so that he can neither think, nor + speak, nor act as he should do, while he is under the dominion of any one + of them. + </p> + <p> + Thus let every man look with a severe and impartial eye into all the + distinct regions of the heart, and no doubt, several deformities and + irregularities, that he never thought of, will open and disclose + themselves upon so near a view; and rather make the man ashamed of + himself, than proud. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly:</i> A due improvement in the knowledge of ourselves does + certainly secure us from the sly and insinuating assaults of flattery. + There is not in the world a baser and more hateful thing than flattery; it + proceeds from so much falseness and insincerity in the man that gives it, + and often discovers so much weakness and folly in the man that takes it, + that it is hard to tell which of the two is most to be blamed. Every man + of common sense can demonstrate in speculation, and may be fully + convinced, that all the praises and commendations of the whole world can + add no more to the real and intrinsic value of a man, than they can add to + his stature. And yet, for all this, men of the best sense and piety, when + they come down to the practice, cannot forbear thinking much better of + themselves, when they have the good fortune to be spoken well of by other + persons. + </p> + <p> + But the meaning of this absurd proceeding seems to be no other than this; + there are few men that have so intimate an acquaintance with their own + heart, as to know their own real worth, and how to set a just rate upon + themselves, and therefore they do not know but that he who praises them + most, may be most in the right of it. For, no doubt, if a man were + ignorant of the true value of a thing he loved as well as himself, he + would measure the worth of it according to the esteem of him who bids most + for it, rather than of him that bids less. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, the most infallible way to disentangle a man from the snares of + flattery, is, to consult and study his own heart; for whoever does that + well, will hardly be so absurd, as to take another man's word, before his + own sense and experience. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly:</i> Another advantage from this kind of study, is this, that + it teaches a man how to behave himself patiently, when he has the ill + fortune to be censured and abused by other people. For a man who is + thoroughly acquainted with his own heart, does already know more evil of + himself, than anybody else can tell him; and when any one speaks ill of + him, he rather thanks God that he can say no worse. For could his enemy + but look into the dark and hidden recesses of the heart, he considers what + a number of impure thoughts he might there see brooding and hovering, like + a dark cloud, upon the face of the soul; that there he might take a + prospect of the fancy, and view it acting over the several scenes of + pride, of ambition, of envy, of lust, and revenge; that there he might + tell how often a vicious inclination has been restrained, for no other + reason but just to save the man's credit or interest in the world; and how + many unbecoming ingredients have entered into the composition of his best + actions. And now, what man in the whole world would be able to bear so + severe a test, to have every thought and inward motion of the heart laid + open and exposed to the views of his enemies? But, + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>, and <i>Lastly:</i> Another advantage of this kind is, + that it makes men less severe upon other people's faults, and less busy + and industrious in spreading them. For a man, employed at home, inspecting + into his own failings, has not leisure to take notice of every little spot + and blemish that lies scattered upon others. Or if he cannot escape the + sight of them, he always passes the most easy and favourable construction + upon them. Thus, for instance; does the ill he knows of a man proceed from + an unhappy temper and constitution of body? He then considers with + himself, how hard a thing it is, not to be borne down with the current of + the blood and spirits, and accordingly lays some part of the blame upon + the weakness of human nature, for he has felt the force and rapidity of it + within his own breast; though perhaps, in another instance, he remembers + how it rages and swells by opposition; and though it may be restrained, or + diverted for a while, yet it can hardly ever be totally subdued. + </p> + <p> + Or has the man sinned out of custom? He then, from his own experience, + traces a habit into the very first rise and imperfect beginnings of it; + and can tell by how slow and insensible advances it creeps upon the heart; + how it works itself by degrees into the very frame and texture of it, and + so passes into a second nature; and consequently he has a just sense of + the great difficulty for him to learn to do good, who has been long + accustomed to do evil. + </p> + <p> + Or, lastly, has a false opinion betrayed him into a sin? He then calls to + mind what wrong apprehensions he has made of some things himself; how many + opinions, that he once made no doubt of, he has, upon a stricter + examination found to be doubtful and uncertain; how many more to be + unreasonable and absurd. He knows further, that there are a great many + more opinions that he has never yet examined into at all, and which, + however, he still believes, for no other reason, but because he has + believed them so long already without a reason. Thus, upon every occasion, + a man intimately acquainted with himself, consults his own heart, and + makes every man's case to be his own, (and so puts the most favourable + interpretation upon it). Let every man therefore look into his own heart, + before he beginneth to abuse the reputation of another, and then he will + hardly be so absurd as to throw a dart that will so certainly rebound and + wound himself. And thus, through the whole course of his conversation, let + him keep an eye upon that one great comprehensive rule of Christian duty, + on which hangs, not only the law and the prophets, but the very life and + spirit of the Gospel too: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto + you, do ye even so unto them." Which rule, that we may all duly observe, + by throwing aside all scandal and detraction, all spite and rancour, all + rudeness and contempt, all rage and violence, and whatever tends to make + conversation and commerce either uneasy, or troublesome, may the God of + peace grant for Jesus Christ his sake, &c. + </p> + <p> + Consider what has been said, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON FALSE WITNESS. + </h2> + <h3> + EXODUS, XX. 16. + </h3> + <p> + "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." + </p> + <p> + In those great changes that are made in a country by the prevailing of one + party over another, it is very convenient that the prince, and those who + are in authority under him, should use all just and proper methods for + preventing any mischief to the public from seditious men. And governors do + well, when they encourage any good subject to discover (as his duty + obligeth him) whatever plots or conspiracies may be anyway dangerous to + the state: Neither are they to be blamed, even when they receive + informations from bad men, in order to find out the truth, when it + concerns the public welfare. Every one indeed is naturally inclined to + have an ill opinion of an informer; although it is not impossible but an + honest man may be called by that name. For whoever knoweth anything, the + telling of which would prevent some great evil to his prince, his country, + or his neighbour, is bound in conscience to reveal it. But the mischief + is, that, when parties are violently enflamed, which seemeth unfortunately + to be our case at present, there is never wanting a set of evil + instruments, who, either out of mad zeal, private hatred, or filthy lucre, + are always ready to offer their service to the prevailing side, and become + accusers of their brethren, without any regard to truth or charity. Holy + David numbers this among the chief of his sufferings; "False witnesses are + risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty."[1] Our Saviour and + his apostles did likewise undergo the same distress, as we read both in + the Gospels and the Acts. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Psalm xxvii. 12.] + </p> + <p> + Now, because the sign of false witnessing is so horrible and dangerous in + itself, and so odious to God and man; and because the bitterness of too + many among us is risen to such a height, that it is not easy to know where + it will stop, or how far some weak and wicked minds may be carried by a + mistaken zeal, a malicious temper, or hope of reward, to break this great + commandment delivered in the text; therefore, in order to prevent this + evil, and the consequences of it, at least among you who are my hearers, I + shall, + </p> + <p> + I. <i>First</i>: Shew you several ways by which a man may be called a + false witness against his neighbour. + </p> + <p> + II. <i>Secondly</i>: I shall give you some rules for your conduct and + behaviour, in order to defend yourselves against the malice and cunning of + false accusers. + </p> + <p> + III. And <i>lastly</i>: I shall conclude with shewing you very briefly, + how far it is your duty, as good subjects and good neighbours, to bear + faithful witness, when you are lawfully called to it by those in + authority, or by the sincere advice of your own consciences, + </p> + <p> + I. As to the first, there are several ways by which a man may be justly + called a false witness against his neighbour. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>, According to the direct meaning of the word, when a man + accuseth his neighbour without the least ground of truth. So we read, that + Jezebel hired two sons of Belial to accuse Naboth for blaspheming God and + the King, for which, although he was entirely innocent, he was stoned to + death.[2] And in our age it is not easy, to tell how many men have lost + their lives, been ruined in their fortunes, and put to ignominious + punishment by the downright perjury of false witnesses! The law itself in + such cases being not able to protect the innocent. But this is so horrible + a crime, that it doth not need to be aggravated by words. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: i Kings, xxi. 8-13.] + </p> + <p> + A second way by which a man becometh a false witness is, when he mixeth + falsehood and truth together, or concealeth some circumstances, which, if + they were told; would destroy the falsehoods he uttereth. So the two false + witnesses who accused our Saviour before the chief priests, by a very + little perverting his words, would have made him guilty of a capital + crime: for so it was among the Jews to prophesy any evil against the + Temple: "This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to + build it in three days;"[3] whereas the words, as our Saviour spoke them, + were to another end, and differently expressed: For when the Jews asked + him to shew them a sign, he said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days + I will raise it up." In such cases as these, an innocent man is half + confounded, and looketh as if he were guilty, since he neither can deny + his words, nor perhaps readily strip them from the malicious additions of + a false witness. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Mat. xxvi. 6] + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>: A man is a false witness, when, in accusing his neighbour, + he endeavoureth to aggravate by his gestures and tone of his voice, or + when he chargeth a man with words which were only repeated or quoted from + somebody else. As if any one should tell me that he heard another speak + certain dangerous and seditious speeches, and I should immediately accuse + him for speaking them himself; and so drop the only circumstance that made + him innocent. This was the case of St Stephen. The false witness said, + "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place + and the law."[4] Whereas St Stephen said no such words; but only repeated + some prophecies of Jeremiah or Malachi, which threatened Jerusalem with + destruction if it did not repent. However, by the fury of the people, this + innocent holy person was stoned to death for words he never spoke. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Acts, vi. 13.] + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>: The blackest kind of false witnesses are those who do the + office of the devil, by tempting their brethren in order to betray them. I + cannot call to mind any instances of this kind mentioned in Holy + Scripture. But I am afraid, this vile practice hath been too much followed + in the world. When a man's temper hath been so soured by misfortunes and + hard usage, that perhaps he hath reason enough to complain; then one of + these seducers, under the pretence of friendship, will seem to lament his + case, urge the hardships he hath suffered, and endeavour to raise his + passions, until he hath said something that a malicious informer can + pervert or aggravate against him in a court of justice. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fifthly</i>: Whoever beareth witness against his neighbour, out of a + principle of malice and revenge, from any old grudge, or hatred to his + person; such a man is a false witness in the sight of God, although what + he says be true; because the motive or cause is evil, not to serve his + prince or country, but to gratify his own resentments. And therefore, + although a man thus accused may be very justly punished by the law, yet + this doth by no means acquit the accuser, who, instead of regarding the + public service, intended only to glut his private rage and spite. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sixthly</i>: I number among false witnesses, all those who make a trade + of being informers in hope of favour or reward; and to this end employ + their time, either by listening in public places, to catch up an + accidental word; or in corrupting men's servants to discover any unwary + expression of their master; or thrusting themselves into company, and then + using the most indecent scurrilous language; fastening a thousand + falsehoods and scandals upon a whole party, on purpose to provoke such an + answer as they may turn to an accusation. And truly this ungodly race is + said to be grown so numerous, that men of different parties can hardly + converse together with any security. Even the pulpit hath not been free + from the misrepresentation of these informers; of whom the clergy have not + wanted occasions to complain with holy David: "They daily mistake my + words, all they imagine is to do me evil." Nor is it any wonder at all, + that this trade of informing should be now in a flourishing condition, + since our case is manifestly thus: We are divided into two parties, with + very little charity or temper toward each other; the prevailing side may + talk of past things as they please, with security; and generally do it in + the most provoking words they can invent; while those who are down, are + sometimes tempted to speak in favour of a lost cause, and therefore, + without great caution, must needs be often caught tripping, and thereby + furnish plenty of materials for witnesses and informers. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: Those may be well reckoned among false witnesses against + their neighbour, who bring him into trouble and punishment by such + accusations as are of no consequence at all to the public, nor can be of + any other use but to create vexation. Such witnesses are those who cannot + hear an idle intemperate expression, but they must immediately run to the + magistrate to inform; or perhaps wrangling in their cups over night, when + they were not able to speak or apprehend three words of common sense, will + pretend to remember everything the next morning, and think themselves very + properly qualified to be accusers of their brethren. God be thanked, the + throne of our King[5] is too firmly settled to be shaken by the folly and + rashness of every sottish companion. And I do not in the least doubt, that + when those in power begin to observe the falsehood, the prevarication, the + aggravating manner, the treachery and seducing, the malice and revenge, + the love of lucre, and lastly, the trifling accusations in too many wicked + people, they will be as ready to discourage every sort of those whom I + have numbered among false witnesses, as they will be to countenance honest + men, who, out of a true zeal to their prince and country, do, in the + innocence of their hearts, freely discover whatever they may apprehend to + be dangerous to either. A good Christian will think it sufficient to + reprove his brother for a rash unguarded word, where there is neither + danger nor evil example to be apprehended; or, if he will not amend by + reproof, avoid his conversation. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: George I.] + </p> + <p> + II. And thus much may serve to shew the several ways whereby a man may be + said to be a false witness against his neighbour. I might have added one + kind more, and it is of those who inform against their neighbour out of + fear of punishment to themselves, which, although it be more excusable, + and hath less of malice than any of the rest, cannot, however, be + justified. I go on, therefore, upon the second head, to give you some + rules for your conduct and behaviour, in order to defend yourselves + against the malice and cunning of false accusers. + </p> + <p> + It is readily agreed, that innocence is the best protection in the world; + yet that it is not always sufficient without some degree of prudence, our + Saviour himself intimateth to us, by instructing his disciples "to be wise + as serpents, as well as innocent as doves." But if ever innocence be too + weak a defence, it is chiefly so in jealous and suspicious times, when + factions are arrived to an high pitch of animosity, and the minds of men, + instead of being warmed by a true zeal for religion, are inflamed only by + party fury. Neither is virtue itself a sufficient security in such times, + because it is not allowed to be virtue, otherwise than as it hath a + mixture of party. + </p> + <p> + However, although virtue and innocence are no infallible defence against + perjury, malice, and subornation, yet they are great supports for enabling + us to bear those evils with temper and resignation; and it is an + unspeakable comfort to a good man under the malignity of evil mercenary + tongues, that a few years will carry his appeal to an higher tribunal, + where false witnesses, instead of daring to bring accusations before an + all-seeing Judge, will call for mountains to cover them. As for earthly + judges, they seldom have it in their power; and, God knows, whether they + have it in their will, to mingle mercy with justice; they are so far from + knowing the hearts of the accuser or the accused, that they cannot know + their own; and their understanding is frequently biassed, although their + intentions be just. They are often prejudiced to causes, parties, and + persons, through the infirmity of human nature, without being sensible + themselves that they are so: And therefore, although God may pardon their + errors here, he certainly will not ratify their sentences hereafter. + </p> + <p> + However, since as we have before observed, our Saviour prescribeth to us + to be not only harmless as doves, but wise as serpents; give me leave to + prescribe to you some rules, which the most ignorant person may follow for + the conduct of his life, with safety in perilous times, against false + accusers. + </p> + <p> + 1st, Let me advise you to have nothing at all to do with that which is + commonly called politics, or the government of the world, in the nature of + which it is certain you are utterly ignorant, and when your opinion is + wrong, although it proceeds from ignorance, it shall be an accusation + against you. Besides, opinions in government are right or wrong, just + according to the humour and disposition of the times; and, unless you have + judgment to distinguish, you may be punished at one time for what you + would be rewarded in another. + </p> + <p> + 2dly, Be ready at all times, in your words and actions, to shew your + loyalty to the king that reigns over you. This is the plain manifest + doctrine of Holy Scripture: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man + for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme," &c.[6] And + another apostle telleth us, "The powers that be are ordained of God." + Kings are the ordinances of man by the permission of God, and they are + ordained of God by his instrument man. The powers that be, the present + powers, which are ordained by God, and yet in some sense are the + ordinances of man, are what you must obey, without presuming to examine + into rights and titles; neither can it be reasonably expected, that the + powers in being, or in possession, should suffer their title to be + publicly disputed by subjects without severe punishment. And to say the + truth, there is no duty in religion more easy to the generality of + mankind, than obedience to government: I say to the generality of mankind; + because while their law, and property, and religion are preserved, it is + of no great consequence to them by whom they are governed, and therefore + they are under no temptation to desire a change. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: I Peter, ii. 13.] + </p> + <p> + 3dly, In order to prevent any charge from the malice of false witnesses, + be sure to avoid intemperance. If it be often so hard for men to govern + their tongues when they are in their right senses, how can they hope to do + it when they are heated with drink? In those cases most men regard not + what they say, and too many not what they swear; neither will a man's + memory, disordered with drunkenness, serve to defend himself, or satisfy + him whether he were guilty or no. + </p> + <p> + 4thly, Avoid, as much as possible, the conversation of those people, who + are given to talk of public persons and affairs, especially of those whose + opinions in such matters are different from yours. I never once knew any + disputes of this kind managed with tolerable temper; but on both sides + they only agree as much as possible to provoke the passions of each other, + indeed with this disadvantage, that he who argueth on the side of power + may speak securely the utmost his malice can invent; while the other lieth + every moment at the mercy of an informer; and the law, in these cases, + will give no allowance at all for passion, inadvertency, or the highest + provocation. + </p> + <p> + I come now in the last place to shew you how far it is your duty as good + subjects and good neighbours to bear faithful witness, when you are + lawfully called to it by those in authority, or by the sincere advice of + your own consciences. + </p> + <p> + In what I have hitherto said, you easily find, that I do not talk of + bearing witness in general, which is and may be lawful upon a thousand + accounts in relation to property and other matters, and wherein there are + many scandalous corruptions, almost peculiar to this country, which would + require to be handled by themselves. But I have confined my discourse only + to that branch of bearing false witness, whereby the public is injured in + the safety or honour of the prince, or those in authority under him. + </p> + <p> + In order therefore to be a faithful witness, it is first necessary that a + man doth not undertake it from the least prospect of any private advantage + to himself. The smallest mixture of that leaven will sour the whole lump. + Interest will infallibly bias his judgment, although he be ever so firmly + resolved to say nothing but truth. He cannot serve God and Mammon; but as + interest is his chief end, he will use the most effectual means to advance + it. He will aggravate circumstances to make his testimony valuable; he + will be sorry if the person he accuseth should be able to clear himself; + in short, he is labouring a point which he thinks necessary to his own + good; and it would be a disappointment to him, that his neighbour should + prove innocent. + </p> + <p> + 5thly, Every good subject is obliged to bear witness against his + neighbour, for any action or words, the telling of which would be of + advantage to the public, and the concealment dangerous, or of ill example. + Of this nature are all plots and conspiracies against the peace of a + nation, all disgraceful words against a prince, such as clearly discover a + disloyal and rebellious heart: But where our prince and country can + possibly receive no damage or disgrace; where no scandal or ill example is + given; and our neighbour, it may be, provoked by us, happeneth privately + to drop a rash or indiscreet word, which in strictness of law might bring + him under trouble, perhaps to his utter undoing; there we are obliged, we + ought, to proceed no further than warning and reproof. + </p> + <p> + In describing to you the several kinds of false witnesses, I have made it + less necessary to dwell much longer upon this head; because a faithful + witness like everything else is known by his contrary: Therefore it would + be only a repetition of what I have already said to tell you, that the + strictest truth is required in a witness; that he should be wholly free + from malice against the person he accuses; that he should not aggravate + the smallest circumstance against the criminal, nor conceal the smallest + in his favour; and to crown all, though I have hinted it before, that the + only cause or motive of his undertaking an office, so subject to censure, + and so difficult to perform, should be the safety and service of his + prince and country. + </p> + <p> + Under these conditions and limitations (but not otherwise,) there is no + manner of doubt but a good man may lawfully and justly become a witness in + behalf of the public, and may perform that office (in its own nature not + very desirable) with honour and integrity. For the command in the text is + positive as well as negative; that is to say, as we are directed not to + bear false witness against our neighbour, so we are to bear true. Next to + the word of God, and the advice of teachers, every man's conscience, + strictly examined, will be his best director in this weighty point; and to + that I shall leave him. + </p> + <p> + It might perhaps be thought proper to have added something by way of + advice to those who are unhappily engaged in this abominable trade and sin + of bearing false witness; but I am far from believing or supposing any of + that destructive tribe are now my hearers. I look upon them as a sort of + people that seldom frequent these holy places, where they can hardly pick + up any materials to serve their turn, unless they think it worth their + while to misrepresent or pervert the words of the preacher: And whoever is + that way disposed, I doubt, cannot be in a very good condition to edify + and reform himself by what he heareth. God in his mercy preserve us from + all the guilt of this grievous sin forbidden in my text, and from the + snares of those who are guilty of it! + </p> + <p> + I shall conclude with one or two precepts given by Moses, from God, to the + children of Israel, in the xxiiid of Exod. 1, 2. + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt not raise a false report: Put not thine hand with the wicked, + to be an unrighteous witness. + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil, neither shalt them speak in + a cause to decline after many, to wrest judgment." + </p> + <p> + Now to God the Father, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD.[1] + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The title of this sermon as given in Contents of Swift's + "Works," vol. viii., pt. i. (4to, 1765) is, "A Sermon upon the Excellence + of Christianity in Opposition to Heathen Philosophy." [T.S.]] + </p> + <h3> + I COR. III. 19. + </h3> + <p> + "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." + </p> + <p> + It is remarkable that, about the time of our Saviour's coming into the + world, all kinds of learning flourished to a very great degree, insomuch + that nothing is more frequent in the mouths of many men, even such who + pretend to read and to know, than an extravagant praise and opinion of the + wisdom and virtue of the Gentile sages of those days, and likewise of + those ancient philosophers who went before them, whose doctrines are left + upon record either by themselves or other writers. As far as this may be + taken for granted, it may be said, that the providence of God brought this + about for several very wise ends and purposes: For, it is certain that + these philosophers had been a long time before searching out where to fix + the true happiness of man; and, not being able to agree upon any certainty + about it, they could not possibly but conclude, if they judged + impartially, that all their enquiries were, in the end, but vain and + fruitless; the consequence of which must be not only an acknowledgment of + the weakness of all human wisdom, but likewise an open passage hereby + made, for the letting in those beams of light, which the glorious sunshine + of the Gospel then brought into the world, by revealing those hidden + truths, which they had so long before been labouring to discover, and + fixing the general happiness of mankind beyond all controversy and + dispute. And therefore the providence of God wisely suffered men of deep + genius and learning then to arise, who should search into the truth of the + Gospel now made known, and canvass its doctrines with all the subtilty and + knowledge they were masters of, and in the end freely acknowledge that to + be the true wisdom only "which cometh from above." (James, iii. 15, 16, + 17.) + </p> + <p> + However, to make a further enquiry into the truth of this observation, I + doubt not but there is reason to think that a great many of those + encomiums given to ancient philosophers are taken upon trust, and by a + sort of men who are not very likely to be at the pains of an enquiry that + would employ so much time and thinking. For the usual ends why men affect + this kind of discourse, appear generally to be either out of ostentation, + that they may pass upon the world for persons of great knowledge and + observation; or, what is worse, there are some who highly exalt the wisdom + of those Gentile sages, thereby obliquely to glance at and traduce Divine + Revelation, and more especially that of the Gospel; for the consequence + they would have us draw is this: That, since those ancient philosophers + rose to a greater pitch of wisdom and virtue than was ever known among + Christians, and all this purely upon the strength of their own reason and + liberty of thinking, therefore it must follow, that either all Revelation + is false, or, what is worse, that it has depraved the nature of man, and + left him worse than it found him. + </p> + <p> + But this high opinion of heathen wisdom is not very ancient in the world, + nor at all countenanced from primitive times: Our Saviour had but a low + esteem of it, as appears by His treatment of the Pharisees and Sadducees, + who followed the doctrines of Plato and Epicurus. St Paul likewise, who + was well versed in all the Grecian literature, seems very much to despise + their philosophy, as we find in his writings, cautioning the Colossians to + "beware lest any man spoil them through philosophy and vain deceit." And, + in another place, he advises Timothy to "avoid profane and vain babblings, + and oppositions of science, falsely so called;" that is, not to introduce + into the Christian doctrine the janglings of those vain philosophers, + which they would pass upon the world for science. And the reasons he gives + are, first, That those who professed them did err concerning the faith: + </p> + <p> + Secondly, Because the knowledge of them did encrease ungodliness, vain + babblings being otherways expounded vanities, or empty sounds; that is, + tedious disputes about words, which the philosophers were always so full + of, and which were the natural product of disputes and dissensions between + several sects. + </p> + <p> + Neither had the primitive fathers any great or good opinion of the heathen + philosophy, as it is manifest from several passages in their writings: So + that this vein of affecting to raise the reputation of those sages so + high, is a mode and a vice but of yesterday, assumed chiefly, as I have + said, to disparage revealed knowledge, and the consequences of it among + us. + </p> + <p> + Now, because this is a prejudice which may prevail with some persons, so + far as to lessen the influence of the Gospel, and whereas therefore this + is an opinion which men of education are like to be encountered with, when + they have produced themselves into the world; I shall endeavour to shew + that their preference of heathen wisdom and virtue, before that of the + Christian, is every way unjust, and grounded upon ignorance or mistake: In + order to which I shall consider four things. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>, I shall produce certain points, wherein the wisdom and + virtue of all unrevealed philosophy in general, fell short, and was very + imperfect. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>, I shall shew, in several instances, where some of the + most renowned philosophers have been grossly defective in their lessons of + morality. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>, I shall prove the perfection of Christian wisdom, from the + proper characters and marks of it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>, I shall shew that the great examples of wisdom and virtue + among the heathen wise men, were produced by personal merit, and not + influenced by the doctrine of any sect; whereas, in Christianity, it is + quite the contrary. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>, I shall produce certain points, wherein the wisdom and + virtue of all unrevealed philosophy in general fell short, and was very + imperfect. + </p> + <p> + My design is to persuade men, that Christian philosophy is in all things + preferable to heathen wisdom; from which, or its professors, I shall + however have no occasion to detract. They were as wise and as good as it + was possible for them under such disadvantages, and would have probably + been infinitely more with such aids as we enjoy: But our lessons are + certainly much better, however our practices may fail short. + </p> + <p> + The first point I shall mention is that universal defect which was in all + their schemes, that they could not agree about their chief good, or + wherein to place the happiness of mankind, nor had any of them a tolerable + answer upon this difficulty, to satisfy a reasonable person. For, to say, + as the most plausible of them did, that happiness consisted in virtue, was + but vain babbling, and a mere sound of words, to amuse others and + themselves; because they were not agreed what this virtue was, or wherein + it did consist; and likewise, because several among the best of them + taught quite different things, placing happiness in health or good + fortune, in riches or in honour, where all were agreed that virtue was + not, as I shall have occasion to shew, when I speak of their particular + tenets. + </p> + <p> + The second great defect in the Gentile philosophy was, that it wanted some + suitable reward proportioned to the better part of man, his mind, as an + encouragement for his progress in virtue. The difficulties they met with + upon the score of this default were great, and not to be accounted for: + Bodily goods, being only suitable to bodily wants, are no rest at all for + the mind; and, if they were, yet are they not the proper fruits of wisdom + and virtue, being equally attainable by the ignorant and wicked. Now, + human nature is so constituted, that we can never pursue anything heartily + but upon hopes of a reward. If we run a race, it is in expectation of a + prize, and the greater the prize the faster we run; for an incorruptible + crown, if we understand it and believe it to be such, more than a + corruptible one. But some of the philosophers gave all this quite another + turn, and pretended to refine so far, as to call virtue its own reward, + and worthy to be followed only for itself: Whereas, if there be anything + in this more than the sound of the words, it is at least too abstracted to + become a universal influencing principle in the world, and therefore could + not be of general use. + </p> + <p> + It was the want of assigning some happiness, proportioned to the soul of + man, that caused many of them, either, on the one hand, to be sour and + morose, supercilious and untreatable; or, on the other, to fall into the + vulgar pursuits of common men, to hunt after greatness and riches, to make + their court, and to serve occasions; as Plato did to the younger + Dionysius, and Aristotle to Alexander the Great. So impossible is it for a + man, who looks no further than the present world, to fix himself long in a + contemplation where the present world has no part: He has no sure hold, no + firm footing; he can never expect to remove the earth he rests upon, while + he has no support beside for his feet, but wants, like Archimedes, some + other place whereon to stand. To talk of bearing pain and grief, without + any sort of present or future hope, cannot be purely greatness of spirit; + there must be a mixture in it of affectation, and an alloy of pride, or + perhaps is wholly counterfeit. + </p> + <p> + It is true there has been all along in the world a notion of rewards and + punishments in another life; but it seems to have rather served as an + entertainment to poets, or as a terror of children, than a settled + principle, by which men pretended to govern any of their actions. The last + celebrated words of Socrates, a little before his death, do not seem to + reckon or build much upon any such opinion; and Cæsar made no scruple to + disown it, and ridicule it in open senate. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>, The greatest and wisest of all their philosophers were + never able to give any satisfaction, to others and themselves, in their + notions of a Deity. They were often extremely gross and absurd in their + conceptions; and those who made the fairest conjectures are such as were + generally allowed by the learned to have seen the system of Moses, if I + may so call it, who was in great reputation at that time in the heathen + world, as we find by Diodonis, Justin, Longinus, and other authors; for + the rest, the wisest among them laid aside all notions after a Deity, as a + disquisition vain and fruitless, which indeed it was, upon unrevealed + principles; and those who ventured to engage too far fell into incoherence + and confusion. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>, Those among them who had the justest conceptions of a + Divine Power, and did also admit a Providence, had no notion at all of + entirely relying and depending upon either; they trusted in themselves for + all things: But, as for a trust or dependence upon God, they would not + have understood the phrase; it made no part of the profane style. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was, that, in all issues and events, which they could not + reconcile to their own sentiments of reason and justice, they were quite + disconcerted: They had no retreat; but, upon every blow of adverse + fortune, either affected to be indifferent, or grew sullen and severe, or + else yielded and sunk like other men. + </p> + <p> + Having now produced certain points, wherein the wisdom and virtue of all + unrevealed philosophy fell short, and was very imperfect; I go on, in the + second place, to shew in several instances, where some of the most + renowned philosophers have been grossly defective in their lessons of + morality. + </p> + <p> + Thales, the founder of the Ionic sect, so celebrated for morality, being + asked how a man might bear ill-fortune with greatest ease, answered, "By + seeing his enemies in a worse condition." An answer truly barbarous, + unworthy of human nature, and which included such consequences as must + destroy all society from the world. + </p> + <p> + Solon, lamenting the death of a son, one told him, "You lament in vain:" + "Therefore" (said he) "I lament, because it is in vain." This was a plain + confession how imperfect all his philosophy was, and that something was + still wanting. He owned that all his wisdom and morals were useless, and + this upon one of the most frequent accidents in life. How much better + could he have learned to support himself even from David, by his entire + dependence upon God; and that before our Saviour had advanced the notions + of religion to the height and perfection wherewith He hath instructed His + disciples? Plato himself, with all his refinements, placed happiness in + wisdom, health, good fortune, honour, and riches; and held that they who + enjoyed all these were perfectly happy: Which opinion was indeed unworthy + its owner, leaving the wise and the good man wholly at the mercy of + uncertain chance, and to be miserable without resource. + </p> + <p> + His scholar, Aristotle, fell more grossly into the same notion; and + plainly affirmed, "That virtue, without the goods of fortune, was not + sufficient for happiness, but that a wise man must be miserable in poverty + and sickness." Nay, Diogenes himself, from whose pride and singularity one + would have looked for other notions, delivered it as his opinion, "That a + poor old man was the most miserable thing in life." + </p> + <p> + Zeno also and his followers fell into many absurdities, among which + nothing could be greater than that of maintaining all crimes to be equal, + which, instead of making vice hateful, rendered it as a thing indifferent + and familiar to all men. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: Epicurus had no notion of justice but as it was profitable; + and his placing happiness in pleasure, with all the advantages he could + expound it by, was liable to very great exception: For, although he taught + that pleasure did consist in virtue, yet he did not any way fix or + ascertain the boundaries of virtue, as he ought to have done; by which + means he misled his followers into the greatest vices, making their names + to become odious and scandalous, even in the heathen world. + </p> + <p> + I have produced these few instances from a great many others, to shew the + imperfection of heathen philosophy, wherein I have confined myself wholly + to their morality. And surely we may pronounce upon it in the words of St + James, that "This wisdom descended not from above, but was earthly and + sensual." What if I had produced their absurd notions about God and the + soul? It would then have completed the character given it by that apostle, + and appeared to have been devilish too. But it is easy to observe, from + the nature of these few particulars, that their defects in morals were + purely the flagging and fainting of the mind, for want of a support by + revelation from God. + </p> + <p> + I proceed therefore, in the third place, to shew the perfection of + Christian wisdom from above, and I shall endeavour to make it appear from + those proper characters and marks of it by the apostle before mentioned, + in the third chapter, and 15th, 16th, and 17th verses. + </p> + <p> + The words run thus: + </p> + <p> + "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. + </p> + <p> + "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work. + </p> + <p> + "But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, + and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without + partiality, and without hypocrisy." + </p> + <p> + "The wisdom from above is first pure." This purity of the mind and spirit + is peculiar to the Gospel. Our Saviour says, "Blessed are the pure in + heart, for they shall see God." A mind free from all pollution of lusts + shall have a daily vision of God, whereof unrevealed religion can form no + notion. This it is which keeps us unspotted from the world; and hereby + many have been prevailed upon to live in the practice of all purity, + holiness, and righteousness, far beyond the examples of the most + celebrated philosophers. + </p> + <p> + It is "peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated." The Christian + doctrine teacheth us all those dispositions that make us affable and + courteous, gentle and kind, without any morose leaven of pride or vanity, + which entered into the composition of most heathen schemes: So we are + taught to be meek and lowly. Our Saviour's last legacy was peace; and He + commands us to forgive our offending brother unto seventy times seven. + Christian wisdom is full of mercy and good works, teaching the height of + all moral virtues, of which the heathens fall infinitely short. Plato + indeed (and it is worth observing) has somewhere a dialogue, or part of + one, about forgiving our enemies, which was perhaps the highest strain + ever reached by man, without divine assistance; yet how little is that to + what our Saviour commands us? "To love them that hate us; to bless them + that curse us; and do good to them that despitefully use us." + </p> + <p> + Christian wisdom is "without partiality;" it is not calculated for this or + that nation of people, but the whole race of mankind: Not so the + philosophical schemes, which were narrow and confined, adapted to their + peculiar towns, governments, or sects; but, "in every nation, he that + feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: It is "without hypocrisy:" It appears to be what it really + is; it is all of a piece. By the doctrines of the Gospel we are so far + from being allowed to publish to the world those virtues we have not, that + we are commanded to hide, even from ourselves, those we really have, and + not to let our right hand know what our left hand does; unlike several + branches of the heathen wisdom, which pretended to teach insensibility and + indifference, magnanimity and contempt of life, while, at the same time, + in other parts it belied its own doctrines. + </p> + <p> + I come now, in the last place, to shew that the great examples of wisdom + and virtue, among the Grecian sages, were produced by personal merit, and + not influenced by the doctrine of any particular sect; whereas, in + Christianity, it is quite the contrary. + </p> + <p> + The two virtues most celebrated by ancient moralists were Fortitude and + Temperance, as relating to the government of man in his private capacity, + to which their schemes were generally addressed and confined; and the two + instances, wherein those virtues arrived at the greatest height, were + Socrates and Cato. But neither those, nor any other virtues possessed by + these two, were at all owing to any lessons or doctrines of a sect. For + Socrates himself was of none at all; and although Cato was called a Stoic, + it was more from a resemblance of manners in his worst qualities, than + that he avowed himself one of their disciples. The same may be affirmed of + many other great men of antiquity. From whence I infer, that those who + were renowned for virtue among them, were more obliged to the good natural + dispositions of their own minds, than to the doctrines of any sect they + pretended to follow. + </p> + <p> + On the other side, As the examples of fortitude and patience, among the + primitive Christians, have been infinitely greater and more numerous, so + they were altogether the product of their principles and doctrine; and + were such as the same persons, without those aids, would never have + arrived to. Of this truth most of the apostles, with many thousand + martyrs, are a cloud of witnesses beyond exception. Having therefore + spoken so largely upon the former heads, I shall dwell no longer upon + this. + </p> + <p> + And, if it should here be objected, Why does not Christianity still + produce the same effects? it is easy to answer, First, That although the + number of pretended Christians be great, yet that of true believers, in + proportion to the other, was never so small; and it is a true lively faith + alone, that by the assistance of God's grace, can influence our practice. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>, we may answer, That Christianity itself has very much + suffered by being blended up with Gentile philosophy. The Platonic system, + first taken into religion, was thought to have given matter for some early + heresies in the Church. When disputes began to arise, the Peripatetic + forms were introduced by Scotus, as best fitted for controversy. And, + however this may now have become necessary, it was surely the author of a + litigious vein, which has since occasioned very pernicious consequences, + stopped the progress of Christianity, and been a great promoter of vice, + verifying that sentence given by St James, and mentioned before, "Where + envying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work." This was + the fatal stop to the Grecians, in their progress both of arts and arms: + Their wise men were divided under several sects, and their governments + under several commonwealths, all in opposition to each other; which + engaged them in eternal quarrels among themselves, while they should have + been armed against the common enemy. And I wish we had no other examples + from the like causes, less foreign or ancient than that. Diogenes said + Socrates was a madman; the disciples of Zeno and Epicurus, nay of Plato + and Aristotle, were engaged in fierce disputes about the most + insignificant trifles. And, if this be the present language and practice + among us Christians, no wonder that Christianity does not still produce + the same effects which it did at first, when it was received and embraced + in its utmost purity and perfection. For such a wisdom as this cannot + "descend from above," but must be "earthly, sensual, devilish; full of + confusion and every evil work": Whereas "the wisdom from above, is first + pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and + good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." This is the true + heavenly wisdom, which Christianity only can boast of, and which the + greatest of the heathen wise men could never arrive at. + </p> + <p> + Now to God the Father, &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DOING GOOD: + </h2> + <h3> + A SERMON, ON THE OCCASION OF WOOD'S PROJECT.[1] + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "I did very lately, as I thought it my duty, preach to the + people under my inspection, upon the subject of Mr. Wood's coin; and + although I never heard that my sermon gave the least offence, as I am sure + none was intended; yet, if it were now printed and published, I cannot + say, I would insure it from the hands of the common hangman; or my own + person from those of a messenger." See "The Drapier's Letters," No. VI. + </p> + <p> + "'I never' (said the Dean in a jocular conversation), 'preached but twice + in my life; and then they were not sermons, but pamphlets.' Being asked on + what subject, he replied, 'They were against Wood's halfpence.'"—Pilkington's + <i>Memoirs</i>, vol. i. p. 56. + </p> + <p> + "The pieces relating to Ireland are those of a public nature; in which the + Dean appears, as usual, in the best light, because they do honour to his + heart as well as to his head; furnishing some additional proofs, that, + though he was very free in his abuse of the inhabitants of that country, + as well natives as foreigners, he had their interest sincerely at heart, + and perfectly understood it. His sermon upon Doing Good, though peculiarly + adapted to Ireland and Wood's designs upon it, contains perhaps the best + motives to patriotism that were ever delivered within so small a compass."—BURKE.] + </p> + <h3> + WRITTEN IN THE YEAR MDCCXXIV. + </h3> + <h3> + GALATIANS, VI. 10. + </h3> + <p> + "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men." + </p> + <p> + Nature directs every one of us, and God permits us, to consult our own + private good before the private good of any other person whatsoever. We + are, indeed, commanded to love our neighbour as ourselves, but not as well + as ourselves. The love we have for ourselves is to be the pattern of that + love we ought to have towards our neighbour: But, as the copy doth not + equal the original, so my neighbour cannot think it hard, if I prefer + myself, who am the original, before him, who is only the copy. Thus, if + any matter equally concern the life, the reputation, the profit of my + neighbour, and my own; the law of nature, which is the law of God, + obligeth me to take care of myself first, and afterwards of him. And this + I need not be at much pains in persuading you to; for the want of + self-love, with regard to things of this world, is not among the faults of + mankind. But then, on the other side, if, by a small hurt and loss to + myself, I can procure a great good to my neighbour, in that case his + interest is to be preferred. For example, if I can be sure of saving his + life, without great danger to my own; if I can preserve him from being + undone, without ruining myself, or recover his reputation without blasting + mine; all this I am obliged to do: and, if I sincerely perform it, I do + then obey the command of God, in loving my neighbour as myself. + </p> + <p> + But, beside this love we owe to every man in his particular capacity under + the title of our neighbour, there is yet a duty of a more large extensive + nature incumbent on us; which is, our love to our neighbour in his public + capacity, as he is a member of that great body the commonwealth, under the + same government with ourselves; and this is usually called love of the + public, and is a duty to which we are more strictly obliged than even that + of loving ourselves; because therein ourselves are also contained, as well + as all our neighbours, in one great body. This love of the public, or of + the commonwealth, or love of our country, was in ancient times properly + known by the name of virtue, because it was the greatest of all virtues, + and was supposed to contain all virtues in it: And many great examples of + this virtue are left us on record, scarcely to be believed, or even + conceived, in such a base, corrupted, wicked age as this we live in. In + those times it was common for men to sacrifice their lives for the good of + their country, although they had neither hope or belief of future rewards; + whereas, in our days, very few make the least scruple of sacrificing a + whole nation, as well as their own souls, for a little present gain; which + often hath been known to end in their own ruin in this world, as it + certainly must in that to come. + </p> + <p> + Have we not seen men, for the sake of some petty employment, give up the + very natural rights and liberties of their country, and of mankind, in the + ruin of which themselves must at last be involved? Are not these + corruptions gotten among the meanest of our people, who, for a piece of + money, will give their votes at a venture, for the disposal of their own + lives and fortunes, without considering whether it be to those who are + most likely to betray or defend them? But, if I were to produce only one + instance of a hundred wherein we fail in this duty of loving our country, + it would be an endless labour; and therefore I shall not attempt it. + </p> + <p> + But here I would not be misunderstood: By the love of our country I do not + mean loyalty to our king, for that is a duty of another nature; and a man + may be very loyal, in the common sense of the word, without one grain of + public good at his heart. Witness this very kingdom we live in. I verily + believe, that, since the beginning of the world, no nation upon earth ever + shewed (all circumstances considered) such high constant marks of loyalty + in all their actions and behaviour, as we have done: And, at the same + time, no people ever appeared more utterly void of what is called a public + spirit. When I say the people, I mean the bulk or mass of the people, for + I have nothing to do with those in power. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I shall think my time not ill spent, if I can persuade most or + all of you who hear me, to shew the love you have for your country, by + endeavouring, in your several stations, to do all the public good you are + able. For I am certainly persuaded, that all our misfortunes arise from no + other original cause than that general disregard among us to the public + welfare. + </p> + <p> + I therefore undertake to shew you three things. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: That there are few people so weak or mean, who have it not + sometimes in their power to be useful to the public. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: That it is often in the power of the meanest among + mankind to do mischief to the public. + </p> + <p> + And, <i>Lastly</i>: That all wilful injuries done to the public are very + great and aggravated sins in the sight of God. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: There are few people so weak or mean, who have it not + sometimes in their power to be useful to the public. Solomon tells us of a + poor wise man who saved a city by his counsel. It hath often happened that + a private soldier, by some unexpected brave attempt, hath been + instrumental in obtaining a great victory. How many obscure men have been + authors of very useful inventions, whereof the world now reaps the + benefit? The very example of honesty and industry in a poor tradesman will + sometimes spread through a neighbourhood, when others see how successful + he is; and thus so many useful members are gained, for which the whole + body of the public is the better. Whoever is blessed with a true public + spirit, God will certainly put it into his way to make use of that + blessing, for the ends it was given him, by some means or other: And + therefore it hath been observed in most ages, that the greatest actions, + for the benefit of the commonwealth, have been performed by the wisdom or + courage, the contrivance or industry, of particular men, and not of + numbers; and that the safety of a kingdom hath often been owing to those + hands from whence it was least expected. + </p> + <p> + But, <i>Secondly</i>: It is often in the power of the meanest among + mankind to do mischief to the public: And hence arise most of those + miseries with which the states and kingdoms of the earth are infested. How + many great princes have been murdered by the meanest ruffians? The weakest + hand can open a flood-gate to drown a country, which a thousand of the + strongest cannot stop. Those who have thrown off all regard for public + good, will often have it in their way to do public evil, and will not fail + to exercise that power whenever they can. The greatest blow given of late + to this kingdom, was by the dishonesty of a few manufacturers; who, by + imposing bad ware at foreign markets, in almost the only traffic permitted + to us, did half ruin that trade; by which this poor unhappy kingdom now + suffers in the midst of sufferings. I speak not here of persons in high + stations, who ought to be free from all reflection, and are supposed + always to intend the welfare of the community: But we now find by + experience, that the meanest instrument may, by the concurrence of + accidents, have it in his power to bring a whole kingdom to the very brink + of destruction, and is, at this present, endeavouring to finish his work; + and hath agents among ourselves, who are contented to see their own + country undone, to be small sharers in that iniquitous gain, which at last + must end in their own ruin as well as ours. I confess, it was chiefly the + consideration of that great danger we are in, which engaged me to + discourse to you on this subject; to exhort you to a love of your country, + and a public spirit, when all you have is at stake; to prefer the interest + of your prince and your fellow-subjects before that of one destructive + impostor, and a few of his adherents. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it may be thought by some, that this way of discoursing is not so + proper from the pulpit. But surely, when an open attempt is made, and far + carried on, to make a great kingdom one large poorhouse, to deprive us of + all means to exercise hospitality or charity, to turn our cities and + churches into ruins, to make the country a desert for wild beasts and + robbers, to destroy all arts and sciences, all trades and manufactures, + and the very tillage of the ground, only to enrich one obscure + ill-designing projector, and his followers; it is time for the pastor to + cry out that the wolf is getting into his flock, to warn them to stand + together, and all to consult the common safety. And God be praised for His + infinite goodness in raising such a spirit of union among us, at least in + this point, in the midst of all our former divisions; which union, if it + continue, will, in all probability, defeat the pernicious design of this + pestilent enemy to the nation. + </p> + <p> + But, from hence, it clearly follows how necessary the love of our country, + or a public spirit, is in every particular man, since the wicked have so + many opportunities of doing public mischief. Every man is upon his guard + for his private advantage; but, where the public is concerned, he is apt + to be negligent, considering himself only as one among two or three + millions, among whom the loss is equally shared, and thus, he thinks, he + can be no great sufferer. Meanwhile the trader, the farmer, and the + shopkeeper, complain of the hardness and deadness of the times, and wonder + whence it comes; while it is, in a great measure, owing to their own + folly, for want of that love of their country, and public spirit and firm + union among themselves, which are so necessary to the prosperity of every + nation. + </p> + <p> + Another method by which the meanest wicked man, may have it in his power + to injure the public, is false accusation, whereof this kingdom hath + afforded too many examples: Neither is it long since no man, whose + opinions were thought to differ from those in fashion, could safely + converse beyond his nearest friends, for fear of being sworn against, as a + traitor, by those who made a traffic of perjury and subornation; by which + the very peace of the nation was disturbed, and men fled from each other + as they would from a lion or a bear got loose. And, it is very remarkable, + that the pernicious project now in hand to reduce us to beggary, was + forwarded by one of these false accusers, who had been convicted of + endeavouring, by perjury and subornation, to take away the lives of + several innocent persons here among us; and, indeed, there could not be a + more proper instrument for such a work. + </p> + <p> + Another method by which the meanest people may do injury to the public, is + the spreading of lies and false rumours, thus raising a distrust among the + people of a nation, causing them to mistake their true interest, and their + enemies for their friends: And this hath been likewise too successful a + practice among us, where we have known the whole kingdom misled by the + grossest lies, raised upon occasion to serve some particular turn. As it + hath also happened in the case I lately mentioned, where one obscure man, + by representing our wants where they were least, and concealing them where + they were greatest, had almost succeeded in a project of utterly ruining + this whole kingdom; and may still succeed, if God doth not continue that + public spirit, which He hath almost miraculously kindled in us upon this + occasion. + </p> + <p> + Thus we see the public is many times, as it were, at the mercy of the + meanest instrument, who can be wicked enough to watch opportunities of + doing it mischief, upon the principles of avarice or malice; which, I am + afraid, are deeply rooted in too many breasts, and against which there can + be no defence, but a firm resolution in all honest men, to be closely + united and active in shewing their love to their country, by preferring + the public interest to their present private advantage. If a passenger, in + a great storm at sea, should hide his goods that they might not be thrown + overboard to lighten the ship, what would be the consequence? The ship is + cast away, and he loses his life and goods together. + </p> + <p> + We have heard of men, who, through greediness of gain, have brought + infected goods into a nation, which bred a plague, whereof the owners and + their families perished first. Let those among us consider this and + tremble, whose houses are privately stored with those materials of beggary + and desolation, lately brought over to be scattered like a pestilence + among their countrymen, which may probably first seize upon themselves and + their families, until their houses shall be made a dunghill. + </p> + <p> + I shall mention one practice more, by which the meanest instruments often + succeed in doing public mischief; and this is by deceiving us with + plausible arguments, to make us believe that the most ruinous project they + can offer is intended for our good, as it happened in the case so often + mentioned. For the poor ignorant people, allured by the appearing + convenience in their small dealings, did not discover the serpent in the + brass,[2] but were ready, like the Israelites, to offer incense to it; + neither could the wisdom of the nation convince them, until some, of good + intentions, made the cheat so plain to their sight, that those who run may + read. And thus the design was to treat us, in every point, as the + Philistines treated Samson, (I mean when he was betrayed by Delilah) first + to put out our eyes, and then bind us with fetters of brass. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "Brass" may be read "Wood's halfpence." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + I proceed to the last thing I proposed, which was to shew you that all + wilful injuries done to the public, are very great and aggravated sins in + the sight of God. + </p> + <p> + <i>First:</i> It is apparent from Scripture, and most agreeable to reason, + that the safety and welfare of nations are under the most peculiar care of + God's providence. Thus He promised Abraham to save Sodom, if only ten + righteous men could be found in it. Thus the reason which God gave to + Jonas for not destroying Nineveh was, because there were six score + thousand men in that city. + </p> + <p> + All government is from God, Who is the God of order, and therefore whoever + attempts to breed confusion or disturbance among a people, doth his utmost + to take the government of the world out of God's hands, and to put it into + the hands of the Devil, who is the author of confusion. By which it is + plain, that no crime, how heinous soever, committed against particular + persons, can equal the guilt of him who does injury to the public. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: All offenders against their country lie under this + grievous difficulty, that it is next to impossible to obtain a pardon, or + make restitution. The bulk of mankind are very quick at resenting + injuries, and very slow in forgiving them: And how shall one man be able + to obtain the pardon of millions, or repair the injuries he hath done to + millions? How shall those, who, by a most destructive fraud, got the whole + wealth of our neighbouring kingdom into their hands, be ever able to make + a recompence? How will the authors and promoters of that villainous + project, for the ruin of this poor country, be able to account with us for + the injuries they have already done, although they should no farther + succeed? The deplorable case of such wretches, must entirely be left to + the unfathomable mercies of God: For those who know the least in religion + are not ignorant that, without our utmost endeavours to make restitution + to the person injured, and to obtain his pardon, added to a sincere + repentance, there is no hope of salvation given in the Gospel. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: All offences against our own country have this aggravation, + that they are ungrateful and unnatural. It is to our country we owe those + laws which protect us in our lives, our liberties, our properties, and our + religion. Our country produced us into the world, and continues to nourish + us so, that it is usually called our mother; and there have been examples + of great magistrates, who have put their own children to death for + endeavouring to betray their country, as if they had attempted the life of + their natural parent. + </p> + <p> + Thus I have briefly shewn you how terrible a sin it is to be an enemy to + our country, in order to incite you to the contrary virtue, which at this + juncture is so highly necessary, when every man's endeavour will be of + use. We have hitherto been just able to support ourselves under many + hardships; but now the axe is laid to the root of the tree, and nothing + but a firm union among us can prevent our utter undoing. This we are + obliged to, in duty to our gracious King, as well as to ourselves. Let us + therefore preserve that public spirit, which God hath raised in us for our + own temporal interest For, if this wicked project should succeed, which it + cannot do but by our own folly; if we sell ourselves for nought; the + merchant, the shopkeeper, the artificer, must fly to the desert with their + miserable families, there to starve or live upon rapine, or at least + exchange their country for one more hospitable than that where they were + born. + </p> + <p> + Thus much I thought it my duty to say to you, who are under my care, to + warn you against those temporal evils, which may draw the worst of + spiritual evils after them; such as heart-burnings, murmurings, + discontents, and all manner of wickedness which a desperate condition of + life may tempt men to. + </p> + <p> + I am sensible that what I have now said will not go very far, being + confined to this assembly; but I hope it may stir up others of my brethren + to exhort their several congregations, after a more effectual manner, to + shew their love for their country on this important occasion. And this, I + am sure, cannot be called meddling in affairs of state. + </p> + <p> + I pray God protect his Most Gracious Majesty, and this kingdom, long under + his government, and defend us from all ruinous projectors, deceivers, + suborners, perjurers, false accusers, and oppressors; from the virulence + of party and faction; and unite us in loyalty to our King, love to our + country, and charity to each other. + </p> + <p> + And this we beg for Jesus Christ His sake: To Whom, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON THE MARTYRDOM OF KING CHARLES I. + </h2> + <h3> + PREACHED AT ST PATRICK'S, DUBLIN, JAN. 30, 1725-26, BEING SUNDAY. + </h3> + <h3> + GENESIS, XLIX. 5, 6, 7. + </h3> + <p> + "Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their + habitations. + </p> + <p> + "O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine + honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in + their self-will they digged down a wall. + </p> + <p> + "Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was + cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel." + </p> + <p> + I know very well, that the Church hath been often censured for keeping + holy this day of humiliation, in memory of that excellent king and blessed + martyr, Charles I., who rather chose to die on a scaffold, than betray the + religion and liberties of his people, wherewith God and the laws had + entrusted him. But, at the same time, it is manifest that those who make + such censures are either people without any religion at all, or who derive + their principles, and perhaps their birth, from the abettors of those who + contrived the murder of that prince, and have not yet shewn the world that + their opinions are changed. It is alleged, that the observation of this + day hath served to continue and increase the animosity and enmity among + our countrymen, and to disunite Protestants; that a law was made, upon the + restoration of the Martyr's son, for a general pardon and oblivion, + forbidding all reproaches upon that occasion; and, since none are now + alive who were actors or instruments in that tragedy, it is thought hard + and uncharitable to keep up the memory of it for all generations. + </p> + <p> + Now, because I conceive most of you to be ignorant in many particulars + concerning that horrid murder, and the rebellion which preceded it; I + will, + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>, relate to you so much of the story as may be sufficient for + your information: + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>, I will tell you the consequences which this bloody deed + had upon these kingdoms: + </p> + <p> + And, <i>Lastly</i>, I will shew you to what good uses this solemn day of + humiliation may be applied. + </p> + <p> + As to the first: In the reign of this prince, Charles the Martyr, the + power and prerogative of the king were much greater than they are in our + times, and so had been for at least seven hundred years before; And the + best princes we ever had, carried their power much farther than the + blessed Martyr offered to do in the most blameable part of his reign. But, + the lands of the Crown having been prodigally bestowed to favourites, in + the preceding reigns, the succeeding kings could not support themselves + without taxes raised by Parliament; which put them under a necessity of + frequently calling those assemblies: And, the crown lands being gotten + into the hands of the nobility and gentry, beside the possessions of which + the Church had been robbed by King Henry the Eighth, power, which always + follows property, grew to lean to the side of the people, by whom even the + just rights of the Crown were often disputed. + </p> + <p> + But further: Upon the cruel persecution raised against the Protestants, + under Queen Mary, among great numbers who fled the kingdom to seek for + shelter, several went and resided at Geneva, which is a commonwealth, + governed without a king, and where the religion, contrived by Calvin, is + without the order of bishops. When the Protestant faith was restored by + Queen Elizabeth, those who fled to Geneva returned among the rest home to + England, and were grown so fond of the government and religion of the + place they had left, that they used all possible endeavours to introduce + both into their own country; at the same time continually preaching and + railing against ceremonies and distinct habits of the clergy, taxing + whatever they disliked, as a remnant of Popery, and continued extremely + troublesome to the Church and state, under that great Queen, as well as + her successor King James I. These people called themselves Puritans, as + pretending to a purer faith than those of the Church established. And + these were the founders of our Dissenters. They did not think it + sufficient to leave all the errors of Popery, but threw off many laudable + and edifying institutions of the primitive Church, and, at last, even the + government of bishops; which, having been ordained by the apostles + themselves, had continued without interruption, in all Christian churches, + for above fifteen hundred years. And all this they did, not because those + things were evil, but because they were kept by the Papists. From thence + they proceeded, by degrees, to quarrel with the kingly government; + because, as I have already said, the city of Geneva, to which their + fathers had flown for refuge, was a commonwealth, or government of the + people. + </p> + <p> + These Puritans, about the middle of the Martyr's reign, were grown to a + considerable faction in the kingdom, and in the Lower House of Parliament. + They filled the public with the most false and bitter libels against the + bishops and the clergy, accusing chiefly the very best among them of + Popery; and, at the same time, the House of Commons grew so insolent and + uneasy to the King, that they refused to furnish him with necessary + supplies for the support of his family, unless upon such conditions as he + could not submit to without forfeiting his conscience and honour, and even + his coronation oath. And, in such an extremity, he was forced upon a + practice, no way justifiable, of raising money; for which, however, he had + the opinion of the judges on his side; for, wicked judges there were in + those times as well as in ours. There were likewise many complaints, and + sometimes justly, made against the proceedings of a certain court, called + the Star-chamber, a judicature of great antiquity, but had suffered some + corruptions, for which, however, the King was nowise answerable, I cannot + recollect any more subjects of complaint with the least ground of reason, + nor is it needful to recollect them, because this gracious King did, upon + the first application, redress all grievances by an act of Parliament, and + put it out of his power to do any hardships for the future. But that + wicked faction in the House of Commons, not content with all those marks + of his justice and condescension, urged still for more; and joining with a + factious party from Scotland, who had the same fancies in religion, forced + him to pass an act for cutting off the head of his best and chief + minister; and, at the same time, compelled him, by tumults and + threatenings of a packed rabble, poisoned with the same doctrines, to pass + another law, by which it should not be in his power to dissolve that + Parliament without their own consent. Thus, by the greatest weakness and + infatuation that ever possessed any man's spirit, this Prince did in + effect sign his own destruction. For the House of Commons, having the + reins in their own hands, drove on furiously; sent him every day some + unreasonable demand, and when he refused to grant it, made use of their + own power, and declared that an ordinance of both Houses, without the + King's consent, should be obeyed as a law, contrary to all reason and + equity, as well as to the fundamental constitution of the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + About this time the rebellion in Ireland broke out, wherein his Parliament + refused to assist him; nor would accept his offer to come hither in person + to subdue those rebels. These, and a thousand other barbarities, forced + the King to summon his loyal subjects to his standard in his own defence. + Meanwhile the English Parliament, instead of helping the poor Protestants + here, seized on the very army that his Majesty was sending over for our + relief, and turned them against their own Sovereign. The rebellion in + England continued for four or five years: At last the King was forced to + fly in disguise to the Scots, who sold him to the rebels. And these + Puritans had the impudent cruelty to try his sacred person in a mock court + of justice, and cut off his head; which he might have saved, if he would + have yielded to betray the constitution in Church and state. + </p> + <p> + In this whole proceeding, Simeon and Levi were brethren; the wicked + insinuations of those fanatical preachers stirring up the cruelty of the + soldiers, who, by force of arms, excluded from the house every member of + Parliament, whom they apprehended to bear the least inclination towards an + agreement with the King, suffering only those to enter who thirsted + chiefly for his blood; and this is the very account given by their own + writers: From whence it is clear that this Prince was, in all respects, a + real martyr for the true religion and the liberty of the people. That + odious Parliament had first turned the bishops out of the House of Lords; + in a few years after, they murdered their King; then immediately abolished + the whole House of Lords; and so, at last, obtained their wishes, of + having a government of the people, and a new religion, both after the + manner of Geneva, without a king, a bishop, or a nobleman; and this they + blasphemously called "The kingdom of Christ and his saints." + </p> + <p> + This is enough for your information on the first head: I shall therefore + proceed to the second, wherein I will shew you the miserable consequences + which that abominable rebellion and murder produced in these nations. + </p> + <p> + <i>First:</i> The Irish rebellion was wholly owing to that wicked English + Parliament. For the leaders in the Irish Popish massacre would never have + dared to stir a finger, if they had not been encouraged by that rebellious + spirit in the English House of Commons, which they very well knew must + disable the King from sending any supplies to his Protestant subjects + here; and, therefore, we may truly say that the English Parliament held + the King's hands, while the Irish Papists here were cutting our + grandfathers' throats. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly:</i> That murderous Puritan Parliament, when they had all in + their own power, could not agree upon any one method of settling a form + either of religion or civil government; but changed every day from schism + to schism, from heresy to heresy, and from one faction to another: From + whence arose that wild confusion, still continuing in our several ways of + serving God, and those absurd notions of civil power, which have so often + torn us with factions more than any other nation in Europe. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly:</i> To this rebellion and murder have been owing the rise and + progress of atheism among us. For, men observing what numberless + villainies of all kinds were committed during twenty years, under pretence + of zeal and the reformation of God's Church, were easily tempted to doubt + that all religion was a mere imposture: And the same spirit of infidelity, + so far spread among us at this present, is nothing but the fruit of the + seeds sown by those rebellious hypocritical saints. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly:</i> The old virtue and loyalty, and generous spirit of the + English nation, were wholly corrupted by the power, the doctrine, and the + example of those wicked people. Many of the ancient nobility were killed, + and their families extinct, in defence of their Prince and country, or + murdered by the merciless courts of justice. Some of the worst among them + favoured, or complied with the reigning iniquities, and not a few of the + new set created, when the Martyr's son was restored, were such who had + drunk too deep of the bad principles then prevailing. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fifthly:</i> The children of the murdered Prince were forced to fly, + for the safety of their lives, to foreign countries; where one of them at + least, I mean King James II., was seduced to Popery; which ended in the + loss of his kingdoms, the misery and desolation of this country, and a + long and expensive war abroad. Our deliverance was owing to the valour and + conduct of the late King; and, therefore, we ought to remember him with + gratitude, but not mingled with blasphemy or idolatry. It was happy that + his interests and ours were the same: And God gave him greater success + than our sins deserved. But, as a house thrown down by a storm, is seldom + rebuilt without some change in the foundation; so it hath happened, that, + since the late Revolution, men have sat much looser in the true + fundamentals both of religion and government, and factions have been more + violent, treacherous, and malicious than ever, men running naturally from + one extreme into another; and, for private ends, taking up those very + opinions professed by the leaders in that rebellion, which carried the + blessed Martyr to the scaffold. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sixthly:</i> Another consequence of this horrid rebellion and murder + was the destroying or defacing of such vast number of God's houses. "In + their self-will they digged down a wall." If a stranger should now travel + in England, and observe the churches in his way, he could not otherwise + conclude, than that some vast army of Turks or heathens had been sent on + purpose to ruin and blot out all marks of Christianity. They spared + neither the statues of saints, nor ancient prelates, nor kings, nor + benefactors; broke down the tombs and monuments of men famous in their + generations, seized the vessels of silver set apart for the holiest use, + tore down the most innocent ornaments both within and without, made the + houses of prayer dens of thieves, or stables for cattle. These were the + mildest effects of Puritan zeal, and devotion for Christ; and this was + what themselves affected to call a thorough reformation. In this kingdom + those ravages were not so easily seen; for the people here being too poor + to raise such noble temples, the mean ones we had were not defaced, but + totally destroyed. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, it is certain, that although God might have found out many + other ways to have punished a sinful people, without permitting this + rebellion and murder, yet as the course of the world hath run ever since, + we need seek for no other causes, of all the public evils we have hitherto + suffered, or may suffer for the future, by the misconduct of princes, or + wickedness of the people. + </p> + <p> + I go on now upon the third head, to shew you to what good uses this solemn + day of humiliation may be applied. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: It may be an instruction to princes themselves, to be + careful in the choice of those who are their advisers in matters of law. + All the judges of England, except one or two, advised the King, that he + might legally raise money upon the subjects for building of ships without + consent of Parliament; which, as it was the greatest oversight of his + reign, so it proved the principal foundation of all his misfortunes. + Princes may likewise learn from hence, not to sacrifice a faithful servant + to the rage of a faction, nor to trust any body of men with a greater + share of power than the laws of the land have appointed them, much less to + deposit it in their hands until they shall please to restore it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: By bringing to mind the tragedy of this day, and the + consequences that have arisen from it, we shall be convinced how necessary + it is for those in power to curb, in season, all such unruly spirits as + desire to introduce new doctrines and discipline in the Church, or new + forms of government in the state. Those wicked Puritans began, in Queen + Elizabeth's time, to quarrel only with surplices and other habits, with + the ring in matrimony, the cross in baptism, and the like; thence they + went on to further matters of higher importance, and, at last, they must + needs have the whole government of the Church dissolved. This great work + they compassed, first, by depriving the bishops of their seats in + Parliament, then they abolished the whole order; and, at last, which was + their original design, they seized on all the Church-lands, and divided + the spoil among themselves; and, like Jeroboam, made priests of the very + dregs of the people. This was their way of reforming the Church. As to the + civil government, you have already heard how they modelled it upon the + murder of their King, and discarding the nobility. Yet, clearly to shew + what a Babel they had built, after twelve years' trial and twenty several + sorts of government; the nation grown weary of their tyranny, was forced + to call in the son of him whom those reformers had sacrificed. And thus + were Simeon and Levi divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>: Although the successors of these Puritans, I mean our + present Dissenters, do not think fit to observe this day of humiliation; + yet, since it would be very proper in them, upon some occasions, to + renounce in a public manner those principles upon which their predecessors + acted; and it will be more prudent in them to do so, because those very + Puritans, of whom ours are followers, found by experience, that after they + had overturned the Church and state, murdered their King, and were + projecting what they called a kingdom of the saints, they were cheated of + the power and possessions they only panted after, by an upstart sect of + religion that grew out of their own bowels, who subjected them to one + tyrant, while they were endeavouring to set up a thousand. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>: Those who profess to be followers of our Church + established, and yet presume in discourse to justify or excuse that + rebellion, and murder of the King, ought to consider, how utterly contrary + all such opinions are to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, as well + as to the articles of our Church, and to the preaching and practice of its + true professors for above a hundred years. Of late times, indeed, and I + speak it with grief of heart, we have heard even sermons of a strange + nature; although reason would make one think it a very unaccountable way + of procuring favour under a monarchy, by palliating and lessening the + guilt of those who murdered the best of kings in cold blood, and, for a + time, destroyed the very monarchy itself. Pray God, we may never more hear + such doctrine from the pulpit, nor have it scattered about in print, to + poison the people! + </p> + <p> + <i>Fifthly:</i> Some general knowledge of this horrid rebellion and + murder, with the consequences they had upon these nations, may be a + warning to our people not to believe a lie, and to mistrust those deluding + spirits, who, under pretence of a purer and more reformed religion, would + lead them from their duty to God and the laws. Politicians may say what + they please, but it is no hard thing at all for the meanest person, who + hath common understanding, to know whether he be well or ill governed. If + he be freely allowed to follow his trade and calling; if he be secure in + his property, and hath the benefit of the law to defend himself against + injustice and oppression; if his religion be different from that of his + country, and the government think fit to tolerate it, (which he may be + very secure of, let it be what it will;) he ought to be fully satisfied, + and give no offence, by writing or discourse, to the worship established, + as the dissenting preachers are too apt to do. But, if he hath any new + visions of his own, it is his duty to be quiet, and possess them in + silence, without disturbing the community by a furious zeal for making + proselytes. This was the folly and madness of those ancient puritan + fanatics: They must needs overturn heaven and earth, violate all the laws + of God and man, make their country a field of blood, to propagate whatever + wild or wicked opinions came into their heads, declaring all their + absurdities and blasphemies to proceed from the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + To conclude this head. In answer to that objection of keeping up animosity + and hatred between Protestants, by the observation of this day; if there + be any sect or sort of people among us, who profess the same principles in + religion and government which those puritan rebels put in practice, I + think it is the interest of all those who love the Church and King, to + keep up as strong a party against them as possible, until they shall, in a + body, renounce all those wicked opinions upon which their predecessors + acted, to the disgrace of Christianity, and the perpetual infamy of the + English nation. + </p> + <p> + When we accuse the Papists of the horrid doctrine, "that no faith ought to + be kept with heretics," they deny it to a man; and yet we justly think it + dangerous to trust them, because we know their actions have been sometimes + suitable to that opinion. But the followers of those who beheaded the + Martyr have not yet renounced their principles; and, till they do, they + may be justly suspected. Neither will the bare name of Protestants set + them right. For surely Christ requires more from us than a profession of + hating Popery, which a Turk or an atheist may do as well as a Protestant. + </p> + <p> + If an enslaved people should recover their liberty from a tyrannical power + of any sort, who could blame them for commemorating their deliverance by a + day of joy and thanksgiving? And doth not the destruction of a Church, a + King, and three kingdoms, by the artifices, hypocrisy, and cruelty of a + wicked race of soldiers and preachers, and other sons of Belial, equally + require a solemn time of humiliation? Especially since the consequences of + that bloody scene still continue, as I have already shewn, in their + effects upon us. + </p> + <p> + Thus I have done with the three heads I proposed to discourse on. But + before I conclude, I must give a caution to those who hear me, that they + may not think I am pleading for absolute unlimited power in any one man. + It is true, all power is from God, and, as the apostle says, "the powers + that be are ordained of God;" but this is in the same sense that all we + have is from God, our food and raiment, and whatever possessions we hold + by lawful means. Nothing can be meant in those, or any other words of + Scripture, to justify tyrannical power, or the savage cruelties of those + heathen emperors who lived in the time of the apostles. And so St Paul + concludes, "The powers that be are ordained of God:" For what? Why, "for + the punishment of evil doers, and the praise, the reward, of them that do + well." There is no more inward value in the greatest emperor, than in the + meanest of his subjects: His body is composed of the same substance, the + same parts, and with the same or greater, infirmities: His education is + generally worse, by flattery, and idleness, and luxury, and those evil + dispositions that early power is apt to give. It is therefore against + common sense, that his private personal interest, or pleasure, should be + put in the balance with the safety of millions, every one of which is his + equal by nature, equal in the sight of God, equally capable of salvation; + and it is for their sakes, not his own, that he is entrusted with the + government over them. He hath as high trust as can safely be reposed in + one man, and, if he discharge it as he ought, he deserves all the honour + and duty that a mortal may be allowed to receive. His personal failings we + have nothing to do with, and errors in government are to be imputed to his + ministers in the state. To what height those errors may be suffered to + proceed, is not the business of this day, or this place, or of my + function, to determine. When oppressions grow too great and universal to + be borne, nature or necessity may find a remedy. But, if a private person + reasonably expects pardon, upon his amendment, for all faults that are not + capital, it would be a hard condition indeed, not to give the same + allowance to a prince, who must see with other men's eyes, and hear with + other men's ears, which are often wilfully blind and deaf. Such was the + condition of the Martyr, and is so, in some degree, of all other princes. + Yet this we may justly say in defence of the common people, in all + civilized nations, that it must be a very bad government indeed, where the + body of the subjects will not rather choose to live in peace and + obedience, than take up arms on pretence of faults in the administration, + unless where the vulgar are deluded by false preachers to grow fond of new + visions and fancies in religion; which, managed by dexterous men, for + sinister ends of malice, envy, or ambition, have often made whole nations + run mad. This was exactly the case in the whole progress of that great + rebellion, and the murder of King Charles I. But the late Revolution under + the Prince of Orange was occasioned by a proceeding directly contrary, the + oppression and injustice there beginning from the throne: For that unhappy + prince, King James II., did not only invade our laws and liberties, but + would have forced a false religion upon his subjects, for which he was + deservedly rejected, since there could be no other remedy found, or at + least agreed on. But, under the blessed Martyr, the deluded people would + have forced many false religions, not only on their fellow-subjects, but + even upon their sovereign himself, and at the same time invaded all his + undoubted rights; and, because he would not comply, raised a horrid + rebellion, wherein, by the permission of God, they prevailed, and put + their sovereign to death, like a common criminal, in the face of the + world. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, those who seem to think they cannot otherwise justify the late + Revolution, and the change of the succession, than by lessening the guilt + of the Puritans, do certainly put the greatest affront imaginable upon the + present powers, by supposing any relation, or resemblance, between that + rebellion and the late Revolution; and, consequently, that the present + establishment is to be defended by the same arguments which those usurpers + made use of, who, to obtain their tyranny, trampled under foot all the + laws of both God and man. + </p> + <p> + One great design of my discourse was to give you warning against running + into either extreme of two bad opinions, with relation to obedience. As + kings are called gods upon earth, so some would allow them an equal power + with God, over all laws and ordinances; and that the liberty, and + property, and life, and religion of the subject, depended wholly upon the + breath of the prince; which, however, I hope was never meant by those who + pleaded for passive obedience. And this opinion hath not been confined to + that party which was first charged with it, but hath sometimes gone over + to the other, to serve many an evil turn of interest or ambition, who have + been as ready to enlarge prerogative, where they could find their own + account, as the highest maintainers of it. + </p> + <p> + On the other side, some look upon kings as answerable for every mistake or + omission in government, and bound to comply with the most unreasonable + demands of an unquiet faction; which was the case of those who persecuted + the blessed Martyr of this day from his throne to the scaffold. + </p> + <p> + Between these two extremes, it is easy, from what hath been said, to + choose a middle; to be good and loyal subjects, yet, according to your + power, faithful assertors of your religion and liberties; to avoid all + broachers and preachers of newfangled doctrines in the Church; to be + strict observers of the laws, which cannot be justly taken from you + without your own consent: In short, "to obey God and the King, and meddle + not with those who are given to change." + </p> + <p> + Which that you may all do, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ON THE POOR MAN'S CONTENTMENT. + </h2> + <h3> + PHILIPPIANS, CHAP. IV. PART OF THE 11TH VERSE. + </h3> + <p> + "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" + </p> + <p> + The holy Scripture is full of expressions to set forth the miserable + condition of man during the whole progress of his life; his weakness, + pride, and vanity; his unmeasurable desires, and perpetual + disappointments; the prevalency of his passions, and the corruptions of + his reason; his deluding hopes, and his real, as well as imaginary, fears; + his natural and artificial wants; his cares and anxieties; the diseases of + his body, and the diseases of his mind; the shortness of his life; his + dread of a future state, with his carelessness to prepare for it: And the + wise men of all ages have made the same reflections. + </p> + <p> + But all these are general calamities, from which none are excepted; and + being without remedy, it is vain to bewail them. The great question, long + debated in the world, is, whether the rich or the poor are the least + miserable of the two? It is certain, that no rich man ever desired to be + poor, and that most, if not all, poor men, desire to be rich; whence it + may be argued, that, in all appearance, the advantage lieth on the side of + wealth, because both parties agree in preferring it before poverty. But + this reasoning will be found to be false: For, I lay it down as a certain + truth, that God Almighty hath placed all men upon an equal foot, with + respect to their happiness in this world, and the capacity of attaining + their salvation in the next; or, at least, if there be any difference, it + is not to the advantage of the rich and the mighty. Now, since a great + part of those who usually make up our congregations, are not of + considerable station, and many among them of the lower sort, and since the + meaner people are generally and justly charged with the sin of repining + and murmuring at their own condition, to which, however, their betters axe + sufficiently subject (although, perhaps, for shame, not always so loud in + their complaints) I thought it might be useful to reason upon this point + in as plain a manner as I can. I shall therefore shew, first, that the + poor enjoy many temporal blessings, which are not common to the rich and + the great: And, likewise, that the rich and the great are subject to many + temporal evils, which are not common to the poor. + </p> + <p> + But here I would not be misunderstood; perhaps there is not a word more + abused than that of the poor, or wherein the world is more generally + mistaken. Among the number of those who beg in our streets, or are + half-starved at home, or languish in prison for debt, there is hardly one + in a hundred who doth not owe his misfortunes to his own laziness, or + drunkenness, or worse vices. + </p> + <p> + To these he owes those very diseases which often disable him from getting + his bread. Such wretches are deservedly unhappy: They can only blame + themselves; and when we are commanded to have pity on the poor, these are + not understood to be of the number. + </p> + <p> + It is true, indeed, that sometimes honest, endeavouring men are reduced to + extreme want, even to the begging of alms, by losses, by accidents, by + diseases, and old age, without any fault of their own: But these are very + few in comparison of the other; nor would their support be any sensible + burthen to the public, if the charity of well-disposed persons were not + intercepted by those common strollers, who are most importunate, and who + least deserve it. These, indeed, are properly and justly called the poor, + whom it should be our study to find out and distinguish, by making them + partake, of our superfluity and abundance. + </p> + <p> + But neither have these anything to do with my present subject; For, by the + poor, I only intend the honest, industrious artificer, the meaner sort of + tradesmen, and the labouring man, who getteth his bread by the sweat of + his brows, in town or country, and who make the bulk of mankind among us. + </p> + <p> + <i>First</i>: I shall therefore shew, first, that the poor (in the sense I + understand the word) do enjoy many temporal blessings, which are not + common to the rich and great; and likewise, that the rich and great are + subject to many temporal evils, which are not common to the poor. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: From the arguments offered to prove the foregoing head, I + shall draw some observations that may be useful for your practice. + </p> + <p> + I. As to the first: Health, we know, is generally allowed to be the best + of all earthly possessions, because it is that, without which we can have + no satisfaction in any of the rest. For riches are of no use, if sickness + taketh from us the ability of enjoying them, and power and greatness are + then only a burthen. Now, if we would look for health, it must be in the + humble habitation of the labouring man, or industrious artificer, who earn + their bread by the sweat of their brows, and usually live to a good old + age, with a great degree of strength and vigour. + </p> + <p> + The refreshment of the body by sleep is another great happiness of the + meaner sort. Their rest is not disturbed by the fear of thieves and + robbers, nor is it interrupted by surfeits of intemperance. Labour and + plain food supply the want of quieting draughts; and the wise man telleth + us, that the sleep of the labouring man is sweet. As to children, which + are certainly accounted of as a blessing, even to the poor, where industry + is not wanting; they are an assistance to honest parents, instead of being + a burthen; they are healthy and strong, and fit for labour; neither is the + father in fear, lest his heir should be ruined by an unequal match: Nor is + he solicitous about his rising in the world, farther than to be able to + get his bread. + </p> + <p> + The poorer sort are not the objects of general hatred or envy; they have + no twinges of ambition, nor trouble themselves with party quarrels, or + state divisions. The idle rabble, who follow their ambitious leaders in + such cases, do not fall within my description of the poorer sort; for, it + is plain, I mean only the honest industrious poor in town or country, who + are safest in times of public disturbance, in perilous seasons, and public + revolutions, if they will be quiet, and do their business; for artificers + and husbandmen are necessary in all governments: But in such seasons, the + rich are the public mark, because they are oftentimes of no use, but to be + plundered; like some sort of birds, who are good for nothing, but their + feathers; and so fall a prey to the strongest side. + </p> + <p> + Let us proceed, on the other side to examine the disadvantages which the + rich and the great lie under, with respect to the happiness of the present + life. + </p> + <p> + First, then; While health, as we have said, is the general portion of the + lower sort, the gout, the dropsy, the stone, the cholic, and all other + diseases, are continually haunting the palaces of the rich and the great, + as the natural attendants upon laziness and luxury. Neither does the rich + man eat his sumptuous fare with half the appetite and relish, that even + the beggars do the crumbs which fall from his table: But, on the contrary, + he is full of loathing and disgust, or at best of indifference, in the + midst of plenty. Thus their intemperance shortens their lives, without + pleasing their appetites. + </p> + <p> + Business, fear, guilt, design, anguish, and vexation are continually + buzzing about the curtains of the rich and the powerful, and will hardly + suffer them to close their eyes, unless when they are dosed with the fumes + of strong liquors. + </p> + <p> + It is a great mistake to imagine that the rich want but few things; their + wants are more numerous, more craving, and urgent, than those of poorer + men: For these endeavour only at the necessaries of life, which make them + happy, and they think no farther: But the desire of power and wealth is + endless, and therefore impossible to be satisfied with any acquisitions. + </p> + <p> + If riches were so great a blessing as they are commonly thought, they + would at least have this advantage, to give their owners cheerful hearts + and countenances; they would often stir them up to express their + thankfulness to God, and discover their satisfaction to the world. But, in + fact, the contrary to all this is true. For where are there more cloudy + brows, more melancholy hearts, or more ingratitude to their great + Benefactor, than among those who abound in wealth? And, indeed, it is + natural that it should be so, because those men, who covet things that are + hard to be got, must be hard to please; whereas a small thing maketh a + poor man happy, and great losses cannot befall him. + </p> + <p> + It is likewise worth considering, how few among the rich have procured + their wealth by just measures; how many owe their fortunes to the sins of + their parents, how many more to their own? If men's titles were to be + tried before a true court of conscience, where false swearing, and a + thousand vile artifices, (that are well known, and can hardly be avoided + in human courts of justice) would avail nothing; how many would be ejected + with infamy and disgrace? How many grow considerable by breach of trust, + by bribery and corruption? How many have sold their religion, with the + rights and liberties of themselves and others, for power and employments? + </p> + <p> + And, it is a mistake to think, that the most hardened sinner, who oweth + his possessions or titles to any such wicked arts of thieving, can have + true peace of mind, under the reproaches of a guilty conscience, and amid + the cries of ruined widows and orphans. + </p> + <p> + I know not one real advantage that the rich have over the poor, except the + power of doing good to others. But this is an advantage which God hath not + given wicked men the grace to make use of. The wealth acquired by evil + means was never employed to good ends; for that would be to divide the + kingdom of Satan against itself. Whatever hath been gained by fraud, + avarice, oppression, and the like, must be preserved and increased by the + same methods. + </p> + <p> + I shall add but one thing more upon this head, which I hope will convince + you, that God (whose thoughts are not as our thoughts) never intended + riches or power to be necessary for the happiness of mankind in this life; + because it is certain, that there is not one single good quality of the + mind absolutely necessary to obtain them, where men are resolved to be + rich at any rate; neither honour, justice, temperance, wisdom, religion, + truth, or learning; for a slight acquaintance of the world will inform us, + that there have been many instances of men, in all ages, who have arrived + at great possessions and great dignities, by cunning, fraud, or flattery, + without any of these, or any other virtues that can be named. Now, if + riches and greatness were such blessings, that good men without them could + not have their share of happiness in this life; how cometh it to pass, + that God should suffer them to be often dealt to the worst, and most + profligate of mankind; that they should be generally procured by the most + abominable means, and applied to the basest and most wicked uses? This + ought not to be conceived of a just, a merciful, a wise, and Almighty + Being. We must therefore conclude, that wealth and power are in their own + nature, at best, but things indifferent, and that a good man may be + equally happy without them, provided that he hath a sufficiency of the + common blessings of human life to answer all the reasonable and virtuous + demands of nature, which his industry will provide, and sobriety will + prevent his wanting. Agur's prayer, with the reasons of his wish, are full + to this purpose: "Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with food + convenient for me; lest I be full and deny thee, and say, 'Who is the + Lord?' Or, lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in + vain." + </p> + <p> + From what hath been said, I shall, in the second place, offer some + considerations, that may be useful for your practice. + </p> + <p> + And here I shall apply myself chiefly to those of the lower sort, for + whose comfort and satisfaction this discourse is principally intended. + For, having observed the great sin of those, who do not abound in wealth, + to be that of murmuring and repining, that God hath dealt his blessings + unequally to the sons of men, I thought it would be of great use to remove + out of your minds so false and wicked an opinion, by shewing that your + condition is really happier than most of you imagine. + </p> + <p> + <i>First:</i> Therefore, it hath been always agreed in the world, that the + present happiness of mankind consisted in the ease of our body and the + quiet of our mind; but, from what has been already said, it plainly + appears, that neither wealth nor power do in any sort contribute to either + of these two blessings. If, on the contrary, by multiplying our desires, + they increase our discontents; if they destroy our health, gall us with + painful diseases, and shorten our life; if they expose us to hatred, to + envy, to censure, to a thousand temptations, it is not easy to see why a + wise man should make them his choice, for their own sake, although it were + in his power. Would any of you, who are in health and strength of body, + with moderate food and raiment earned by your own labour, rather choose to + be in the rich man's bed, under the torture of the gout, unable to take + your natural rest, or natural nourishment, with the additional load of a + guilty conscience, reproaching you for injustice, oppressions, + covetousness, and fraud? No; but you would take the riches and power, and + leave behind the inconveniences that attend them; and so would every man + living. But that is more than our share, and God never intended this world + for such a place of rest as we would make it; for the Scripture assureth + us that it was only designed as a place of trial. Nothing is more + frequent, than a man to wish himself in another's condition; yet he seldom + doth it without some reserve: He would not be so old; he would not be so + sickly; he would not be so cruel; he would not be so insolent; he would + not be so vicious; he would not be so oppressive, so griping, and so on. + From whence it is plain, that, in their own judgment, men are not so + unequally dealt with, as they would at first sight imagine: For, if I + would not change my condition with another man, without any exception or + reservation at all, I am, in reality, more happy than he. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly</i>: You of the meaner sort are subject to fewer temptations + than the rich; and therefore your vices are more unpardonable. Labour + subdueth your appetites to be satisfied with common things; the business + of your several callings filleth up your whole time; so that idleness, + which is the bane and destruction of virtue, doth not lead you into the + neighbourhood of sin: Your passions are cooler, by not being inflamed with + excess, and therefore the gate and the way that lead to life are not so + straight and so narrow to you, as to those who live among all the + allurements to wickedness. To serve God with the best of your care and + understanding, and to be just and true in your dealings, is the short sum + of your duty, and will be the more strictly required of you, because + nothing lieth in the way to divert you from it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>: It is plain from what I have said, that you of the lower + rank have no just reason to complain of your condition: Because, as you + plainly see, it affordeth you so many advantages, and freeth you from so + many vexations, so many distempers both of body and mind, which pursue and + torment the rich and powerful. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fourthly</i>: You are to remember and apply, that the poorest person is + not excused from doing good to others, and even relieving the wants of his + distressed neighbour, according to his abilities; and if you perform your + duty in this point, you far outdo the greatest liberalities of the rich, + and will accordingly be accepted of by God, and get your reward: For it is + our Saviour's own doctrine, when the widow gave her two mites. The rich + give out of their abundance; that is to say, what they give, they do not + feel it in their way of living: But the poor man, who giveth out of his + little stock, must spare it from the necessary food and raiment of himself + and his family. And, therefore, our Saviour adds, "That the widow gave + more than all who went before her; for she gave all she had, even all her + living;" and so went home utterly unprovided to supply her necessities. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>: As it appeareth from what hath been said, that you in the + lower rank have, in reality, a greater share of happiness, your work of + salvation is easier, by your being liable to fewer temptations; and as + your reward in Heaven is much more certain than it is to the rich, if you + seriously perform your duty, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven; so your + neglect of it will be less excusable, will meet with fewer allowances from + God, and will be punished with double stripes: For the most unknowing + among you cannot plead ignorance of what you have been so early taught, I + hope, so often instructed in, and which is so easy to be understood, I + mean the art of leading a life agreeable to the plain and positive laws of + God. Perhaps you may think you lie under one disadvantage, which the great + and rich have not; that idleness will certainly reduce you to beggary; + whereas those who abound in wealth lie under no necessity either of labour + or temperance to keep enough to live on. But this is indeed one part of + your happiness, that the lowness of your condition, in a manner, forceth + you to what is pleasing to God, and necessary for your daily support. Thus + your duty and interest are always the same. + </p> + <p> + To conclude: Since our blessed Lord, instead of a rich and honourable + station in this world, was pleased to choose his lot among men of the + lower condition; let not those, on whom the bounty of Providence hath + bestowed wealth and honours, despise the men who are placed in a humble + and inferior station; but rather, with their utmost power, by their + countenance, by their protection, by just payment of their honest labour, + encourage their daily endeavours for the support of themselves and their + families. On the other hand, let the poor labour to provide things honest + in the sight of all men; and so, with diligence in their several + employments, live soberly, righteously, and godlily in this present world, + that they may obtain that glorious reward promised in the Gospel to the + poor, I mean the kingdom of Heaven. + </p> + <p> + Now, to God the Father, &c, + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A SERMON ON THE CAUSES OF THE WRETCHED CONDITION OF IRELAND.[1] + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This is not very properly styled a sermon; but, considered as + a political dissertation, it has great merit, and it is highly worthy of + the subject, and the author. Most of the circumstances here founded upon, + as the causes of national distress, are the subject of separate + disquisitions in those political writings connected with Ireland. But they + are here summed up, and brought into one view; and the opinions expressed + form a sort of index to the Dean's tenets upon the state of that country. + [S.]] + </p> + <h3> + PSALM CXLIV. PART OF THE 14TH AND 15TH VERSES. + </h3> + <p> + "That there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is the people that is + in such a case." + </p> + <p> + It is a very melancholy reflection, that such a country as ours, which is + capable of producing all things necessary, and most things convenient for + life, sufficient for the support of four times the number of its + inhabitants, should yet lie under the heaviest load of misery and want, + our streets crowded with beggars, so many of our lower sort of tradesmen, + labourers, and artificers, not able to find clothes and food for their + families. + </p> + <p> + I think it may therefore be of some use to lay before you the chief causes + of this wretched condition we are in, and then it will be easier to assign + what remedies are in our power toward removing, at least, some part of + these evils. + </p> + <p> + For it is ever to be lamented, that we lie under many disadvantages, not + by our own faults, which are peculiar to ourselves, and which no other + nation under heaven hath any reason to complain of. + </p> + <p> + I shall, therefore, first mention some causes of our miseries,—which + I doubt are not to be remedied, until God shall put it in the hearts of + those who are stronger to allow us the common rights and privileges of + brethren, fellow-subjects, and even of mankind. The first cause of our + misery is the intolerable hardships we lie under in every branch of our + trade, by which we are become as hewers of wood, and drawers of water, to + our rigorous neighbours. + </p> + <p> + The second cause of our miserable state is the folly, the vanity, and + ingratitude of those vast numbers, who think themselves too good to live + in the country which gave them birth, and still gives them bread; and + rather choose to pass their days, and consume their wealth, and draw out + the very vitals of their mother kingdom, among those who heartily despise + them. + </p> + <p> + These I have but lightly touched on, because I fear they are not to be + redressed, and, besides, I am very sensible how ready some people are to + take offence at the honest truth; and, for that reason, I shall omit + several other grievances, under which we are long likely to groan. + </p> + <p> + I shall therefore go on to relate some other causes of this nation's + poverty, by which, if they continue much longer, it must infallibly sink + to utter ruin. + </p> + <p> + The first is, that monstrous pride and vanity in both sexes, especially + the weaker sex, who, in the midst of poverty, are suffered to run into all + kind of expense and extravagance in dress, and particularly priding + themselves to wear nothing but what cometh from abroad, disdaining the + growth or manufacture of their own country, in those articles where they + can be better served at home with half the expense; and this is grown to + such a height, that they will carry the whole yearly rent of a good estate + at once on their body. And, as there is in that sex a spirit of envy, by + which they cannot endure to see others in a better habit than themselves, + so those, whose fortunes can hardly support their families in the + necessaries of life, will needs vie with the richest and greatest amongst + us, to the ruin of themselves and their posterity. + </p> + <p> + Neither are the men less guilty of this pernicious folly, who, in + imitation of a gaudiness and foppery of dress, introduced of late years + into our neighbouring kingdom, (as fools are apt to imitate only the + defects of their betters,) cannot find materials in their own country + worthy to adorn their bodies of clay, while their minds are naked of every + valuable quality. + </p> + <p> + Thus our tradesmen and shopkeepers, who deal in home goods, are left in a + starving condition, and only those encouraged who ruin the kingdom by + importing among us foreign vanities. + </p> + <p> + Another cause of our low condition is our great luxury, the chief support + of which is the materials of it brought to the nation in exchange for the + few valuable things left us, whereby so many thousand families want the + very necessaries of life. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly</i>, In most parts of this kingdom the natives are from their + infancy so given up to idleness and sloth, that they often choose to beg + or steal, rather than support themselves with their own labour; they marry + without the least view or thought of being able to make any provision for + their families; and whereas, in all industrious nations, children are + looked on as a help to their parents; with us, for want of being early + trained to work, they are an intolerable burthen at home, and a grievous + charge upon the public, as appeareth from the vast number of ragged and + naked children in town and country, led about by strolling women, trained + up in ignorance and all manner of vice. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly</i>, A great cause of this nation's misery, is that Egyptian + bondage of cruel, oppressing, covetous landlords, expecting that all who + live under them should make bricks without straw, who grieve and envy when + they see a tenant of their own in a whole coat, or able to afford one + comfortable meal in a month, by which the spirits of the people are + broken, and made for slavery; the farmers and cottagers, almost through + the whole kingdom, being to all intents and purposes as real beggars as + any of those to whom we give our charity in the streets. And these cruel + landlords are every day unpeopling their kingdom, by forbidding their + miserable tenants to till the earth, against common reason and justice, + and contrary to the practice and prudence of all other nations, by which + numberless families have been forced either to leave the kingdom, or + stroll about, and increase the number of our thieves and beggars. + </p> + <p> + Such, and much worse, is our condition at present, if I had leisure or + liberty to lay it before you; and, therefore, the next thing which might + be considered is, whether there may be any probable remedy found, at the + least against some part of these evils; for most of them are wholly + desperate. + </p> + <p> + But this being too large a subject to be now handled, and the intent of my + discourse confining me to give some directions concerning the poor of this + city, I shall keep myself within those limits. It is indeed in the power + of the lawgivers to found a school in every parish of the kingdom, for + teaching the meaner and poorer sort of children to speak and read the + English tongue, and to provide a reasonable maintenance for the teachers. + This would, in time, abolish that part of barbarity and ignorance, for + which our natives are so despised by all foreigners: this would bring them + to think and act according to the rules of reason, by which a spirit of + industry, and thrift, and honesty would be introduced among them. And, + indeed, considering how small a tax would suffice for such a work, it is a + public scandal that such a thing should never have been endeavoured, or, + perhaps, so much as thought on. + </p> + <p> + To supply the want of such a law, several pious persons, in many parts of + this kingdom, have been prevailed on, by the great endeavours and good + example set them by the clergy, to erect charity-schools in several + parishes, to which very often the richest parishioners contribute the + least. In those schools, children are, or ought to be, trained up to read + and write, and cast accounts; and these children should, if possible, be + of honest parents, gone to decay through age, sickness, or other + unavoidable calamity, by the hand of God; not the brood of wicked + strollers; for it is by no means reasonable, that the charity of + well-inclined people should be applied to encourage the lewdness of those + profligate, abandoned women, who crowd our streets with their borrowed or + spurious issue. + </p> + <p> + In those hospitals which have good foundations and rents to support them, + whereof, to the scandal of Christianity, there are very few in this + kingdom; I say, in such hospitals, the children maintained ought to be + only of decayed citizens, and freemen, and be bred up to good trades. But + in these small-parish charity-schools which have no support, but the + casual goodwill of charitable people, I do altogether disapprove the + custom of putting the children 'prentice, except to the very meanest + trades; otherwise the poor honest citizen, who is just able to bring up + his child, and pay a small sum of money with him to a good master, is + wholly defeated, and the bastard issue, perhaps, of some beggar preferred + before him. And hence we come to be so overstocked with 'prentices and + journeymen, more than our discouraged country can employ; and, I fear, the + greatest part of our thieves, pickpockets, and other vagabonds are of this + number. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, in order to make these parish charity-schools of great and + universal use, I agree with the opinion of many wise persons, that a new + turn should be given to this whole matter. + </p> + <p> + I think there is no complaint more just than what we find in almost every + family, of the folly and ignorance, the fraud and knavery, the idleness + and viciousness, the wasteful squandering temper of servants, who are, + indeed, become one of the many public grievances of the kingdom; whereof, + I believe, there are few masters that now hear me who are not convinced by + their own experience. And I am not very confident, that more families, of + all degrees, have been ruined by the corruptions of servants, than by all + other causes put together. Neither is this to be wondered at, when we + consider from what nurseries so many of them are received into our houses. + The first is the tribe of wicked boys, wherewith most corners of this town + are pestered, who haunt public doors. These, having been born of beggars, + and bred to pilfer as soon as they can go or speak, as years come on, are + employed in the lowest offices to get themselves bread, are practised in + all manner of villainy, and when they are grown up, if they are not + entertained in a gang of thieves, are forced to seek for a service. The + other nursery is the barbarous and desert part of the country, from whence + such lads come up hither to seek their fortunes, who are bred up from the + dunghill in idleness, ignorance, lying, and thieving. From these two + nurseries, I say, a great number of our servants come to us, sufficient to + corrupt all the rest. Thus, the whole race of servants in this kingdom + have gotten so ill a reputation, that some persons from England, come over + hither into great stations, are said to have absolutely refused admitting + any servant born among us into their families. Neither can they be justly + blamed; for although it is not impossible to find an honest native fit for + a good service, yet the inquiry is too troublesome, and the hazard too + great for a stranger to attempt. + </p> + <p> + If we consider the many misfortunes that befall private families, it will + be found that servants are the causes and instruments of them all: Are our + goods embezzled, wasted and destroyed? Is our house burnt down to the + ground? It is by the sloth, the drunkenness or the villainy of servants. + Are we robbed and murdered in our beds? It is by confederacy with our + servants. Are we engaged in quarrels and misunderstandings with our + neighbours? These were all begun and inflamed by the false, malicious + tongues of our servants. Are the secrets of our families betrayed, and + evil repute spread of us? Our servants were the authors. Do false accusers + rise up against us (an evil too frequent in this country)? They have been + tampering with our servants. Do our children discover folly, malice, + pride, cruelty, revenge, undutifulness in their words and actions? Are + they seduced to lewdness or scandalous marriages? It is all by our + servants. Nay, the very mistakes, follies, blunders, and absurdities of + those in our service, are able to ruffle and discompose the mildest + nature, and are often of such consequence, as to put whole families into + confusion. + </p> + <p> + Since therefore not only our domestic peace and quiet, and the welfare of + our children, but even the very safety of our lives, reputations, and + fortunes have so great a dependence upon the choice of our servants, I + think it would well become the wisdom of the nation to make some provision + in so important an affair. But in the meantime, and, perhaps, to better + purpose, it were to be wished, that the children of both sexes, + entertained in the parish charity-schools, were bred up in such a manner + as would give them a teachable disposition, and qualify them to learn + whatever is required in any sort of service. For instance, they should be + taught to read and write, to know somewhat in casting accounts, to + understand the principles of religion, to practise cleanliness, to get a + spirit of honesty, industry, and thrift, and be severely punished for + every neglect in any of these particulars. For, it is the misfortune of + mankind, that if they are not used to be taught in their early childhood, + whereby to acquire what I call a teachable disposition, they cannot, + without great difficulty, learn the easiest thing in the course of their + lives, but are always awkward and unhandy; their minds, as well as bodies, + for want of early practice, growing stiff and unmanageable, as we observe + in the sort of gentlemen, who, kept from school by the indulgence of their + parents but a few years, are never able to recover the time they have + lost, and grow up in ignorance and all manner of vice, whereof we have too + many examples all over the nation. But to return to what I was saying: If + these charity children were trained up in the manner I mentioned, and then + bound apprentices in the families of gentlemen and citizens, (for which a + late law giveth great encouragement) being accustomed from their first + entrance to be always learning some useful thing, [they] would learn, in a + month, more than another, without those advantages, can do in a year; and, + in the meantime, be very useful in a family, as far as their age and + strength would allow. And when such children come to years of discretion, + they will probably be a useful example to their fellow-servants, at least + they will prove a strong check upon the rest; for, I suppose, everybody + will allow, that one good, honest, diligent servant in a house may prevent + abundance of mischief in the family. + </p> + <p> + These are the reasons for which I urge this matter so strongly, and I hope + those who listen to me will consider them. + </p> + <p> + I shall now say something about that great number of poor, who, under the + name of common beggars, infest our streets, and fill our ears with their + continual cries, and craving importunity. This I shall venture to call an + unnecessary evil, brought upon us for the gross neglect, and want of + proper management, in those whose duty it is to prevent it. But before I + proceed farther, let me humbly presume to vindicate the justice and mercy + of God and His dealings with mankind. Upon this particular He hath not + dealt so hardly with His creatures as some would imagine, when they see so + many miserable objects ready to perish for want: For it would infallibly + be found, upon strict enquiry, that there is hardly one in twenty of those + miserable objects who do not owe their present poverty to their own + faults, to their present sloth and negligence, to their indiscreet + marriage without the least prospect of supporting a family, to their + foolish expensiveness, to their drunkenness, and other vices, by which + they have squandered their gettings, and contracted diseases in their old + age. And, to speak freely, is it any way reasonable or just, that those + who have denied themselves many lawful satisfactions and conveniences of + life, from a principle of conscience, as well as prudence, that they might + not be a burthen to the public, should be charged with supporting others, + who have brought themselves to less than a morsel of bread by their + idleness, extravagance, and vice? Yet such, and no other, are far the + greatest number not only in those who beg in our streets, but even of what + we call poor decayed housekeepers, whom we are apt to pity as real objects + of charity, and distinguish them from common beggars, although, in truth, + they both owe their undoing to the same causes; only the former is either + too nicely bred to endure walking half naked in the streets, or too proud + to own their wants. For the artificer or other tradesman, who pleadeth he + is grown too old to work or look after business, and therefore expecteth + assistance as a decayed housekeeper; may we not ask him, why he did not + take care, in his youth and strength of days, to make some provision + against old age, when he saw so many examples before him of people undone + by their idleness and vicious extravagance? And to go a little higher; + whence cometh it that so many citizens and shopkeepers, of the most + creditable trade, who once made a good figure, go to decay by their + expensive pride and vanity, affecting to educate and dress their children + above their abilities, or the state of life they ought to expect? + </p> + <p> + However, since the best of us have too many infirmities to answer for, we + ought not to be severe upon those of others; and therefore if our brother, + through grief, or sickness, or other incapacity, is not in a condition to + preserve his being, we ought to support him to the best of our power, + without reflecting over seriously on the causes that brought him to his + misery. But in order to this, and to turn our charity into its proper + channel, we ought to consider who and where those objects are, whom it is + chiefly incumbent upon us to support. + </p> + <p> + By the ancient law of this realm, still in force, every parish is obliged + to maintain its own poor, which although some may think to be not very + equal, because many parishes are very rich, and have few poor among them, + and others the contrary; yet, I think, may be justly defended: For as to + remote country parishes in the desert part of the kingdom, the necessaries + of life are there so cheap, that the infirm poor may be provided for with + little burden to the inhabitants. But in what I am going to say, I shall + confine myself only to this city, where we are overrun not only with our + own poor, but with a far greater number from every part of the nation. + Now, I say, this evil of being encumbered with so many foreign beggars, + who have not the least title to our charity, and whom it is impossible for + us to support, may be easily remedied, if the government of this city, in + conjunction with the clergy and parish officers, would think it worth + their care; and I am sure few things deserve it better. For, if every + parish would take a list of those begging poor which properly belong to + it, and compel each of them to wear a badge, marked and numbered, so as to + be seen and known by all they meet, and confine them to beg within the + limits of their own parish, severely punishing them when they offend, and + driving out all interlopers from other parishes, we could then make a + computation of their numbers; and the strollers from the country being + driven away, the remainder would not be too many for the charity of those + who pass by to maintain; neither would any beggar, although confined to + his own parish, be hindered from receiving the charity of the whole town; + because, in this case, those well-disposed persons who walk the streets + will give their charity to such whom they think proper objects, wherever + they meet them, provided they are found in their own parishes, and wearing + their badges of distinction. And, as to those parishes which bordered upon + the skirts and suburbs of the town, where country strollers are used to + harbour themselves, they must be forced to go back to their homes, when + they find nobody to relieve them, because they want that mark which only + gives them licence to beg. Upon this point, it were to be wished, that + inferior parish officers had better encouragement given them to perform + their duty in driving away all beggars who do not belong to the parish, + instead of conniving at them, as it is said they do for some small + contribution: For the whole city would save much more by ridding + themselves of many hundred beggars, than they would lose by giving parish + officers a reasonable support. + </p> + <p> + It should seem a strange, unaccountable thing, that those who have + probably been reduced to want by riot, lewdness, and idleness, although + they have assurance enough to beg alms publicly from all they meet, should + yet be too proud to wear the parish badge, which would turn so much to + their own advantage, by ridding them of such great numbers, who now + intercept the greatest part of what belongeth to them: Yet it is certain, + that there are very many who publicly declare they will never wear those + badges, and many others who either hide or throw them away: But the remedy + for this is very short, easy, and just, by trying them like vagabonds and + sturdy beggars, and forcibly driving them out of the town. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, as soon as this expedient of wearing badges shall be put in + practice, I do earnestly exhort all those who hear me, never to give their + alms to any public beggar who doth not fully comply with this order, by + which our number of poor will be so reduced, that it will be much easier + to provide for the rest. Our shop-doors will be no longer crowded with so + many thieves and pickpockets, in beggars' habits, nor our streets so + dangerous to those who are forced to walk in the night. + </p> + <p> + Thus I have, with great freedom, delivered my thoughts upon this subject, + which so nearly concerneth us. It is certainly a bad scheme, to any + Christian country, which God hath blessed with fruitfulness, and where the + people enjoy the just rights and privileges of mankind, that there should + be any beggars at all. But, alas! among us, where the whole nation itself + is almost reduced to beggary by the disadvantages we lie under, and the + hardships we are forced to bear; the laziness, ignorance, thoughtlessness, + squandering temper, slavish nature, and uncleanly manner of living in the + poor Popish natives, together with the cruel oppressions of their + landlords, who delight to see their vassals in the dust; I say, that, in + such a nation, how can we otherwise expect than to be over-run with + objects of misery and want? Therefore, there can be no other method to + free this city from so intolerable a grievance, than by endeavouring, as + far as in us lies, that the burthen may be more equally divided, by + contributing to maintain our own poor, and forcing the strollers and + vagabonds to return to their several homes in the country, there to smite + the conscience of those oppressors, who first stripped them of all their + substance. + </p> + <p> + I might here, if the time would permit, offer many arguments to persuade + to works of charity; but you hear them so often from the pulpit, that I am + willing to hope you may not now want them. Besides, my present design was + only to shew where your alms would be best bestowed, to the honour of God, + your own ease and advantage, the service of your country, and the benefit + of the poor. I desire you will all weigh and consider what I have spoken, + and, according to your several stations and abilities, endeavour to put it + in practice; and God give you good success. To Whom, with the Son and Holy + Ghost, be all honour, &c. + </p> + <p> + The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A SERMON UPON SLEEPING IN CHURCH. + </h2> + <h3> + ACTS, CHAP. XX. VER. 9. + </h3> + <p> + "And there sat in a window a certain young man, named <i>Eutychus</i>, + being fallen into a deep sleep; and as <i>Paul</i> was long preaching, he + sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up + dead." + </p> + <p> + I have chosen these words with design, if possible, to disturb some part + in this audience of half an hour's sleep, for the convenience and exercise + whereof this place, at this season of the day, is very much celebrated. + </p> + <p> + There is indeed one mortal disadvantage to which all preaching is subject; + that those who, by the wickedness of their lives, stand in greatest need, + have usually the smallest share; for either they are absent upon the + account of idleness, or spleen, or hatred to religion, or in order to doze + away the intemperance of the week; or, if they do come, they are sure to + employ their minds rather any other way, than regarding or attending to + the business of the place. + </p> + <p> + The accident which happened to this young man in the text, hath not been + sufficient to discourage his successors: But because the preachers now in + the world, however they may exceed St Paul in the art of setting men to + sleep, do extremely fall short of him in the working of miracles; + therefore men are become so cautious as to choose more safe and convenient + stations and postures for taking their repose, without hazard of their + persons; and, upon the whole matter, choose rather to trust their + destruction to a miracle, than their safety. However, this being not the + only way by which the lukewarm Christians and scorners of the age discover + their neglect and contempt of preaching, I shall enter expressly into + consideration of this matter, and order my discourse in the following + method: + </p> + <p> + <i>First:</i> I shall produce several instances to shew the great neglect + of preaching now amongst us. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly:</i> I shall reckon up some of the usual quarrels men have + against preaching. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thirdly:</i> I shall set forth the great evil of this neglect and + contempt of preaching, and discover the real causes from whence it + proceedeth. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly:</i> I shall offer some remedies against this great and + spreading evil. + </p> + <p> + <i>First:</i> I shall produce certain instances to shew the great neglect + of preaching now among us. + </p> + <p> + These may be reduced under two heads. First, men's absence from the + service of the Church; and secondly, their misbehaviour when they are + here. + </p> + <p> + The first instance of men's neglect, is in their frequent absence from the + church. + </p> + <p> + There is no excuse so trivial, that will not pass upon some men's + consciences to excuse their attendance at the public worship of God. Some + are so unfortunate as to be always indisposed on the Lord's day, and think + nothing so unwholesome as the air of a church. Others have their affairs + so oddly contrived, as to be always unluckily prevented by business. With + some it is a great mark of wit, and deep understanding, to stay at home on + Sundays. Others again discover strange fits of laziness, that seize them, + particularly on that day, and confine them to their beds. Others are + absent out of mere contempt of religion. And, lastly, there are not a few + who look upon it as a day of rest, and therefore claim the privilege of + their cattle, to keep the Sabbath by eating, drinking, and sleeping, after + the toil and labour of the week. Now in all this the worst circumstance + is, that these persons are such whose companies are most required, and who + stand most in need of a physician. + </p> + <p> + <i>Secondly:</i> Men's great neglect and contempt of preaching, appear by + their misbehaviour when at church. + </p> + <p> + If the audience were to be ranked under several heads according to their + behaviour, when the word of God is delivered, how small a number would + appear of those who receive it as they ought? How much of the seed then + sown would be found to fall by the way-side, upon stony ground or among + thorns? And how little good ground would there be to take it? A preacher + cannot look round from the pulpit, without observing, that some are in a + perpetual whisper, and, by their air and gesture, give occasion to + suspect, that they are in those very minutes defaming their neighbour. + Others have their eyes and imagination constantly engaged in such a circle + of objects, perhaps to gratify the most unwarrantable desires, that they + never once attend to the business of the place; the sound of the + preacher's words doth not so much as once interrupt them. Some have their + minds wandering among idle, worldly, or vicious thoughts. Some lie at + catch to ridicule whatever they hear, and with much wit and humour provide + a stock of laughter, by furnishing themselves from the pulpit. But, of all + misbehaviour, none is comparable to that of those who come here to sleep; + opium is not so stupefying to many persons as an afternoon sermon. + Perpetual custom hath so brought it about, that the words, of whatever + preacher, become only a sort of uniform sound at a distance, than which + nothing is more effectual to lull the senses. For, that it is the very + sound of the sermon which bindeth up their faculties, is manifest from + hence, because they all awake so very regularly as soon as it ceaseth, and + with much devotion receive the blessing, dozed and besotted with + indecencies I am ashamed to repeat. + </p> + <p> + I proceed, <i>Secondly</i>, to reckon up some of the usual quarrels men + have against preaching, and to shew the unreasonableness of them. + </p> + <p> + Such unwarrantable demeanour as I have described, among Christians, in the + house of God, in a solemn assembly, while their faith and duty are + explained and delivered, have put those who are guilty upon inventing some + excuses to extenuate their fault: This they do by turning the blame either + upon the particular preacher, or upon preaching in general. First, they + object against the particular preacher; his manner, his delivery, his + voice are disagreeable, his style and expression are flat and low; + sometimes improper and absurd; the matter is heavy, trivial and insipid; + sometimes despicable, and perfectly ridiculous; or else, on the other + side, he runs up into unintelligible speculation, empty notions, and + abstracted flights, all clad in words above usual understandings. + </p> + <p> + Secondly, They object against preaching in general; it is a perfect road + of talk; they know already whatever can be said; they have heard the same + an hundred times over. They quarrel that preachers do not relieve an old + beaten subject with wit and invention; and that now the art is lost of + moving men's passions, so common among the ancient orators of Greece and + Rome. These, and the like objections, are frequently in the mouths of men + who despise the "foolishness of preaching." But let us examine the + reasonableness of them. + </p> + <p> + The doctrine delivered by all preachers is the same: "So we preach, and so + ye believe:" But the manner of delivering is suited to the skill and + abilities of each, which differ in preachers just as in the rest of + mankind. However, in personal dislikes of a particular preacher, are these + men sure they are always in the right? Do they consider how mixed a thing + is every audience, whose taste and judgment differ, perhaps, every day, + not only from each other, but themselves? And how to calculate a + discourse, that shall exactly suit them all, is beyond the force and reach + of human reason, knowledge, or invention. Wit and eloquence are shining + qualities, that God hath imparted, in great degrees, to very few, nor any + more to be expected, in the generality of any rank among men, than riches + and honour. But further: If preaching in general be all old and beaten, + and that they are already so well acquainted with it, more shame and guilt + to them who so little edify by it. But these men, whose ears are so + delicate as not to endure a plain discourse of religion, who expect a + constant supply of wit and eloquence on a subject handled so many thousand + times; what will they say when we turn the objection upon themselves, who, + with all the rude and profane liberty of discourse they take, upon so many + thousand subjects, are so dull as to furnish nothing but tedious + repetitions, and little paltry, nauseous common-places, so vulgar, so + worn, or so obvious, as, upon any other occasion, but that of advancing + vice, would be hooted off the stage? Nor, lastly, are preachers justly + blamed for neglecting human oratory to move the passions, which is not the + business of a Christian orator, whose office it is only to work upon faith + and reason. All other eloquence hath been a perfect cheat, to stir up + men's passions against truth and justice, for the service of a faction, to + put false colours upon things, and by an amusement of agreeable words, + make the worse reason appear to be the better. This is certainly not to be + allowed in Christian eloquence, and, therefore, St Paul took quite the + other course; he "came not with excellency of words, or enticing speech of + men's wisdom, but in plain evidence of the Spirit and power." And perhaps + it was for that reason the young man Eutychus, used to the Grecian + eloquence, grew tired and fell so fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + I go on, <i>Thirdly</i>, to set forth the great evil of this neglect and + scorn of preaching, and to discover the real causes from whence it + proceedeth. + </p> + <p> + I think it is obvious,[1] that this neglect of preaching hath very much + occasioned the great decay of religion among us. To this may be imputed no + small part of that contempt some men bestow on the clergy; for, whoever + talketh without being regarded, is sure to be despised. To this we owe, in + a great measure, the spreading of atheism and infidelity among us; for + religion, like all other things, is soonest put out of countenance by + being ridiculed. The scorn of preaching might perhaps have been at first + introduced by men of nice ears and refined taste; but it is now become a + spreading evil, through all degrees, and both sexes; for, since sleeping, + talking, and laughing are qualities sufficient to furnish out a critic, + the meanest and most ignorant have set up a title, and succeeded in it as + well as their betters. Thus are the last efforts of reforming mankind + rendered wholly useless: "How shall they hear," saith the apostle, + "without a preacher?" But, if they have a preacher, and make it a point of + wit or breeding not to hear him, what remedy is left? To this neglect of + preaching, we may also entirely impute that gross ignorance among us in + the very principles of religion, which it is amazing to find in persons + who very much value their own knowledge and understanding in other things; + yet, it is a visible, inexcusable ignorance, even in the meanest among us, + considering the many advantages they have of learning their duty. And it + hath been the great encouragement to all manner of vice: For, in vain we + preach down sin to a people, "whose hearts are waxed gross, whose ears are + dull of hearing, and whose eyes are closed." Therefore Christ Himself, in + His discourses, frequently rouseth up the attention of the multitude, and + of His disciples themselves, with this expression, "He that hath ears to + hear, let him hear." But, among all neglects of preaching, none is so + fatal as that of sleeping in the house of God; a scorner may listen to + truth and reason, and in time grow serious; an unbeliever may feel the + pangs of a guilty conscience; one whose thoughts or eyes wander among + other objects, may, by a lucky word, be called back to attention: But the + sleeper shuts up all avenues to his soul: He is "like the deaf adder, that + hearkeneth not to the voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely." + And, we may preach with as good success to the grave that is under his + feet. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Hawkesworth (Swift's "Works," vol. xiii., 1762) inserts here + "to believe." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + But the great evil of this neglect will further yet appear, from + considering the real causes whence it proceedeth; whereof the first, I + take to be, an evil conscience. Many men come to church to save or gain a + reputation; or because they will not be singular, but comply with an + established custom; yet, all the while, they are loaded with the guilt of + old rooted sins. These men can expect to hear of nothing but terrors and + threatenings, their sins laid open in true colours, and eternal misery the + reward of them; therefore, no wonder they stop their ears, and divert + their thoughts, and seek any amusement rather than stir the hell within + them. + </p> + <p> + Another cause of this neglect is, a heart set upon worldly things. Men + whose minds are much enslaved to earthly affairs all the week, cannot + disengage or break the chain of their thoughts so suddenly, as to apply to + a discourse that is wholly foreign to what they have most at heart. Tell a + usurer of charity, and mercy, and restitution, you talk to the deaf; his + heart and soul, with all his senses, are got among his bags, or he is + gravely asleep, and dreaming of a mortgage. Tell a man of business, that + the cares of the world choke the good seed; that we must not encumber + ourselves with much serving; that the salvation of his soul is the one + thing necessary: You see, indeed, the shape of a man before you, but his + faculties are all gone off among clients and papers, thinking how to + defend a bad cause, or find flaws in a good one; or, he weareth out the + time in drowsy nods. + </p> + <p> + A third cause of the great neglect and scorn of preaching, ariseth from + the practice of men who set up to decry and disparage religion; these, + being zealous to promote infidelity and vice, learn a rote of buffoonery + that serveth all occasions, and refutes the strongest arguments for piety + and good manners. These have a set of ridicule calculated for all sermons, + and all preachers, and can be extreme witty as often as they please upon + the same fund. + </p> + <p> + Let me now, in the last place, offer some remedies against this great + evil. + </p> + <p> + It will be one remedy against the contempt of preaching, rightly to + consider the end for which it was designed. There are many who place + abundance of merit in going to church, although it be with no other + prospect but that of being well entertained, wherein if they happen to + fail, they return wholly disappointed. Hence it is become an impertinent + vein among people of all sorts to hunt after what they call a good sermon, + as if it were a matter of pastime and diversion. Our business, alas! is + quite another thing, either to learn, or, at least, be reminded of our + duty, to apply the doctrines delivered, compare the rules we hear with our + lives and actions, and find wherein we have transgressed. These are the + dispositions men should bring into the house of God, and then they will be + little concerned about the preacher's wit or eloquence, nor be curious to + enquire out his faults and infirmities, but consider how to correct their + own. + </p> + <p> + Another remedy against the contempt of preaching, is, that men would + consider, whether it be not reasonable to give more allowances for the + different abilities of preachers than they usually do; refinements of + style, and flights of wit, as they are not properly the business of any + preacher, so they cannot possibly be the talents of all. In most other + discourses, men are satisfied with sober sense and plain reason; and, as + understandings usually go, even that is not over frequent. Then why they + should be so over nice in expectation of eloquence,[2] where it is neither + necessary nor convenient, is hard to imagine. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Hawkesworth (1762 edit.) has "over nice and expecting for + sense"; but both the 4to and the 8vo of 1764 agree with Scott as above. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <i>Lastly:</i> The scorners of preaching would do well to consider, that + this talent of ridicule, they value so much, is a perfection very easily + acquired, and applied to all things whatsoever; neither is anything at all + the worse, because it is capable of being perverted to burlesque: Perhaps + it may be the more perfect upon that score; since we know, the most + celebrated pieces have been thus treated with greatest success. It is in + any man's power to suppose a fool's cap on the wisest head, and then laugh + at his own supposition. I think there are not many things cheaper than + supposing and laughing; and if the uniting these two talents can bring a + thing into contempt, it is hard to know where it may end. + </p> + <p> + <i>To conclude:</i> These considerations may, perhaps, have some effect + while men are awake; but what arguments shall we use to the sleeper? What + methods shall we take to hold open his eyes? Will he be moved by + considerations of common civility? We know it is reckoned a point of very + bad manners to sleep in private company, when, perhaps, the tedious + impertinence of many talkers would render it at least as excusable as at + the dullest sermon. Do they think it a small thing to watch four hours at + a play, where all virtue and religion are openly reviled; and can they not + watch one half hour to hear them defended? Is this to deal like a judge, + (I mean like a good judge) to listen on one side of the cause, and sleep + on the other? I shall add but one word more: That this indecent sloth is + very much owing to that luxury and excess men usually practise upon this + day, by which half the service thereof is turned to sin; men dividing the + time between God and their bellies, when after a gluttonous meal, their + senses dozed and stupefied, they retire to God's house to sleep out the + afternoon. Surely, brethren, these things ought not so to be. + </p> + <p> + "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." And God give us all grace to + hear and receive His holy word to the salvation of our own souls. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX I. SWIFT'S REMARKS ON DR GIBBS'S PARAPHRASE OF THE PSALMS. + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + "THE following manuscript was literally copied from the printed original + found in the library of Dr. J. Swift, Dean of St Patrick's, Dublin, in the + year 1745. The marginal notes and parodies were written by the Dean's own + hand, except such as are distinguished with this mark [O/] with which I am + only chargeable. Witness my hand, this 25th day of February, 1745. WILLIAM + DUNKIN. + </p> + <p> + "N.B.—The original was by me presented to his excellency Philip + Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, lord lieutenant general and general + governor of Ireland. W.D." + </p> + <p> + The manuscript to which Dr. Dunkin refers is in the library of Trinity + College, Dublin. The present text is taken from a transcript which is at + the South Kensington Museum, and which appears to be the identical + transcript used by Nichols for his reprint in the quarto edition, vol. + xiv. At the end of this MS. is the following note: + </p> + <p> + "The above was written from the manuscript mentioned in the first page, + now in the hands of Nicholas Coyne, Esq., being the only copy in the + kingdom of Ireland; he having purchased the original, and afterwards + generously given it to his friend Dr. Dunkin, finding the doctor extremely + uneasy at the disappointment the Earl of Chesterfield was like to meet + with, as he had promised the earl to attend the auction, and procure it + for him at any price; and is now transcribed by Neale Molloy, of Dublin, + Esq'r, by the favour of the said Nicholas Coyne, his brother-in-law; and + sent by him to his kinsman, and dear friend, Charles Molloy, of London, + Esq're. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Dublin, 26th, of May</i>, 1748." + </p> + <p> + The "Epistle Dedicatory" to Princess Anne, in Dr. Gibbs's volume, has also + been annotated, chiefly by Dr. Dunkin; but as these are mostly too filthy + to be published, I have omitted the few notes by Swift, which consist + merely of marginalia corrections of words and a few satirical + interpolations of no great consequence. I have corrected Dr. Gibbs's text + by the original edition of his "Paraphrase" (1701). The corrections were + necessary, since the transcript could not be absolutely relied on. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + On "The first Fifteen Psalms of David, translated into Lyric Verse: + Proposed as an Essay, supplying the Perspicuity and Coherence according to + the Modern Art of Poetry; not known to have been attempted before in any + Language. With a Preface containing some Observations of the great and + general Defectiveness of former Versions in Greek, Latin, and English. By + Dr. [James] Gibbs. London: printed by J. Mathews, for John Hartley, + over-against Gray's-Inn, in Holborn. MDCCI." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FIRST FIFTEEN PSALMS, TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DR GIBBS. DR SWIFT. + I. PSALM OF DAVID, (1) (1)I warn the reader that + <i>Comparing the different state of the this is a lie, both here + righteous and the wicked, both in this and all over the book; + and the next world.</i> for these are not Psalms + of David, but of Dr. + Gibbs. + + 1 Thrice happy he! that does refuse. (2) But I suppose with + With <i>impious</i> (2) <i>sinners</i> to combine; <i>pious</i> sinners a man may + Who ne'er their wicked way pursues, combine safely enough + And does the scorner's <i>seat</i>(3)<i>decline</i> + (3)What part of speech + is it? + + 2 But still to learn, and to obey (4) All. + The Law of God is his delight; + In that employs himself all day, (5) A man must have + And reads and thinks thereon at(4) some time to sleep; so + night.(5) that I will change the + verse thus: + "And thinks and dreams + thereon all night." +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 For as a tree, whose spreading root (6) Look ye; you must + By some prolific stream is fed, thin the boughs at the + Produces (6) fair and timely fruit, top, or your fruit will + And numerous boughs adorn its head: be neither fair or + Whose (7) very leaves, tho' storms descend, timely. + In lively verdure still appear + (7) Why, what other part + Whose (7) very leaves, tho' storms descend, of a tree appears in lively. + In lively verdure still appear; verdure, beside the + Such blessings always shall attend leaves? + The man that does the Lord revere. These very leaves on + which you penn'd + Your woeful stuff, may + serve for squibs: + Such blessings always + shall attend + The madrigals of Dr. + Gibbs. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Like chaff with every wind disperst:(1) (1) "Disp<i>u</i>rst," + [rhyming with "curst"] Pronounce this like a + blockhead. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 And these to punishment may go. (2) (2) If they please. +</pre> + <p> + ["The above may serve for a tolerable specimen of Swift's remarks. The + whole should be given, if it were possible to make them intelligible, + without copying the version which is ridiculed; a labour for which our + readers would scarcely thank us. A few detached stanzas, however, with the + Dean's notes on them, shall be transcribed." Thus writes Scott; but I have + added a great many more, which deserve reprinting, if only for their + humour. [T.S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DR GIBBS. DR SWIFT. + + II. PSALM OF DAVID. (1) I do not believe + that ever kings entered + 1 Why do the heathen nations rise, into plots and + And in mad tumults join! confederacies against + the reign of God + Almighty. + 2 Confederate kings vain plots (1) devise + Against the Almighty's reign: + His Royal Title they deny, (2) What word does + Whom God appointed Christ; that plural number + belong to? + 3 Let us reject their (2) laws, they cry, + Their binding force resist. + + 7 And thus to Him was pleased to say, (3) An excellent drug- + As I His words declare; (3) german. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 But those, that do thy laws refuse, (4) After a man is + In pieces thou shalt break; broken in pieces, + And with an iron sceptre bruise (4) 'tis no great matter + Their disobedient (5) <i>neck</i>. to have his neck + bruised. + + (5) Neak. + + 10 Ye earthly kings, the caution <i>hear</i>; (6) Rulers must <i>learn</i> + Ye rulers, <i>learn</i> the same; (6) it, but kings may only + <i>hear</i> it. + + 11 Serve God with reverence, and with <i>fear</i>(7) + His joyful praise proclaim; (7) Very proper to make a + joyful proclamation with + fear. + + 12 Confess the Son, and own His (8) reign, (8) Of Blackmore's + Ere He to wrath inclines; reign. + And, so resenting your disdain, + Confound your vain designs: (9) (9) You with his lines + + For should the madness of His foes (1) (1) For should the foes + Th' avenging God incense, of David's ape + Happy are they that can repose Provoke his grey + In Him their confidence. (2) goose quills, + Happy are they that + can escape + The vengeance of + his pills. + + (2) Admirably reasoned + and connected! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + III. PSALM OF DAVID. + + <i>When he fled from his son Absalom.</i> To Dr. Gibbs, <i>ex aquâ + in ignem</i>. + + 4 When to the Lord for help I cry, (3) Sec<i>o</i>ure. + He hears me from the Throne on high; + (4) By this I think it + 5 And thus I sleep and wake secure, (3) is clear that he cries + Guarded by His almighty Power. (4) in his sleep. + + 6 No fears shall then my soul depress,* *Depre<i>a</i>se, Lo<i>a</i>rd, + Though thus my enemies increase; Scoticé. + + 7 And (5) therefore, now arise, O Lord,* (5) He desires God's + And graciously thy help afford: help, because + he is not afraid of + his enemies; others, + I think, usually + desire it when they + <i>are</i> afraid. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 And <i>thus</i> (6) to grant a sure defence, (6) The doctor hath a + Belongs to God's (7) omnipotence; mighty affection for the + particle <i>thus</i>: he uses + it four times in this + Psalm, and 100 times in + other places, and + always wrong. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (7) That is as much as + to say, he that can do + all things can defend a + man; which I take to be + an undoubted truth. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + IV. PSALM OF DAVID. + + <i>Reproving and admonishing his enemies</i>. Not to burlesque + his Psalms. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 As Thou hast always taken care A pretty phrase! + My sufferings to remove. + + 2 But you, my frail (1) malicious foes, (1) Are they malicious + Who do my power despise; out of frailty, or frail + Vainly how long will ye oppose, out of malice? + And (2) falsely calumnize! + (2) That is, they say + <i>false</i> things + <i>falsely</i>. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I will discover the + doctor's secret of + making the coherence + and connection, in + the Psalms that he + brags of in his title + and preface: he lays + violent hands on certain + particles,(such as <i>and, + when, since, for, but, + thus, so</i>, &c.) and + presses them to his + service on all occasions + sore against their wills, + and without any regard + whether the sense will + admit them or no. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Since those alone the Lord has blest, (3) 'Tis plain the doctor + That do from sin refrain; never requested to be a + He therefore grants what I request, (3) poet. + And hears when I (4) complain: + + (4) If your requests be + granted, why do you + complain? + + But of Thy face to us do Thou What is it, to + The favour still dispense; dispense the favour + of his face? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 Then shall my soul with more divine (5) I have heard of a + And solid joys abound, crown or garland of corn, + Than they with stores of corn and wine, but a crown of wine is + Those earthly riches, crown'd: (5) new, and can hardly be + explained, unless we + suppose the wine to be + in icicles. + + 8 And thus confiding, Lord, in thee (6) And yet, to shew I + I take my calm repose; (6) tell no fibs, + For thou each night protectest me Thou hast left me in + From all my (7) treacherous foes thrall + To Hopkins, eke, and + Doctor Gibbs + The vilest rogue of all. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (7) Aye, and <i>open</i> foes + too; or his repose would + not be very calm. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + V. PSALM OF DAVID: +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Trusting in God, he implores protection Especially Doctor + from his enemies.<i> Gibbs. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 O Lord, receive my fervent prayer, (1) I suppose he + Relieve my soul opprest with care, thought it would be + And hear my loud (1) complaint; heard the better for + being loud. + [Greek: Oion aento mega + kekraigenai kai ochlaeson + einai.]—LUC. TIM., + Misanth<i>. + + 2 On Thee alone I can rely, + Do Thou, my God, to whom I fly, + My sad (2) petition grant: (2) My poor petition. + Ay, a sad one indeed. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 They on thy favour can't rely, (3) Such vile poetry. + That practice such iniquity, (3) What is the meaning of + For Thou wilt punish those that word, such<i>, in + this place? +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 That do malicious lies (4) invent, (4) Malicious lines. + And would to death the innocent + By treacherous means (5) expose. (5) By doggrel rhimes. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 Lord, in Thy Laws (6) direct my ways, (6) He perseveres—not + Since those my watchful foe surveys, that he values the Laws, + And make me persevere: but because his foes + watch him. A good + principle! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 They flatter to destroy: +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 10 But let, O Lord, the vengeance due (7) Horrid rhimes. + Those in their horrid crimes (7) pursue, (8) Defo<i>y. + Who do Thy power defy: (8) +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + VI. PSALM OF DAVID: + + Penitently complaining of his sufferings<i>. By this translator. + + I Thy heavy hand restrain, (9) (9) Thy heavy hand + With mercy, Lord, correct; restrain; + Do not, (1) as if in high disdain, Have mercy, Dr. Gibbs: + My helpless soul reject: Do not, I pray thee, + paper stain + 2 For how shall I sustain With rhymes retail'd in + (2)Those ills, which now I bear! dribbs. + My vitals are consumed with pain, + (3)My soul oppress'd with care: (1)That bit is a most + glorious botch. + (2)The squeaking of a + hogrel. + + (3)To listen to + thy doggrel. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 For in the silent grave, ] Very true all that. + When there I lie obscure, + No gracious favours I can have, + Nor magnify Thy power: + + 6 Lord, I have pray'd in (1) vain (1)The doctor must + So long, so much opprest; mean himself, for I hope + My very (2) cries increase my pain, David never thought so. + And tears prevent my rest; + (2)Then he's a dunce + 7 These do my sight impair, for crying. + My flowing eyes decay, + While to my enemies I fear + Thus (3) to become a prey. (3)That is, he is afraid + of becoming a prey to his + enemies while his eyes + are sore. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 But, ye vain forces! fly, (4) (4)Flo<i>y. + For God, Whom I adore, Why then does he + tell us just before that + he has prayed in vain, + and is afraid of becoming + a prey to his enemies? +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 My impious foes does still destroy, + When I His aid implore. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 10 O Lord, by Thy fierce hand repell'd, + With sudden shame retire (5) A very proper word + for a man that is repell'd + by a fierce hand. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + VII, PSALM OF DAVID: + + When unjustly persecuted,(6) and accused of (6) By Doctor Gibbs. + treachery against King Saul.<i> +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I O Lord my God, since I repose (7) By chance. + My trust in Thee alone, (7) + + Save and defend me from my foes, + That furiously come on: (8) (8) Advance. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Lest, like a ravenous lion, they What sort of lions are + My captive soul devour, they that devour souls? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 If I've not spared him though he's grown(9) (9) Grou<i>n. + My causeless (1) enemy, + (1) If he be grown his + </i>causeless<i> enemy I presume + he is no longer </i>guiltless<i>. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 Then let my life, and future (2) crown (2) He gives a thing + Become to him a prey: before he has it, and + gives it to him that has + it already; for Saul is + the person meant. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 But, Lord, thy kind assistance (1) lend, (1) But why lend?<i> + Arise in my defence; Does he design to return + According to Thy laws, (2) contend it back when he has done + For injured innocence: with it? + + (2) Profane rascal! he + makes it a struggle and + contention between God + and the wicked. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 That all the nations, that oppose, (3) (3) Oppa<i>use. + May then confess Thy power: + Therefore assert my righteous cause, + That they may Thee adore: (4) (4) Ado</i>u<i>re. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 For equal judgment, Lord, to Thee (5) Yet in the very + The nations (5) all submit; verse before he tells of + Be therefore (6) merciful to me. nations that oppose<i>. + And my just soul acquit: (7) + (6) Because all nations + submit to God, therefore + God must be merciful to + Dr. Gibbs. + + (7) Of what? +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 Destroy the wicked in their plots: Poor David never could + The just with blessings crown: acquit + For all the ways and secret thoughts (8) A criminal like thee, + Of both to Thee are known. Against his Psalms who + couldst commit + Such wicked poetry. + + (8) Thots. + + 10 Thus by God's gracious providence (9) (9) Observe the + I'm still preserved secure, (1) connection. + Who all the good and just defends (1) Secou<i>re. + With a resistless (2) power. + (2) That's right, doctor; + but then there will + be no </i>contending<i>, as + you desired a while ago. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Tis wonderful that + Providence + Should save thee from the + halter, + Who hast in numbers + without sense + Burlesqued the holy + Psalter. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 11 All men He does with justice view, (1) That's no great + And their iniquity mark of viewing them + With direful vengeance can pursue, with justice. God has + Or patiently (1) pass by: wiser ends for passing by + His vengeance on the + wicked, you profane + dunce! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 13 For He the artillery directs, What's that charge? it + The sudden charge ordains, must allude to a charge + of gunpowder, or it is + nonsense. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 15 Lo! now th'inflictions (2) they design'd (2) Ay, but what sort of + By others to be borne, things are these + Even all the mischiefs (3) in their mind inflictions? + Do on themselves return: (4) + (3) If the mischiefs be + in their mind, what need + they return on + themselves? are they not + there already? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (4) Reto<i>rn. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 16 By their own treachery betray'd (5) Pills + To the same ills, (5) that they + Invented, and with those essay'd (6) Rich. + To make the poor (6) their prey: + Does this verse end + according to the more + modern art of poetry, as + the author speaks in his + preface? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 17 O Lord, how glorious are the ways Do not these verses end + Of Thy good Providence! very sublimely? + Thou, Lord, Whose blessed Name I + praise, + True justice dost dispense +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + VIII. PSALM OF DAVID: +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The mighty powers, that celebrate That's a lie; for if + Thy endless praises, can't relate they + The glory they in Heaven survey: can survey it they can + easily relate it. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Young<i> helpless </i>infants<i> at the breast Young younglings. + Their great Creator have confest, [The italics are + And in their weakness spoke Thy pow'r, Swift's.] This stanza + is just upon the purlieus + between sense and + nonsense. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Lord, what is wretched (7) man, I cry, (7) A very proper epithet + Or all his sinful progeny, for those who are scarce + That thou to them dost prove so kind! inferior to angels. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 To honour Thou dost them prefer, A fine cadence that. + To angels scarce inferior, +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 They over all Thy works command: +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 The flocks and herds o'er every field (1) That's a lie, for + To their just lords obedience yield, sometimes they trespass + And all (1) in full subjection stand: on other men's grounds. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 O'er all the birds, that mount the air, (2) Appai<i>r. + And fish, that in the floods appear,(2) + Man bears an arbitrary sway: Those, I think, are + not very many: they are + caught, but till then we + have no great sway over + them. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + IX. PSALM OF DAVID: +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Confounded at the sight of Thee (3) The doctor's mistaken; + My foes are put to flight; (3) for, when people are + confounded, they cannot + fly. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Thus thou, great God of equity, (4) Against Sternhold + Dost still assert my right. (4) and Hopkins. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 Insulting foes, how long can ye (5) bo<i>st. + Of ruin'd cities boast! (5) Blunderings, </i>Siccorrige + Your plunderings now as well as they meo periculo<i>. That's a + Are in oblivion lost: lie, for Gibbs remembers + them. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 But God eternally remains (6) (6) That's false and + Fixt in His throne on high, profane; God is not fixed + anywhere. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 And to the world from thence ordains (7) Did anybody ever + Impartial equity:(7) hear of partial<i> equity? +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 And for their injured souls extend That extending a refuge, + A refuge most secure. is pretty. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 12 He hears the injured poor, and then i.e.<i> is angry at their + Does all their cries resent. cries. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 13 And thus consider still, O Lord, (8) Nothing is restored + The justice of my cause; but what has been taken + Who often hast my life (8) restor'd away; so that he has been + From death's devouring jaws: often raised from the + dead, if this be true. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 15 The heathen nations are dismay'd (9) (9) We heard a while + They're all to ruin brought, ago their very names were + For in the treacherous nets, they laid, dead,[1] now (it seems) + Ev'n they themselves are caught: they're only dismay'd. + + [Footnote 1: Ver. 5. "They and their very names are dead."] +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 16 Lo, thus the Lord to execute + True judgment still inclines; This is profane, as if + it were only an + inclination in God to be + just. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + X. PSALM OF DAVID: + + 1 Lord, why in times of deep distress If the woes require aid + Dost Thou from us retire, it is to increase them, + When dismal woes our souls oppress, they cannot require it + And Thy kind aid require! against themselves. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The wicked do with lawless pride (1) (1) Proide. Pronounce + The helpless persecute; it like the Scotch. + But let them be themselves destroy'd, + And fall in their pursuit: Ay, let them! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 For still they triumph, when success I cannot crock this + Does their designs attend, stave. + And then their ways, who thus oppress, + Profanely they commend: + +</pre> + <hr /> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 And from the barbarous (2) paths they tread,(2) The author should + No acts of Providence first have premised what + Can e'er oblige them to recede, sort of paths were + Or stop (3) their bold offence; properly barbarous. I + suppose they must be + very deep and dirty, or + very rugged and stony; + both which I myself + have heard travellers + call barbarous roads. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (3) Which is the way to + stop an offence? + Would you have it + stopped like a bottle, + or a thief? + For what end? is it + to catch a louse, better + lay wait for the rich by + half. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 And for the poor in secret they + Do treacherously lay wait: + As a lion observes with + 9 As hungry lions do their prey watchful eyes, just so a + Observe with watchful eyes, wicked man surprises + So heedless innocents would they with sudden force—a very + With sudden force surprise; just simile. + And then, like lions merciless, They surprise them like + Their trembling souls devour; lions, but then they devour + And thus the helpless do oppress (4) devour them [like] lions. + When captives to their power; + + (4) This line is dry + nonsense or false grammar + and will bear no jest. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 13 no more No mou<i>r. Pronounce + [rhyming with pow'r.] this like my lady's + woman. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 14 deserts Desa<i>rts. Pronounce + [rhyming with hearts.] this like my lady's + housemaid. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + XI. PSALM OF DAVID: + + 1 come on, Come u<i>n. Pronounce + [rhyming with shun.] this like a + chambermaid. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The force of his argument + lies here: he does + 3 For if the Power, in which they trust, not fear his enemies, + Should fail, how helpless are the just! because if God's power + should fail he has no + help. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 And on their impious heads will pour (1) A shower of snares + Of snares (1) and flames a dismal shower; on a man's head would + And this their bitter cup must be do wonderful execution. + (2) To drink to all eternity: However, I grant it is a + scurvy thing enough to + swallow them. + + (2) To taste the doctor's + poetry. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + XII. PSALM OF DAVID: + + 1 O Lord, some help for me provide, He can confide in but + For in but few I can confide, few because all are. + All men are so perfidious grown; perfidious. Smoke + that! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 True mutual kindness they pretend, Did ever any man + pretend mutual + kindness to another? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 But God those flatterers will confound, Qu: whether flatterers + That with abusive lies abound, usually abound with + And proudly boast their vicious ways, abusive lies? + + 4 That say, with our deceitful tongues If they say thus they + are silly flatterers. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 And since He thus was pleased to say, That comparison is + Like gold refined from base alloy, well applied. + His promise never can deceive; (3) + (3) Deceive. Pronounce + this like a beau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 And therefore will their cause assert, Examine well the grammar + Who thus are pure and true of heart, and sense and the + And save them from the enemy; elegance of this + stanza. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 For, when th' ungodly meet success, Here the author separates + The wicked more and more increase,(1) the wicked from + And proudly all their foes defy. the ungodly. + + (1) Incress<i>. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + XIII. PSALM OF DAVID: + + 1 How long wilt Thou neglect, A civil question that! + O Lord, to hear me pray! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Attend, and hear my cries, Mind me, Sir! + Some comfort now disclose, + E'er grief has shut my weeping eyes Which would be nonsense, + In death's obscure repose: put in prose. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Lest my proud enemy, + If now my trust should fail, + And those that persecute me cry; + See, thus we still prevail: A pretty speech that! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + XIV. PSALM OF DAVID: +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Hence virtue in the world declines, Without question virtue + And all men vicious grow. declines with a vengeance + when all men + grow vicious. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 And see who would His being own, What other way is + And Him, as God, adore: there of adoring? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 (2) But they were all perverted grown, (2) But they were all + Polluted all with blood, perverted grown, + And other impious crimes; not one In spite of Dr. Gibbs + Was either just (3) or good. his blood: + Of all his impious + rhimes not one + Was either just or good. + + (3) For a man (it seems) + may be good and not + just. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Are they so stupid (4) then, said (5) God, (4) The fault was not + Who thus My (6) saints devour! that they devoured__ + These (7) crimes have they not understood, saints,<i> but that they + Nor thought upon My power! were stupid. + Qu: Whether stupidity + makes men devour saints, + or devouring saints + makes a man stupid? I + believe the latter, + because they may be apt + to lie heavy in one's + stomach. + + (5) Clod. + + (6) Strains. + + (7) Rhimes. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 (1) O, that His aid we now might have (1) And O that every + From Sion's holy hill, parish clerk, + That God the captive just would save, Who hums what Brady cribs + And glad all Israel. From Hopkins, would read + this work, + And glad the + heart with Gibbs. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + XV. PSALM OF DAVID: + + Representing the character of a good man<i>. And a bad poet. +</i></pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Sincere, and just, who never lie; + + 3 And so their neighbour ne'er deceive, How <i>so</i>? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 All those that lead a life like this (2) And so the doctor + Shall reign in everlasting bliss. (2) now may kiss——! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FINIS. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Fiddling Impudent Nauseous Illiterate Scoundrel + oolish dle onsensical gnorant cot +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE2" id="link2H_APPE2"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX II. A PROPOSAL HUMBLY OFFERED TO THE P T FOR THE MORE EFFECTUAL + PREVENTING THE FURTHER GROWTH OF POPERY. + </h2> + <h3> + WITH THE DESCRIPTION AND USE OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL THERMOMETER, + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Insani sanus nomen ferat, aequus iniqui, + Ultra quàm satis est, virtutem si petat ipsam." + + HOR. Epist. 1. vi. 16. +</pre> + <p> + This "Proposal," which has not been included in the editions of Swift's + Works issued by Scott, Faulkner, or Hawkesworth, appeared originally, but + in a shorter form, in the "Tatler" (No. 220, September 4th, 1710). In this + form the whole of the first portion, from the beginning to the paragraph + commencing "The Church thermometer," is omitted, as are also the last + paragraphs of the essay, including the "Advertisement." The text of the + present reprint I have taken from the "Miscellanies," vol. viii., 1745 + (pp. 217-229). In all modern editions of the "Tatler" this paper is + ascribed to Addison; but the style and the subject are so characteristic + of Swift that, although I am not in a position to say definitely that it + is by him, I think it deserves a place in the form of an Appendix. The + date of its appearance in the "Tatler" is somewhat against Swift having + written it, since he was at that time on his way to London; and of the few + contributions he sent to the "Tatler" it is agreed by all editors that the + first is the paper on the same subject as the letter to the Lord High + Treasurer, which appeared in No. 230 (September 28th, 1710). + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + Having, with great sorrow of heart, observed the increase of Popery among + us of late years, and how ineffectual the penal laws and statutes of this + realm have been, for near forty years last past, towards reclaiming that + blind and deluded people from their errors, notwithstanding the good + intentions of the legislators, and the pious and unwearied labours of the + many learned divines of the Established Church, who have preached to them + without ceasing, although hitherto without success: + </p> + <p> + Having also remarked, in his Grace's speech to both Houses of Parliament, + most kind offers of his Grace's good offices towards obtaining such + further laws as shall be thought necessary towards bringing home the said + wandering sheep into the fold of the Church, as also a good disposition in + the parliament to join in the laudable work, towards which every good + Protestant ought to contribute at least his advice: I think it a proper + time to lay before the public a scheme which was writ some years since, + and laid by to be ready on a fit occasion. + </p> + <p> + That, whereas the several penal laws and statutes now in being against + Papists, have been found ineffectual, and rather tend to confirm, than + reclaim men from their errors, as calling a man coward, is a ready way to + make him fight; It is humbly proposed, + </p> + <p> + I. That the said penal laws and statutes against Papists, except the law + of Gavelkind, and that which disqualifies them for places, be repealed, + abrogated, annulled, destroyed, and obliterated, to all intents and + purposes. + </p> + <p> + II. That, in the room of the said penal laws and statutes, all + ecclesiastical jurisdiction be taken from out of the hands of the clergy + of the established Church, and the same be vested in the several popish + archbishops, bishops, deans and arch-deacons; nevertheless so as such + jurisdiction be exercised over persons of the Popish religion only. + </p> + <p> + III. That a Popish priest shall be settled by law in each and every parish + in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + IV. That the said Popish priest shall, on taking the oath of allegiance to + his majesty, be entitled to a tenth part or tithe of all things tithable + in Ireland, belonging to the papists, within their respective parishes, + yet so as such grant of tithes to such Popish priests, shall not be + construed, in law or equity, to hinder the Protestant clergyman of such + parish from receiving and collecting his tithes in like manner as he does + at present. + </p> + <p> + V. That, in case of detention or subtraction of tithes by any Papist, the + parish priest do have his remedy at law in any of his majesty's courts, in + the same manner as now practised by the clergy of the Established Church; + together with all other ecclesiastical dues. And, for their further + discovery to vex their people at law, it might not be amiss to oblige the + solicitor-general, or some other able king's counsel, to give his advice, + or assistance to such priests gratis, for which he might receive a salary + out of the Barrack Fund, Military Contingencies, or Concordatum; having + observed the exceedings there better paid than of the army, or any other + branch of the establishment; and I would have no delay in payment in a + matter of this importance. + </p> + <p> + VI. That the archbishops and bishops have power to visit the inferior + clergy, and to extort proxies, exhibits, and all other perquisites usual + in Popish and Protestant countries. + </p> + <p> + VII. That the convocation having been found, by long experience, to be + hurtful to true religion, be for ever hereafter abolished among + Protestants. + </p> + <p> + VIII. That, in the room thereof, the Popish archbishops, bishops, priests, + deans, arch-deacons, and proctors, have liberty to assemble themselves in + convocation, and be impowered to make such canons as they shall think + proper for the government of the Papists in Ireland: + </p> + <p> + IX. And that, the secular arm being necessary to enforce obedience to + ecclesiastical censure, the sheriffs, constables, and other officers, be + commanded to execute the decrees and sentences of the said popish + convocation, with secrecy and dispatch, or, in lieu thereof, they may be + at liberty to erect an inquisition, with proper officers of their own. + </p> + <p> + X. That, as Papists declare themselves converts to the Established Church, + all spiritual power over them shall cease. + </p> + <p> + XI. That as soon as any whole parish shall renounce the Popish religion, + the priest of such parish shall, for his good services, have a pension of + £200 per ann. settled on him for life, and that he be from such time + exempt from preaching and praying, and other duties of his function, in + like manner as protestant divines, with equal incomes, are at present. + </p> + <p> + XII. That each bishop, so soon as his diocese shall become protestants, be + called, My Lord, and have a pension of two thousand pounds per annum + during life. + </p> + <p> + XIII. That when a whole province shall be reclaimed, the archbishop shall + be called His Grace, and have a pension of three thousand pounds per ann. + during life, and be admitted a member of his majesty's most honourable + privy council. + </p> + <p> + The good consequences of this scheme, (which will execute itself without + murmurings against the government) are very visible: I shall mention a few + of the most obvious. + </p> + <p> + I. The giving the priest a right to the tithe would produce law-suits and + wrangles; his reverence, being entituled to a certain income at all + events, would consider himself as a legal incumbent, and behave + accordingly, and apply himself more to fleecing than feeding his flock; + his necessary attendance on the courts of justice would leave his people + without a spiritual guide; by which means protestant curates, who have no + suits about tithes, would be furnished with proper opportunities for + making converts, which is very much wanted. + </p> + <p> + II. The erecting a spiritual jurisdiction amongst them would, in all + probability, drive as many out of that communion, as a due execution of + such jurisdiction hath hitherto drove from amongst ourselves. + </p> + <p> + III. An inquisition would still be a further improvement, and most + certainly would expedite the conversion of Papists. + </p> + <p> + I know it may be objected to this scheme, and with some shew of reason, + that, should the Popish princes abroad pursue the same methods, with + regard to their protestant subjects, the Protestant interest in Europe + would thereby be considerably weakened: but as we have no reason to + suspect Popish counsels will ever produce so much moderation, I think the + objection ought to have but little weight. + </p> + <p> + A due execution of this scheme will soon produce many converts from + Popery; nevertheless, to the end may it be known, when they shall be of + the true Church, I have ordered a large parcel of ecclesiastical or Church + thermometers to be made, one of which is to be hung up in each parish + church, the description and use of which take as follows, in the words of + the ingenious Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq. + </p> + <p> + The[1] Church thermometer, which I am now to treat of, is supposed have + been invented in the reign of Henry the Eighth, about the time when that + religious prince put some to death for owning the Pope's supremacy, and + others for denying transubstantiation. I do not find, however, any great + use made of this instrument till it fell into the hand of a learned and + vigilant priest or minister, (for he frequently wrote himself both the one + and the other) who was some time Vicar of Bray. This gentleman lived in + his vicarage to a good old age; and after having seen several successions + of his neighbouring clergy either burnt or banished, departed this life + with the satisfaction of having never deserted his flock, and died Vicar + of Bray. As this glass was first designed to calculate the different + degrees of heat in religion, as it raged in Popery, or as it cooled, and + grew temperate in the Reformation, it was marked at several distances, + after the manner our ordinary thermometer is to this day, viz. extreme hot + sultry hot, very hot, hot, warm, temperate, cold, just freezing, frost, + hard frost, great frost, extreme cold. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In the "Tatler" this paragraph is preceded by the following: + "<i>From my own apartment, Sept. 4.</i>—Having received many letters + filled with compliments and acknowledgments for my late useful discovery + of the political barometer, I shall here communicate to the publican + account of my ecclesiastical thermometer, the latter giving as manifest + prognostications of the changes and revolutions in Church, as the former + does of those in State, and both of them being absolutely necessary for + every prudent subject who is resolved to keep what he has, and get what he + can." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + It is well known, that Torricellius,[2] the inventor of the common + weather-glass, made the experiment of a long tube which held thirty-two + foot of water; and that a more modern virtuoso finding such a machine + altogether unwieldly and useless, and considering that thirty-two inches + of quicksilver weighed as much as so many foot of water in a tube of the + same circumference, invented that sizeable instrument which is now in use. + After this manner, that I might adapt the thermometer I am now speaking of + to the present constitution of our Church, as divided into High and Low, I + have made some necessary variations both in the tube and the fluid it + contains. In the first place I ordered a tube to be cast in a planetary + hour, and took care to seal it hermetically, when the sun was in + conjunction with Saturn. I then took the proper precautions about the + fluid, which is a compound of two different liquors; one of them a spirit + drawn out of a strong heady wine; the other a particular sort of + rock-water, colder than ice, and clearer than crystal. The spirit is of a + red, fiery colour, and so very apt to ferment, that, unless it be mingled + with a proportion of the water, or pent up very close, it will burst the + vessel that holds it, and fly up in a fume and smoke. The water, on the + contrary, is of such a subtile, piercing cold, that, unless it be mingled + with a proportion of the spirits, it will sink almost through every thing + it is put into, and seems to be of the same nature as the water mentioned + by Quintus Curtius, which says the historian, could be contained in + nothing but in the hoof, or (as the Oxford Manuscript has it) the skull of + an ass. The thermometer is marked according to the following figure, which + I set down at length, not only to give my reader a clear idea of it, but + also to fill up my paper. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Evangelista Torricelli (1608-1647) was assistant to Galileo, + and is famous as the discoverer of the phenomena on which he made the + barometer. In 1644 he published "Opera Geometrica." [T.S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ignorance. + Persecution. + Wrath. + Zeal. + CHURCH. + Moderation. + Lukewarmness. + Infidelity. + Ignorance. +</pre> + <p> + The reader will observe, that the Church is placed in the middle point of + the glass between Zeal and Moderation, the situation in which she always + flourishes, and in which every good Englishman wishes her, who is a friend + to the constitution of his country. However, when it mounts to Zeal, it is + not amiss; and, when it sinks to Moderation, it is still in admirable + temper. The worst of it is, that when once it begins to rise, it has still + an inclination to ascend, insomuch that it is apt to climb from Zeal to + Wrath, and from Wrath to Persecution, which often ends in Ignorance, and + very often proceeds from it. In the same manner it frequently takes its + progress through the lower half of the glass; and, when it has a tendency + to fall, will gradually descend from Moderation to Lukewarmness, and from + Lukewarmness to Infidelity, which very often terminates in Ignorance, and + always proceeds from it. + </p> + <p> + It is a common observation, that the ordinary thermometer will be affected + by the breathing of people who are in the room where it stands, and indeed + it is almost incredible to conceive how the glass I am now describing, + will fall by the breath of the multitude crying Popery; or, on the + contrary, how it will rise when the same multitude (as it sometimes + happens) cry out in the same breath, <i>The Church is in Danger</i>. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I have finished this my glass, and adjusted it to the + above-mentioned scale of religion, that I might make proper experiments + with it, I carried it under my cloak to several coffee-houses, and other + places of resort, about this great city. At Saint James's Coffee-house the + liquor stood at Moderation; but at Will's, to my extreme surprise, it + subsided to the very lowest mark of the glass. At the Grecian it mounted + but just one point higher; at the Rainbow it still ascended two degrees; + Child's fetched it up to Zeal, and other adjacent coffee-houses to Wrath. + </p> + <p> + It fell in the lower half of the glass as I went further into the City, + till at length it settled at Moderation, where it continued all the time I + stayed about the Change, as also whilst I passed by the Bank. And here I + cannot but take notice, that, through the whole course of my remarks, I + never observed my glass to rise at the same time that the stocks did. + </p> + <p> + To complete the experiment, I prevailed upon a friend of mine, who works + under me in the occult sciences, to make a progress with my glass through + the whole Island of Great Britain; and, after his return, to present me + with a register of his observations. I guessed beforehand at the temper of + several places he passed through, by the characters they have had time out + of mind. Thus that facetious divine, Dr. Fuller,[3] speaking of the town + of Banbury near a hundred years ago, tells us, it was a place famous for + cakes and zeal, which I find by my glass is true to this day, as to the + latter part of his description; though I must confess, it is not in the + same reputation for cakes that it was in the time of that learned author; + and thus of other places. In short, I have now by me, digested in an + alphabetical order, all the counties, corporations, and boroughs in Great + Britain, with their respective tempers, as they stand related to my + thermometer. But this I shall keep to myself, because I would by no means + do any thing that may seem to influence any ensuing election. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Thomas Fuller, D.D. (1608-1661) was the author of "History of + the Worthies of England," "History of the Holy War," and many other works + distinguished for their humour and style. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + The point of doctrine which I would propagate by this my invention, is the + same which was long ago advanced by that able teacher Horace, out of whom + I have taken my text for this discourse: We should be careful not to + over-shoot ourselves in the pursuits even of virtue. Whether zeal or + moderation be the point we aim at, let us keep fire out of the one, and + frost out of the other. But, alas! the world is too wise to want such a + precaution. The terms High-Church and Low-Church, as commonly used, do not + so much denote a principle, as they distinguish a party. They are like + words of battle, they have nothing to do with their original + signification, but are only given out to keep a body of men together, and + to let them know friends from enemies. + </p> + <p> + I must confess I have considered, with some attention, the influence which + the opinions of these great national sects have upon their practice; and + do look upon it as one of the unaccountable things of our times, that + multitudes of honest gentlemen, who entirely agree in their lives, should + take it in their heads to differ in their religion.[4] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Here the "Tatler" paper ends. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + I shall conclude this paper with an account of a conference which happened + between a very excellent divine (whose doctrine was easy, and formerly + much respected) and a lawyer. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + And behold a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, + what shall I do to inherit eternal life? + </p> + <p> + He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? + </p> + <p> + And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy + heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy + mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. + </p> + <p> + And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt + live. + </p> + <p> + But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my + neighbour? + </p> + <p> + And Jesus answering, said; A certain man went down from Jerusalem to + Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and + wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. + </p> + <p> + And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and, when he saw + him, he passed by on the other side. + </p> + <p> + And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, + and passed by on the other side. + </p> + <p> + But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and, when he + saw him, he had compassion on him. + </p> + <p> + And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; and set + him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. + </p> + <p> + And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them + to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou + spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. + </p> + <p> + Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell + among the thieves? + </p> + <p> + And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, + and do thou likewise. Luke x. 25 to 38. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <i>Advertisement.</i> + </p> + <p> + There is now in the press a proposal for raising a fund towards paying the + National Debt by the following means: The author would have commissioners + appointed to search all the public and private libraries, booksellers + shops and warehouses, in this kingdom, for such books as are of no use to + the owner, or to the public, viz. all comments on the Holy Scriptures, + whether called sermons, creeds, bodies of divinity, tomes of casuistry, + vindications, confutations, essays, answers, replies, rejoinders, or + sur-rejoinders, together with all other learned treatises and books of + divinity, of what denomination or class soever; as also all comments on + the laws of the land, such as reports, law-cases, decrees, guides for + attorneys and young clerks, and, in fine, all the books now in being in + this kingdom (whether of divinity, law, physic, metaphysics, logics or + politics) except the pure text of the Holy Scriptures, the naked text of + the laws, a few books of morality, poetry, music, architecture, + agriculture, mathematics, merchandise and history; the author would have + the aforesaid useless books carried to the several paper-mills, there to + be wrought into white paper, which, to prevent damage or complaints, he + would have performed by the commentators, critics, popular preachers, + apothecaries, learned lawyers, attorneys, solicitors, logicians, + physicians, almanac-makers, and others of the like wrong turn of mind; the + said paper to be sold, and the produce applied to discharge the National + Debt; what should remain of the said debt unsatisfied, might be paid by a + tax on the salaries or estates of bankers, common cheats, usurers, + treasurers, embezzelers of public money, general officers, sharpers, + pensioners, pick-pockets, &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE3" id="link2H_APPE3"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX III. SWIFT AND SERJEANT BETTESWORTH. + </h2> + <p> + The <i>rencontre</i> with Serjeant Bettesworth, to which reference has + already been made in the note prefixed to "The Presbyterians' Plea of + Merit," is further illustrated by the Resolution which the inhabitants of + the Liberty of St. Patrick's passed, and which they presented to the Dean. + Bettesworth, as a note in the thirteenth volume of Swift's works (1762) + states, "engaged his footman and two ruffians to attend him, in order to + secure the dean wherever they met him, until he had gratified his + resentment either by maiming or stabbing him." Accordingly, he went + directly to the deanery, and hearing the Dean was at a friend's house + (Rev. Mr. John Worrall's in Big Ship Street), followed him thither, + charged him with writing the said verses, but had not courage enough to + put his bloody design in execution. However, as he had the assurance to + relate this affair to several noblemen and gentlemen, the inhabitants of + the Liberty of St. Patrick's waited upon the Dean, and presented the + following paper, signed by above thirty of them, in the name of + themselves, and the rest of their neighbourhood: + </p> + <p> + "We the inhabitants of the Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of St Patrick's + Dublin, and the neighbourhood of the same, having been informed, by + universal report, that a certain man of this city hath openly threatened, + and sworn before many hundred people, as well persons of quality as + others, that he resolves upon the first opportunity, by the help of + several ruffians, to murder or maim the Reverend the Dean of St. Patrick, + our neighbour, benefactor, and the head of the Liberty of St Patrick, upon + a frivolous unproved suspicion of the said Dean's having written some + lines in verse reflecting on the said man. + </p> + <p> + "Therefore, we, the said inhabitants of the said Liberty, and in the + neighbourhood thereof, from our great love and respect to the said Dean, + to whom the whole kingdom hath so many obligations, as well as we of the + Liberty, do unanimously declare, that we will endeavour to defend the life + and limbs of the said Dean against the said man, and all his ruffians and + murderers, as far as the law will allow, if he or any of them presume to + come into the said Liberty with any wicked malicious intent against the + house, or family, or person, or goods of the said Dean. To which we have + cheerfully, sincerely, and heartily set our hands." + </p> + <p> + Swift, at the time of receiving this Resolution lay very ill in bed, and + was unable to receive the deputation in person. He, however, dictated the + following reply: + </p> + <h3> + "GENTLEMEN, + </h3> + <p> + "I receive, with great thankfulness, these many kind expressions of your + concern for my safety, as well as your declared resolution to defend me + (as far as the laws of God and man will allow) against all murderers and + ruffians, who shall attempt to enter into the liberty with any bloody or + wicked designs upon my life, my limbs, my house, or my goods. Gentlemen, + my life is in the hand of God, and whether it may be cut off by treachery + or open violence, or by the common way of other men; as long as it + continueth, I shall ever bear a grateful memory for this favour you have + shewn, beyond my expectation, and almost exceeding my wishes. + </p> + <p> + "The inhabitants of the liberty, as well as those of the neighbourhood, + have lived with me in great amity for near twenty years; which I am + confident will never diminish during my life. I am chiefly sorry, that by + two cruel disorders of deafness and giddiness, which have pursued me for + four months, I am not in condition either to hear, or to receive you, much + less to return my most sincere acknowledgements, which in justice and + gratitude I ought to do. May God bless you and your families in this + world, and make you for ever happy in the next." + </p> + <p> + The poem itself to which Bettesworth took exception is herewith reprinted, + as well as three others occasioned by the Bettesworth action. + </p> + <h3> + ON THE WORDS BROTHER PROTESTANTS AND FELLOW CHRISTIANS, + </h3> + <p> + SO FAMILIARLY USED BY THE ADVOCATES FOR THE REPEAL OF THE TEST-ACT IN + IRELAND. 1733. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "An inundation, says the fable, + Overflow'd a farmer's barn and stable; + Whole ricks of hay and sacks of corn + Were down the sudden current borne; + While things of heterogeneous kind + Together float with tide and wind. + The generous wheat forgot its pride, + And sail'd with litter side by side; + Uniting all, to shew their amity, + As in a general calamity. + A ball of new-dropp'd horse's dung, + Mingling with apples in the throng, + Said to the pippin plump and prim, + 'See brother, how we apples swim.' + Thus Lamb, renown'd for cutting corns, + An offer'd fee from Radcliff scorns, + 'Not for the world—we doctors, brother, + Must take no fees of one another.' + Thus to a dean some curate sloven + Subscribes, 'Dear sir, your brother loving.' + Thus all the footmen, shoeboys, porters, + About St James's cry, 'We courtiers.' + Thus Horace in the house will prate, + 'Sir, we, the ministers of state.' + Thus at the bar the booby Bettesworth, + Though half a crown o'erpays his sweat's worth; + Who knows in law nor text nor margent, + Calls Singleton[1] his brother sergeant.[2] + And thus fanatic saints, though neither in + Doctrine nor discipline our brethren, + Are brother Protestants and Christians, + As much as Hebrews and Philistines: + But in no other sense, than nature + Has made a rat our fellow-creature. + Lice from your body suck their food; + But is a louse your flesh and blood? + Though born of human filth and sweat, it + As well may say man did beget it. + And maggots in your nose and chin + As well may claim you for their kin. + Yet critics may object, why not? + Since lice are brethren to a Scot: + Which made our swarm of sects determine + Employments for their brother vermin. + But be they English, Irish, Scottish, + What Protestant can be so sottish, + While o'er the church these clouds are gathering, + To call a swarm of lice his brethren? + "As Moses, by divine advice, + In Egypt turn'd the dust to lice; + And as our sects, by all descriptions, + Have hearts more harden'd than Egyptians; + As from the trodden dust they spring, + And, turn'd to lice, infest the king: + For pity's sake, it would be just, + A rod should turn them back to dust. + Let folks in high or holy stations + Be proud of owning such relations; + Let courtiers hug them in their bosom, + As if they were afraid to lose 'em: + While I, with humble Job, had rather + Say to corruption—'Thou 'rt my father.' + For he that has so little wit + To nourish vermin, may be bit." +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Henry Singleton, Esq., then prime sergeant, afterwards + lord-chief-justice of the common pleas, which he resigned, and was some + time after made master of the rolls. [F.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: These lines occasioned the personal attack upon the Dean. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AN EPIGRAM.[1] INSCRIBED TO THE HONOURABLE SERGEANT KITE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "In your indignation what mercy appears. + While Jonathan's threaten'd with loss of his ears; + For who would not think it a much better choice, + By your knife to be mangled than rack'd with your voice. + If truly you [would] be revenged on the parson, + Command his attendance while you act your farce on; + Instead of your maiming, your shooting, or banging, + Bid <i>Povey</i>[2] secure him while you are haranguing. + Had this been your method to torture him, long since, + He had cut his own ears to be deaf to your nonsense." +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Now first published from a copy in the Dean's handwriting; in + possession of J. Connill, Esq. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Povey was sergeant-at-arms to the House of Commons.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + "THE YAHOO'S OVERTHROW; OR, THE KEVAN BAYL'S NEW BALLAD."[3] UPON SERGEANT + KITE'S INSULTING THE DEAN. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>To the Tune of "Derry Down."</i> +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Jolley boys of St Kevan's,[4] St Patrick's, Donore, + And Smithfield, I'll tell you, if not told before, + How Bettesworth, that booby, and scoundrel in grain, + Has insulted us all by insulting the Dean. + Knock him down, down, down, knock him down. +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "Grub Street Journal," No. 189, August 9th, 1734.—"In + December last, Mr. Bettesworth of the city of Dublin, serjeant-at-law, and + member of parliament, openly swore, before many hundreds of people, that, + upon the first opportunity, by the help of ruffians, he would murder or + maim the Dean of St. Patrick's, (Dr. Swift). Upon which thirty-one of the + principal inhabitants of that liberty signed a paper to this effect: + 'That, out of their great love and respect to the Dean, to whom the whole + kingdom hath so many obligations, they would endeavour to defend the life + and limbs of the said Dean against a certain man and all his ruffians and + murderers.' With which paper they, in the name of themselves and all the + inhabitants of the city, attended the Dean on January 8, who being + extremely ill in bed of a giddiness and deafness, and not able to receive + them, immediately dictated a very grateful answer. The occasion of a + certain man's declaration of his villainous design against the Dean, was a + frivolous unproved suspicion that he had written some lines in verse + reflecting upon him."] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Kevan Bayl was a cant expression for the mob of this district + of Dublin.] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The Dean and his merits we every one know, + But this skip of a lawyer, where the de'il did he grow? + How greater his merit at Four Courts or House, + Than the barking of Towzer, or leap of a louse! + Knock him down, &c. + + "That he came from the Temple, his morals do show; + But where his deep law is, few mortals yet know: + His rhetoric, bombast, silly jests, are by far + More like to lampooning, than pleading at bar. + Knock him down, &c. + + "This pedlar, at speaking and making of laws, + Has met with returns of all sorts but applause; + Has, with noise and odd gestures, been prating some years, + What honester folk never durst for their ears. + Knock him down, &c. + + "Of all sizes and sorts, the fanatical crew + Are his brother Protestants, good men and true; + Red hat, and blue bonnet, and turban's the same, + What the de'il is't to him whence the devil they came. + Knock him down, &c. + + "Hobbes, Tindal, and Woolston, and Collins, and Nayler, + And Muggleton, Toland, and Bradley the tailor, + Are Christians alike; and it may be averr'd, + He's a Christian as good as the rest of the herd. + Knock him down, &c. + + "He only the rights of the clergy debates; + Their rights! their importance! We'll set on new rates + On their tithes at half-nothing, their priesthood at less; + What's next to be voted with ease you may guess. + Knock him down, &c. + + "At length his old master, (I need not him name,) + To this damnable speaker had long owed a shame; + When his speech came abroad, he paid him off clean, + By leaving him under the pen of the Dean. + Knock him down, &c. + + "He kindled, as if the whole satire had been + The oppression of virtue, not wages of sin: + He began, as he bragg'd, with a rant and a roar; + He bragg'd how he bounced, and he swore how he swore.[5] + Knock him down, &c. +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 5: See the Dean's letter to the Duke of Dorset, in which he + gives an account of his interview with Bettesworth, about which he alleges + the serjeant had spread abroad five hundred falsehoods. [S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Though he cringed to his deanship in very low strains, + To others he boasted of knocking out brains, + And slitting of noses, and cropping of ears, + While his own ass's zags were more fit for the shears. + Knock him down, &c. + + "On this worrier of deans whene'er we can hit, + We'll shew him the way how to crop and to slit; + We'll teach him some better address to afford + To the dean of all deans, though he wears not a sword. + Knock him down, &c. + + "We'll colt him through Kevan, St Patrick's, Donore, + And Smithfield, as rap was ne'er colted before; + We'll oil him with kennel, and powder him with grains, + A modus right fit for insulters of deans. + Knock him down, &c. + + "And, when this is over, we'll make him amends, + To the Dean he shall go; they shall kiss and be friends: + But how? Why, the Dean shall to him disclose + A face for to kiss, without eyes, ears, or nose. + Knock him down, &c. + + "If you say this is hard on a man that is reckon'd + That sergeant-at-law whom we call Kite the Second, + You mistake; for a slave, who will coax his superiors, + May be proud to be licking a great man's posteriors. + Knock him down, &c. + + "What care we how high runs his passion or pride? + Though his soul he despises, he values his hide; + Then fear not his tongue, or his sword, or his knife; + He'll take his revenge on his innocent wife. + Knock him down, down, down, keep him down." +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + "ON THE ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL,[1] AND BETTESWORTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Dear Dick, pr'ythee tell by what passion you move? + The world is in doubt whether hatred or love; + And, while at good Cashel you rail with such spite, + They shrewdly suspect it is all but a bite. + You certainly know, though so loudly you vapour, + His spite cannot wound who attempted the Drapier. + Then, pr'ythee, reflect, take a word of advice; + And, as your old wont is, change sides in a trice: + On his virtues hold forth; 'tis the very best way; + And say of the man what all honest men say. + But if, still obdurate, your anger remains, + If still your foul bosom more rancour contains, + Say then more than they, nay, lavishly flatter; + 'Tis your gross panegyrics alone can bespatter; + For thine, my dear Dick, give me leave to speak plain, + Like very foul mops, dirty more than they clean." +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Dr. Theophilus Bolton. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + The letter to the Earl of Dorset, containing Swift's version of the story + is as follows: + </p> + <p> + "January, 1734. + </p> + <h3> + "MY LORD, + </h3> + <p> + "It has been my great misfortune that since your grace's return to this + kingdom I have not been able to attend you, as my duty and gratitude for + your favours as well as the honour of having been so many years known to + you obliged me to do. I have been pursued by two old disorders, a + giddiness and deafness, which used to leave me in three or four weeks, but + now have continued four months. Thus I am put under a necessity to write + what I would rather have chosen to say in your grace's presence. + </p> + <p> + "On Monday last week towards evening there came to the deanery one Mr. + Bettesworth; who, being told by the servants that I was gone to a friend's + house,[1] went thither to inquire for me, and was admitted into the street + parlour. I left my company in the back room and went to him. He began with + asking me 'whether I were the author of certain verses wherein he was + reflected on.' The singularity of the man, in his countenance, manner, + action, style, and tone of voice, made me call to mind that I had once + seen him about two or three years ago at Mr. Ludlow's country-house. But I + could not recollect his name; and of what calling he might be I had never + heard. I therefore desired to know who and what he was; said 'I had heard + of some such verses, but knew no more.' He then signified to me 'that he + was a serjeant-at-law and a member of parliament.' After which he repeated + the lines that concerned him with great emphasis; said 'I was mistaken in + one thing, for he assured me he was no booby, but owned himself to be a + coxcomb.' However, that being a point of controversy wherein I had no + concern, I let it drop. As to the verses, he insisted, 'that by his taste + and skill in poetry he was as sure I wrote them as if he had seen them + fall from my pen.' But I found the chief weight of his argument lay upon + two words that rhymed to his name, which he knew could come from none but + me. He then told me 'that, since I would not own the verses, and that + since he could not get satisfaction by any course of law, he would get it + by his pen, and show the world what a man I was.' When he began to grow + over-warm and eloquent I called in the gentleman of the house from the + room adjoining; and the serjeant, going on with less turbulence, went + away. He had a footman in the hall during all his talk, who was to have + opened the door for one or more fellows, as he has since reported; and + likewise that he had a sharp knife in his pocket, ready to stab or maim + me. But the master and mistress of the house, who knew his character and + could hear every word from the room they were in, had prepared a + sufficient defence in such a case, as they afterward told me. He has since + related to five hundred persons of all ranks about five hundred falsehoods + of this conversation, of my fears and his own brutalities, against all + probability as well as fact; and some of them, as I have been assured, + even in the presence of your grace. His meanings and his movements were + indeed peevish enough, but his words were not. He threatened me with + nothing but his pen, yet owned he had no pretence to wit. And indeed I am + heartily glad for his own sake that he proceeded no farther, for the least + uproar would have called his nearest neighbours first to my assistance, + and next to the manifest danger of his life; and I would not willingly + have even a dog killed upon my account. Ever since he has amused himself + with declaring in all companies, especially before bishops and lords and + members of parliament, his resolutions for vengeance and the several + manners by which he will put it in execution. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The Rev. Mr. Worrall's. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + "It is only to the advice of some judicious friends that your grace owes + the trouble of this letter; for though I may be dispirited enough by + sickness and years, yet I have little reason to apprehend any danger from + that man; and those who seem to have most regard for my safety are no more + apprehensive than myself, especially such as best know his character; for + his very enemies and even his ridiculers, who are of the two by far the + greater number, allow him to be a peaceable man in all things except his + words, his rhetorical actions, his looks, and his hatred to the clergy; + which however are all known by abundance of experience to be perfectly + harmless, and particularly as to the clergy. I do not doubt but, if he + will be so good to continue steadfast in his principles and practices, he + may at proper junctures contribute very much to the honour and interests + of that reverend body, as well as employ and improve the wit of many young + gentlemen in the city, the university, and the rest of the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + "What I have said to your grace is only meant as a poor endeavour to + preserve myself in your good opinion and in the continuance of your + favour. I am, with the highest respect, etc." + </p> + <h3> + "JONATHAN SWIFT." + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE4" id="link2H_APPE4"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX IV. A TRUE AND FAITHFUL NARRATIVE OF WHAT PASSED IN LONDON, + DURING THE GENERAL CONSTERNATION OF ALL RANKS AND DEGREES OF MANKIND; ON + TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY LAST. + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + WILLIAM WHISTON (1667-1752), born at Norton, Leicestershire, was educated + at Tamworth School and Clare College, Cambridge. He resigned the living at + Lowestoft, presented to him by his patron and friend, Bishop Moore, of + Norwich, on accepting the Professorship of Mathematics, vacated by Sir + Isaac Newton. He was a profound scholar and mathematician, but obtained a + somewhat harassing fame by his propagation of Arianism. Indeed, his public + lectures and sermons, as well as his publications vindicating his + attitude, forced the authorities to deprive him of his lectureship, and + expel him from the university. In 1717 Whiston founded a Society for + Promoting Primitive Christianity, and its meetings were held at his house + in Cross Street, Hatton Garden. But the society lived only for two years. + In that curious medley, "Memoirs of the Life of Mr. William Whiston, by + himself," we are told that he had a model made of the original Tabernacle + of Moses from his own plans, and toured the country giving lectures on the + coming of the Messiah, the restoration of the Jews to their own country, + and the rebuilding of the Temple according to the model. The Millennium he + foretold would commence in 1766. + </p> + <p> + He wrote a prodigious number of tracts, pamphlets, commentaries, and + biblical expositions in support of his particular view of Christianity; + but the works for which he is now remembered are his astronomical and + mechanical papers and his well-known translation of Josephus's "History of + the Jews." + </p> + <p> + The pamphlet which follows is written in ridicule of Whiston's prophetic + pronouncements. Scott ascribes its authorship to Swift; but the + "Miscellanies" of 1747 and Hawkesworth in the edition of 1766 of Swift's + Works place it in the list of "Contents," with other pieces, under the + heading, "By Mr. Pope and Mr. Gay." + </p> + <p> + The present text is practically that given by Scott, which is based on + that in the third edition of the "Miscellanies" of 1732. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + On Tuesday the 13th of October, Mr. Whiston held his lecture, near the + Royal Exchange, to an audience of fourteen worthy citizens, his + subscribers and constant hearers. Besides these, there were five chance + auditors for that night only, who had paid their shillings a-piece. I + think myself obliged to be very particular in this relation, lest my + veracity should be suspected; which makes me appeal to the men who were + present; of which number I myself was one. Their names are, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Henry Watson, <i>Haberdasher</i>. + George Hancock, <i>Druggist</i>. + John Lewis, <i>Dry-Salter.</i> + William Jones, <i>Corn-Chandler.</i> + Henry Theobald, <i>Watchmaker</i>. + James Peters, <i>Draper</i>. + Thomas Floyer, <i>Silver-Smith.</i> + John Wells, <i>Brewer</i>. + Samuel Greg, <i>Soap-Boiler</i>. + William Cooley, <i>Fish-monger</i>. + James Harper, <i>Hosier</i>. + Robert Tucker, <i>Stationer</i>. + George Ford, <i>Iron-monger</i>. + Daniel Lynch, <i>Apothecary</i>. + + William Bennet, ] + David Somers, ] + Charles Lock, ] <i>Apprentices</i>. + Leonard Daval, ] + Henry Croft, ] +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Whiston began by acquainting us, that (contrary to his advertisement) + he thought himself in duty and conscience obliged to change the subject + matter of his intended discourse. Here he paused, and seemed, for a short + space, as it were, lost in devotion and mental prayer; after which, with + great earnestness and vehemence, he spake as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Friends and fellow-citizens, all speculative science is at an end: the + period of all things is at hand; on Friday next this world shall be no + more. Put not your confidence in me, brethren; for to-morrow morning, five + minutes after five, the truth will be evident; in that instant the comet + shall appear, of which I have heretofore warned you. As ye have heard, + believe. Go hence, and prepare your wives, your families, and friends, for + the universal change." + </p> + <p> + At this solemn and dreadful prediction, the whole society appeared in the + utmost astonishment: but it would be unjust not to remember, that Mr. + Whiston himself was in so calm a temper, as to return a shilling a-piece + to the youths, who had been disappointed of their lecture, which I + thought, from a man of his integrity, a convincing proof of his own faith + in the prediction. + </p> + <p> + As we thought it a duty in charity to warn all men, in two or three hours + the news had spread through the city. At first, indeed, our report met + with but little credit; it being, by our greatest dealers in stocks, + thought only a court artifice to sink them, that some choice favourites + might purchase at a lower rate; for the South Sea, that very evening, fell + five <i>per cent.</i>, the India, eleven, and all the other funds in + proportion. But, at the Court end of the town, our attestations were + entirely disbelieved, or turned into ridicule; yet nevertheless the news + spread everywhere, and was the subject matter of all conversation. + </p> + <p> + That very night, (as I was credibly informed) Mr. Whiston was sent for to + a great lady, who is very curious in the learned sciences, and addicted to + all the speculative doubts of the most able philosophers; but he was not + now to be found; and since, at other times, he has been known not to + decline that honour, I make no doubt he concealed himself to attend the + great business of his soul: but whether it was the lady's faith, or + inquisitiveness, that occasioned her to send, is a point I shall not + presume to determine. As for his being sent for to the secretary's office + by a messenger, it is now known to be a matter notoriously false, and + indeed at first it had little credit with me, that so zealous and honest a + man should be ordered into custody, as a seditious preacher, who is known + to be so well-affected to the present happy establishment. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas now I reflected, with exceeding trouble and sorrow, that I had + disused family prayers for above five years, and (though it has been a + custom of late entirely neglected by men of any business or station) I + determined within myself no longer to omit so reasonable and religious a + duty. I acquainted my wife with my intentions: But two or three neighbours + having been engaged to sup with us that night, and many hours being + unwarily spent at cards, I was prevailed upon by her to put it off till + the next day; she reasoning, that it would be time enough to take off the + servants from their business (which this practice must infallibly occasion + for an hour or two every day) after the comet had made its appearance. + </p> + <p> + Zachery Bowen, a Quaker, and my next neighbour, had no sooner heard of the + prophecy, but he made me a visit. I informed him of everything I had + heard, but found him quite obstinate in his unbelief; for, said he, be + comforted, friend, thy tidings are impossibilities; for, were these things + to happen, they must have been foreseen by some of our brethren. This + indeed (as in all other spiritual cases with this set of people) was his + only reason against believing me; and, as he was fully persuaded that the + prediction was erroneous, he in a very neighbourly manner admonished me + against selling my stock at the present low price, which, he said, beyond + dispute, must have a rise before Monday, when this unreasonable + consternation should be over. + </p> + <p> + But on Wednesday morning (I believe to the exact calculation of Mr. + Whiston) the comet appeared; for, at three minutes after five by my own + watch, I saw it. He indeed foretold, that it would be seen at five minutes + after five; but, as the best watches may be a minute or two too slow, I am + apt to think his calculation just to a minute. + </p> + <p> + In less than a quarter of an hour, all Cheapside was crowded with a vast + concourse of people, and notwithstanding it was so early, it is thought + that, through all that part of the town, there was not man, woman, or + child, except the sick or infirm, left in their beds. From my own balcony, + I am confident, I saw several thousands in the street, and counted at + least seventeen, who were upon their knees, and seemed in actual devotion. + Eleven of them, indeed, appeared to be old women of about fourscore; the + six others were men in advanced life, but (as I could guess) two of them + might be under seventy. + </p> + <p> + It is highly probable, that an event of this nature may be passed over by + the greater historians of our times, as conducing very little or nothing + to the unravelling and laying open the deep schemes of politicians, and + mysteries of state; for which reason, I thought it might not be + unacceptable to record the facts, which, in the space of three days, came + to my knowledge, either as an eye-witness, or from unquestionable + authorities; nor can I think this narrative will be entirely without its + use, as it may enable us to form a more just idea of our countrymen in + general, particularly in regard to their faith, religion, morals, and + politics. + </p> + <p> + Before Wednesday noon, the belief was universal, that the day of judgment + was at hand, insomuch, that a waterman of my acquaintance told me, he + counted no less than one hundred and twenty-three clergymen, who had been + ferried over to Lambeth before twelve o'clock: these, it is said, went + thither to petition, that a short prayer might be penned, and ordered, + there being none in the service upon that occasion. But, as in things of + this nature, it is necessary that the council be consulted, their request + was not immediately complied with; and this I affirm to be the true and + only reason, that the churches were not that morning so well attended, and + is in noways to be imputed to the fears and consternation of the clergy, + with which the freethinkers have since very unjustly reproached them. + </p> + <p> + My wife and I went to church, (where we had not been for many years on a + week-day,) and, with a very large congregation, were disappointed of the + service. But (what will be scarce credible) by the carelessness of a + 'prentice, in our absence, we had a piece of fine cambric carried off by a + shop-lifter: so little impression was yet made on the minds of those + wicked women! + </p> + <p> + I cannot omit the care of a particular director of the Bank; I hope the + worthy and wealthy knight will forgive me, that I endeavour to do him + justice; for it was unquestionably owing to Sir Gilbert Heathcote's[1] + sagacity, that all the fire-offices were required to have a particular eye + upon the Bank of England. Let it be recorded to his praise, that in the + general hurry, this struck him as his nearest and tenderest concern; but + the next day in the evening, after having taken due care of all his books, + bills, and bonds, I was informed, his mind was wholly turned upon + spiritual matters; yet, ever and anon, he could not help expressing his + resentment against the Tories and Jacobites, to whom he imputed that + sudden run upon the Bank, which happened on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Sir Gilbert Heathcote had before signalized his care for the + Bank when in equal danger, by petitioning against the Lord-Treasurer + Godolphin's being removed, as a measure that would destroy the public + credit. [H.]] + </p> + <p> + A great man (whom at this time it may not be prudent to name) employed all + the Wednesday morning to make up such an account, as might appear fair, in + case he should be called upon to produce it on the Friday; but was forced + to desist, after having for several hours together attempted it, not being + able to bring himself to a resolution to trust the many hundred articles + of his secret transactions upon paper. + </p> + <p> + Another seemed to be very melancholy, which his flatterers imputed to his + dread of losing his power in a day or two; but I rather take it, that his + chief concern was the terror of being tried in a court, that could not be + influenced, and where a majority of voices could avail him nothing. It was + observed, too, that he had but few visitors that day. + </p> + <p> + This added so much to his mortification, that he read through the first + chapter of the book of Job, and wept over it bitterly; in short, he seemed + a true penitent in everything but in charity to his neighbour. No business + was that day done in his counting-house. It is said too, that he was + advised to restitution, but I never heard that he complied with it, any + farther than in giving half-a-crown a-piece to several crazed and starving + creditors, who attended in the outward room. + </p> + <p> + Three of the maids of honour sent to countermand their birth-day clothes; + two of them burnt all their collections of novels and romances, and sent + to a bookseller's in Pall-Mall to buy each of them a Bible, and Taylor's + "Holy Living and Dying." But I must do all of them the justice to + acknowledge, that they shewed a very decent behaviour in the drawing-room, + and restrained themselves from those innocent freedoms, and little + levities, so commonly incident to young ladies of their profession. So + many birth-day suits were countermanded the next day, that most of the + tailors and mantua makers discharged all their journeymen and women. A + grave elderly lady of great erudition and modesty, who visits these young + ladies, seemed to be extremely shocked by the apprehensions, that she was + to appear naked before the whole world; and no less so, that all mankind + was to appear naked before her; which might so much divert her thoughts, + as to incapacitate her to give ready and apt answers to the + interrogatories that might be made her. The maids of honour, who had both + modesty and curiosity, could not imagine the sight so disagreeable as was + represented; nay, one of them went so far as to say, she perfectly longed + to see it; for it could not be so indecent, when everybody was to be + alike; and they had a day or two to prepare themselves to be seen in that + condition. Upon this reflection, each of them ordered a bathing-tub to be + got ready that evening, and a looking-glass to be set by it. So much are + these young ladies, both by nature and custom, addicted to cleanly + appearance. + </p> + <p> + A west-country gentleman told me, he got a church-lease filled up that + morning for the same sum which had been refused for three years + successively. I must impute this merely to accident: for I cannot imagine + that any divine could take the advantage of his tenant in so unhandsome a + manner, or that the shortness of the life was in the least his + consideration; though I have heard the same worthy prelate aspersed and + maligned since, upon this very account. + </p> + <p> + The term being so near, the alarm among the lawyers was inexpressible, + though some of them, I was told, were so vain as to promise themselves + some advantage in making their defence, by being versed in the practice of + our earthly courts. It is said, too, that some of the chief pleaders were + heard to express great satisfaction, that there had been but few state + trials of late years. Several attorneys demanded the return of fees that + had been given the lawyers; but it was answered, the fee was undoubtedly + charged to their client, and that they could not connive at such + injustice, as to suffer it to be sunk in the attorneys' pockets. Our sage + and learned judges had great consolation, insomuch as they had not pleaded + at the bar for several years; the barristers rejoiced in that they were + not attorneys, and the attorneys felt no less satisfaction, that they were + not pettifoggers, scriveners, and other meaner officers of the law. + </p> + <p> + As to the army, far be it from me to conceal the truth. Every soldier's + behaviour was as undismayed, and undaunted, as if nothing was to happen; I + impute not this to their want of faith, but to their martial disposition; + though I cannot help thinking they commonly accompany their commands with + more oaths than are requisite, of which there was no remarkable diminution + this morning on the parade in St James's Park. But possibly it was by + choice, and on consideration, that they continued this way of expression, + not to intimidate the common soldiers, or give occasion to suspect, that + even the fear of damnation could make any impression upon their superior + officers. A duel was fought the same morning between two colonels, not + occasioned (as was reported) because the one was put over the other's + head; that being a point, which might, at such a juncture, have been + accommodated by the mediation of friends; but as this was upon the account + of a lady, it was judged it could not be put off at this time, above all + others, but demanded immediate satisfaction. I am apt to believe, that a + young officer, who desired his surgeon to defer putting him into a + salivation till Saturday, might make this request out of some opinion he + had of the truth of the prophecy; for the apprehensions of any danger in + the operation could not be his motive, the surgeon himself having assured + me, that he had before undergone three severe operations of the like + nature with great resignation and fortitude. + </p> + <p> + There was an order issued, that the chaplains of the several regiments + should attend their duty; but as they were dispersed about in several + parts of England, it was believed, that most of them could not be found, + or so much as heard of, till the great day was over. + </p> + <p> + Most of the considerable physicians, by their outward demeanour, seemed to + be unbelievers; but at the same time, they everywhere insinuated, that + there might be a pestilential malignancy in the air, occasioned by the + comet, which might be armed against by proper and timely medicines. This + caution had but little effect; for as the time approached, the Christian + resignation of the people increased, and most of them (which was never + before known) had their souls more at heart than their bodies. + </p> + <p> + If the reverend clergy shewed more concern than others, I charitably + impute it to their great charge of souls; and what confirmed me in this + opinion was, that the degrees of apprehension and terror could be + distinguished to be greater or less, according to their ranks and degrees + in the church. + </p> + <p> + The like might be observed in all sorts of ministers, though not of the + Church of England; the higher their rank, the more was their fear. + </p> + <p> + I speak not of the Court for fear of offence; and I forbear inserting the + names of particular persons, to avoid the imputation of slander; so that + the reader will allow the narrative must be deficient, and is therefore + desired to accept hereof rather as a sketch, than a regular circumstantial + history. + </p> + <p> + I was not informed of any persons, who shewed the least joy; except three + malefactors, who were to be executed on the Monday following, and one old + man, a constant church-goer, who being at the point of death, expressed + some satisfaction at the news. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday morning there was little or nothing transacted in + 'Change-alley; there were a multitude of sellers, but so few buyers, that + one cannot affirm the stocks bore any certain price except among the Jews; + who this day reaped great profit by their infidelity. There were many who + called themselves Christians, who offered to buy for time; but as these + were people of great distinction, I choose not to mention them, because in + effect it would seem to accuse them both of avarice and infidelity. + </p> + <p> + The run upon the Bank is too well known to need a particular relation: for + it never can be forgotten, that no one person whatever (except the + directors themselves, and some of their particular friends and associates) + could convert a bill all that day into specie; all hands being employed to + serve them. + </p> + <p> + In the several churches of the city and suburbs, there were seven thousand + two hundred and forty-five, who publicly and solemnly declared before the + congregation, that they took to wife their several kept-mistresses, which + was allowed as valid marriage, the priest not having time to pronounce the + ceremony in form. + </p> + <p> + At St Bride's church in Fleet-street, Mr. Woolston,[2] (who writ against + the miracles of our Saviour,) in the utmost terrors of conscience, made a + public recantation. Dr. Mandeville[3] (who had been groundlessly reported + formerly to have done the same,) did it now in good earnest at St James's + gate; as did also at the Temple Church several gentlemen, who frequent + coffeehouses near the bar. So great was the faith and fear of two of them, + that they dropped dead on the spot; but I will not record their names, + lest I should be thought invidiously to lay an odium on their families and + posterity. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Thomas Woolston (1669-1733), a deistical writer, born at + Northampton; became a Fellow of Sidney College, Cambridge. For his work, + "Six Discourses on the Miracles of Christ," he was sentenced to + imprisonment for one year and fined one hundred pounds. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Bernard de Mandeville, M.D., author of the "Fable of the + Bees," a deistical work, the scope of which was to prove, that private + vices are public benefits. The work was attacked by Bishop Berkeley in his + "Alciphron." De Mandeville was born in Holland about 1670, but came over + to England and settled there about the middle of the eighteenth century. + He also wrote "The Virgin Unmasked," "The Grumbling Hive," and "Free + Thoughts on Religion." He died in 1733. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Most of the players, who had very little faith before, were now desirous + of having as much as they could, and therefore embraced the Roman Catholic + religion: the same thing was observed of some bawds, and ladies of + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + An Irish gentleman out of pure friendship came to make me a visit, and + advised me to hire a boat for the ensuing day, and told me, that unless I + gave earnest for one immediately, he feared it might be too late; for his + countrymen had secured almost every boat upon the river, as judging, that, + in the general conflagration, to be upon the water would be the safest + place. + </p> + <p> + There were two lords, and three commoners, who, out of scruple of + conscience, very hastily threw up their pensions, as imagining a pension + was only an annual retaining bribe. All the other great pensioners, I was + told, had their scruples quieted by a clergyman or two of distinction, + whom they happily consulted. + </p> + <p> + It was remarkable, that several of our very richest tradesmen of the city, + in common charity, gave away shillings and sixpences to the beggars who + plied about the church doors; and at a particular church in the city, a + wealthy church-warden with his own hands distributed fifty twelve-penny + loaves to the poor, by way of restitution for the many great and costly + feasts, which he had eaten of at their expense. + </p> + <p> + Three great ladies, a valet-de-chambre, two lords, a customhouse-officer, + five half-pay captains, and a baronet, (all noted gamesters,) came + publicly into a church at Westminster, and deposited a very considerable + sum of money in the minister's hands; the parties, whom they had + defrauded, being either out of town, or not to be found. But so great is + the hardness of heart of this fraternity, that among either the noble or + vulgar gamesters, (though the profession is so general,) I did not hear of + any other restitution of this sort. At the same time I must observe, that + (in comparison of these) through all parts of the town, the justice and + penitence of the highwaymen, housebreakers, and common pickpockets, was + very remarkable. + </p> + <p> + The directors of our public companies were in such dreadful apprehensions, + that one would have thought a parliamentary inquiry was at hand; yet so + great was their presence of mind, that all the Thursday morning was taken + up in private transfers, which by malicious people was thought to be done + with design to conceal their effects. + </p> + <p> + I forbear mentioning the private confessions of particular ladies to their + husbands; for as their children were born in wedlock, and of consequence + are legitimate, it would be an invidious task to record them as bastards; + and particularly after their several husbands have so charitably forgiven + them. + </p> + <p> + The evening and night through the whole town were spent in devotions both + public and private; the churches for this one day were so crowded by the + nobility and gentry, that thousands of common people were seen praying in + the public streets. In short, one would have thought the whole town had + been really and seriously religious. But what was very remarkable, all the + different persuasions kept by themselves, for as each thought the other + would be damned, not one would join in prayer with the other. + </p> + <p> + At length Friday came, and the people covered all the streets; expecting, + watching, and praying. But as the day wore away, their fears first began + to abate, then lessened every hour, at night they were almost extinct, + till the total darkness, that hitherto used to terrify, now comforted + every freethinker and atheist. Great numbers went together to the taverns, + bespoke suppers, and broke up whole hogsheads for joy. The subject of all + wit and conversation was to ridicule the prophecy, and rally each other. + All the quality and gentry were perfectly ashamed, nay, some utterly + disowned that they had manifested any signs of religion. + </p> + <p> + But the next day even the common people, as well as their betters, + appeared in their usual state of indifference. They drank, they whored, + they swore, they lied, they cheated, they quarrelled, they murdered. In + short, the world went on in the old channel. + </p> + <p> + I need not give any instances of what will so easily be credited; but I + cannot omit relating, that Mr. Woolston advertised in that very Saturday's + Evening Post, a new Treatise against the Miracles of our Saviour; and that + the few who had given up their pensions the day before, solicited to have + them continued: which as they had not been thrown up upon any ministerial + point, I am informed was readily granted. + </p> + +<div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<h3>INDEX.</h3> + +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Abjuration oath. + Accusation, false, a means for injuring a community. + Action, motives for, often interested. + Administration and Legislature. + Agriculture, encouraged by the clergy. + Alberoni, Cardinal. + Ale-houses, should be closed at midnight. + Alsatia. + Ammianus Marcellinus. + Anabaptists. + Anne, Queen, her good qualities, + "Bounty" of. + Arber, Mr. Edward. + Arians. + Arius. + Army, English, its bad discipline. + Aristotle, his dictum about happiness and wisdom. + Asgill, John, biographical sketch of. + Athanasian creed. + Atheism, not worse than superstition or enthusiasm, + rise of, due to the Rebellion and murder of King Charles I. + Atheist, a perfect, is a perfectly moral man. + Atheology. + Atterbury, Bishop. + Austin. + + Bacon, Lord. + Basilovitz, John. + Baumgarten's "Travels". + Beggars, often intercept charity intended for the poor, + distinct from the poor, + in Ireland, + methods for dealing with them, + should wear badges. + Belief, want of, a defect. + Benefices, value of dividing them. + Berkeley, Earl of, + his letter to Swift. + Berkeley, Lady, + Swift's character of. + Bettesworth, Sergeant, his rencontre with Swift, + Dr. Dunkin on, + and Dr. Theophilus Bolton. + Bible, the, difficult to understand. + Biblical terminology. + Bill for a Modus, + its hardships on the clergy. + Bill of Division, + its injustice. + Bill of Residence, + its injustice. + Bindon, F., portrait of Swift. + Bishoprics, value of, + manner of filling Irish, + necessity for increasing their revenues. + Bishops, their tyranny, + their power derived from the people + comparison between English and French, + Swift's description of the Irish, + arguments against their power to let leases, + their action at the Reformation, + reduction of their revenues, + evil of giving them power to let leases for lives, + their power over church lands, + two kinds lately promoted. + Blasphemy, "breaking" for. + Bolingbroke, Lord. + Bolton, Dr. Theophilus, Archbishop of Cashel, + and Bettesworth. + Bouffiers, Mons. + "Bounty," Queen Anne's, + Charles the Second's. + Bowen, Zachery. + Boyce, S. + Boyle, Dean. + Boyse, J. + Brodrick, Allen. + Brown, Rev. Mr. + Budgell, Eustace, his appropriation of Tindal's effects. + Bull, Dr. George. + Burke, Edmund, on Swift's sermon on "Doing Good." + Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, + on occasional conformity, + Swift's satire on, + Dartmouth on, + biographical sketch of, + "History of the Reformation," + "Vindication of the Church and State of Scotland," + his criticisms on the Tories, + Swift's rejoinder, + his argument against Popery, + Swift's rejoinder, + his opinion of the clergy, + reference to the Tory clergy, + Swift's criticism on his methods, + Swift's criticism on his style, + on Presbyterians, + the oracle of the hypocritical zealots. + Business, corruptions in. + + Campegi, Cardinal. + Carr, Charles, Bishop of Killaloe. + Catholic Church, the necessity for a head. + Catholics, Roman, their persecutions of Protestants, + their favour with King James II., + reasons for repeals of Test Act in their favour, + first conquerors of Ireland, + their rebellions were purely defensive measures, + always defenders of the monarch, + are true Whigs, + their loyalty to the Hanoverian House, + have as fair a title to be called Protestants as Dissenters, + the bulk of them loyal to King Charles I., + lost their estates in Ireland for fighting for the king, + merits of, and Dissenters, contrasted, + arguments for repeal of Test Act affecting the equally with + Dissenters, the heavy accusation they lie under, + Catholicism and Protestantism, differences between. + Catholicism, Roman, its condition in England. + Cato, the wisest Roman, + a stoic by manners not by conviction. + Censor, the office of, suggestion for its establishment in England. + Charity, the outcome of self-knowledge. + Charles I., Act of, concerning the bishops and the church lands, + his trial, + sermon on the martyrdom of, + his ill-treatment by the Puritans + ingratitude to him by the House of Commons + history of the events which led to his death + Charles the Second's Bounty + Cheerfulness, a blessing of the poor + Chesterfield, Earl of + Children, a blessing and assistance to the poor + Chinuchii, Cardinal de + Chocolate Houses + Christianity, Real or Primitive, + inconveniences attending its abolition + advantages proposed by its abolition + has no share in the opposition to sectaries + abolition of, would mean loss of occupation to freethinkers + no necessity for extirpating it + evils attending its abolition + its organization + its truth denied by freethinking + usefulness of preaching on its mysteries + early + its want of truth a source of joy to the wicked + suffered by being blended with Gentile philosophy + Church and Dissent, their mutual attitudes + Church, sleeping in, sermon on + Church, the, not answerable for the depravity of human nature + its total exclusion of Dissent from its emoluments + the necessity for it being a corporation + duty to, of the members of + condition of, in Ireland + Church of Christianity, its inconsistencies + Church of England Man, his religious attitude + his attitude to the various forms and ceremonies + his toleration for worship + his passion for the Church + his abhorrence of flinging scandals upon the clergy + his opinion that publications against religion should not be + unlimited his sentiments with respect to government + his idea of the freedom of a nation + he is not bound to opinions of either party + independent of the civil power + Churches, necessity for their increase + their destruction due to the Rebellion + Church lands, + reasons for the rise in the value of + bad effects if sold to the laity + Church of Ireland, the National Church + Church revenues, expedients for increasing + Church thermometer + Cicero + Clarendon, Edward Hyde, Earl of, + "History of the Great Rebellion" + Clendon, John + Clergy, the, their ignorance and servility + mistaken in not mixing more with the laity + care to be taken by them because of the distinct habit they wear + better if they appeared dressed like ordinary men + unreasonableness of the charge of their persecuting spirit + their antagonism to Dissent springs from a worthy motive + have they any power independent of the civil + their relation to Divine Right + their love of power not a peculiar characteristic + their claim to judicial power + the allegation that it is their interest to corrupt religion, + combated excellent as a body + what they pretend to + their power in choosing bishops + Burnet's opinion of the + the Tory, Burnet's reference to + presumption on their part to teach matters of speculation + the bill for their residence + English <i>versus</i> Irish + English, their poverty + concerning the hatred against + not popular in Christian countries + their writings against popery + consequences to them of the repeal of the Test Act + their attitude to the Test Act + Clergy, Irish, James I.'s dealings with + condition of + their maintenance precarious + their resort to flattery for preferment + plan for a parliamentary taxation of + their impoverished state + want in them of concerted action + attitude of landlords to + their right to self-taxation, + their interests allied with the interests of the country + Clergyman, Swift's position as a + Young, letter to + Clergymen, handicapped by small means + the fates of + Climate, its influence on Government + Cokayne, Sir Thomas + Collins, Anthony + biographical sketch of + Swift's attitude to + his "Discourse of Freethinking" put into plain English by Swift + Collins, J. Churton, his opinion of Swift's motive in writing the + "Project" his opinion on Steele and "The Guardian" + on Swift's criticism of Burnet + Commissioners, Itinerary, for inspection of official conduct + Common-place books, use of + Commons, Irish House of, its alacrity in supporting the king against + the Pretender + Commonwealth, our duty to + corruptions in + Community, influence of private people on + injured by false accusations + injured by false rumours + Commutation, its purpose + Compton, Dr. Henry, Bishop of London + Concordate of the Gallican church + Connill, J. + Conscience, liberty of + defined, + testimony of, sermon on + its definition + our director and guide + its limitations + no higher than knowledge + liberty of + a due regard to its dictates conducive to general happiness + well founded, if guided by religion + moral honesty in place of + a good guide to motives + fear and hope the offsprings of + directs us to the love of God + the laws appeal to + Constantine the Great + Constitution, English, a growth + Contentment, the poor man's, sermon on + Conversation + Convocation, Lower House of + Convocation, should be abolished among Protestants + "Correspondent, The" + Corruption, in all departments of trading + Cotton, Sir John + Court Party + Coward, William, biographical sketch of + Coyne, Nicholas + Craik, Sir Henry, his opinion on Swift's tract on Collins + Cranmer, Archbishop + Creation, scripture system of + Creech, Thomas + Cromwell, Oliver, his notion of liberty of conscience + Cromwell, Richard + Cromwell, Thomas + + Dartmouth, Lord, his opinion of Burnet + Deanery, income necessary for a + Death, its evil an impossibility + Debt, National, proposal for a fund for + Deceit, its practice detrimental to the well-being of a community + De Foe, D. + Demosthenes + Deposition, can a king of England be deposed? + Devil, the, his power + Diogenes, his saying, "that a poor old man was the most miserable + thing in life" + his opinion of Socrates + Discretion + Disobedience, breeds sedition in a state + Dissenters, their natural union with Whigs + their attitude to the Bills of Residence and Division + their enjoyment of toleration + Swift's attitude to + his description of them in "A Tale of a Tub" + tracts written by Swift against them + their expedient addresses of loyalty + representation of the House of Lords against + address of, against their representation + their encouragement to refuse the oath of abjuration + the disadvantages they lie under will be remedied by the repeal of + the Test Act + allied to the Puritans + Divine Right, the clergy's relation to + Dolben, Bishop of Rochester + Dorset, Earl of, Swift's letter to + Doubts, not answerable for + Downing, Sir George + Drogheda, persecution at + siege of + Dudley and Empson + Dunkin, Dr. William, on Serjeant Bettesworth + his copy of Dr. Gibbs's "Paraphrase of the Psalms" + Dunkirk + Duns Scotus + Dunton, John + Dutch, the, their recognition of liberty of conscience in religious + matters + their Commonwealth + though they have liberty of conscience they yet enforce tests for + office + Duties, of each to the other in a state + + Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, should be vested in the hands of catholic + archbishops and bishops + Education, value of, to a young clergyman + university + Election, + Elisha and Hazael + Employments, battle for + Empson and Dudley + English language, value of its study + "Englishman, The" + Epicurus + Epiphonema + Episcopacy + Erasmus + Establishment, enquiry into its nature + Eusebius, Bishop of Vercelli + Evans, Dr., Bishop of Meath + Executive Power, the care it should take + + Faction, detrimental to brotherly love + Fagel, Mons + Fairfax, General + Faith, its great power + Falkiner, Sir F. + Falkland, Viscount, biographical sketch of + his method in writing + False witness, sermon on, + Fanatics, their insolence + Filmer, Sir Robert, biographical sketch of + First fruits and tenths + First fruits + Flattery, self-knowledge secures us against + its snares + Flax, bill for the encouragement of its growth + Forbes, Edward + Forster, Dr., Bishop of Raphoe + Forster, John, his "Life of Swift" + his suggested date for the writing of "The Project" and "The + Sentiments" + Fountaine, Sir A. + Freedom, of a nation, in what it consists + Freethinker, indispensable duty of + Freethinkers, their natural connection with Whigs + the most virtuous people in all ages + ignorance and vice their principal characteristics + Freethinking, its mischief + denies Christianity + and missionaries + enjoined by Christ + means free-speaking and free-writing + some thoughts on + Friendship, depends on brotherly love + Fuller, Dr. Thomas + + Gallican Church, concordate of + Gaming, addiction to + how to stop it + Gardiner's "History of England" + Gay, John, "The Espousal" + Genevan system + Gibbs, Dr., Swift's Remarks on his Paraphrase of the Psalms + Gildon, Charles + Giving, more blessed than receiving + Godolphin + Good, doing, sermon on + Gospel, the, too difficult for freethinkers + want of faith in + value of its truth + Government, Hobbes's principles of, combated + if every species of, be equally lawful, they are not equally + expedient English, its advantage over all other forms + its nature least understood by lawyers + in the body of the people + how invested in England + what it cannot do + its relation to a state religion + from God + Grabe, Dr. + Grant, Col. F. + Greed, often results in ill to a state + "Grub Street Journal," on the Swift-Bettesworth Controversy + "Guardian, The" + + Hanover Club + Happiness, does not depend on wealth + Harley, Earl of Oxford + Hazael and Elisha + Health, the best of all earthly possessions + Heathcote, Sir Gilbert + Heathens, the groundwork of their virtues + Henry VII., value of land and money in the reign of + Henry VIII., + his seizures of Church revenues + his attitude to Catholicism + his favouritism + his attitude to the clergy + Heptarchy, the, its power + Heresy, the beginning of dissent among the early Christians + Heylin, Dr. Peter + "Observations on the History of Presbyterians" + Hickeringil, Edmund, biographical sketch of + Hickes, Dr. George, + biographical sketch of + his replies to Tindal + High Church, how considered by the press + Hilary, St. + Hill, Samuel + Hobbes, Thomas, + biographical sketch of + Swift's arguments against his theory of the sovereign power + his opinion that the youth of England corrupted their political + principles by reading the classical writers + his opinion of the bad influence of classical histories + Holiness, of life, most worthy to God + Holland, + the worst governed country on account of its having no state + religion Honour, + largely a false principle + private, different from public + Hospitality, depends on brotherly love + House of Commons, Irish, the clergy's complaint against + Howard, Robert, Bishop of Elphin + Howard, Col. Thomas + Huguenots, the + Humility, + a virtue fitting every station in life + the outcome of self knowledge + Hypocrisy, better than vice + + Ignorance, the mother of superstition, but not of devotion + Immorality, + legislation against, ineffective + an incentive to good conduct + <i>Imperium in imperio</i>, doctrine of + Independents + differences between, and Presbyterians + their end + Infidelity, its infamy + Infidels, + their advice interested + cannot satisfy the general reason of mankind + the fallacy of their arguments against the Trinity + Informers, their interest + Inns of Court, "the worst instituted seminaries in any Christian + country" + Intemperance, dangerous to upright men + Interest, self, the spring of most actions + Interests, private and national + Ireland, + present condition of the Church in + wretched condition of plantations in + condition of the clergy of + first conquerors of, English Catholics + Rebellion in + its misery and want + the causes of this misery + its intolerable hardships + the folly and vanity of its landowners + pride and vanity of its people + discouragement of its manufactures + idleness and sloth in + cruelty by which it is governed + bondage of its laws + counteracting influence against the government + foundations and charities in + fraud of the servants in + necessity for proper training of the children of the poor in + the beggars in + its poor laws + methods for dealing with beggars + badges for beggars in + sermon on wretched condition of + Ireton, General + + James the First's Bounty + James I., his dealings with the Irish clergy + James II., + his abdication + attempted illegal and unjustifiable exercise of power + his conduct contrasted with that of Charles I. + his relations with the Church + Jerome, St. + Jethro, his advice to Moses + Jews, disbelief in their teachings + Jezebel + John, King + Johnson, Esther, three prayers for + Johnson, Rev. Samuel + Josephus + + Kevan Bayl's new ballad + King, Dr. W., + Archbishop of Dublin + biographical sketch of + the Dublin clergy's representation to + his way of encouraging the clergy to residence + Swift's letter to, on the Repeal for the Test Act + Kit-Cat Club + Kite, Serjeant + + Lancaster, Henry Duke of + Land, history of the rise in the value of + Landlords, Irish, their attitude to their clergy + Laud, Archbishop + Lauderdale, Lord + Laws, human and divine + Lawyers, + of all people least understand the nature of government + ignorant of the early history of England + Learning, its prevalence during early Christian times + Leases, bishops' + evils of letting, for lives + "Legion Club, The" + Legislature and administration + Legislature, the supreme power in a state + Leslie, Charles + Libertines, their principles + Liberty, + Roman idea of + enjoyment of, better than contentions + Life, its love, an essential impulse of our nature + a trust from God + its advantages for general use + Limiting Act + Lindsay, Dr. + Linen, encouragement of its manufacture + Loch, Lord + Locke, John, + his idea of government + "Human Understanding" + London, + its influence on the kingdom + the power it may have for good + a law for closing its ale-houses at twelve + Londonderry, siege of + Lords, House of, + character of + their representation against Dissenters + Lorrain, Duke of + Love, brotherly, + among the early Christians + the causes of the want of, among us + Papists and fanatics one cause for the want of + weakness and folly a cause for the want of + its non-insistence a cause of the want of + politics a cause of the want of + the evil consequences of the want of + the want of, puts an end to hospitality and friendship + motives for embracing + injured by faction + helped by religion + of country, defined + Love, the last legacy of Christ + of self, not a fault + Loyalty, a means to obtaining good character + Lucretius + Ludlow, Edmund + + Machiavelli + Magdalen College, its justification of William of Orange's declaration + Magistrates, + their abuses + care taken in their appointment + supreme, doctrine of resistance to + Mandeville, Bernard de + Manilius, Marcus + Manners, + degeneracy of, a preceding to the ruin of a state + its corruption ruin to a state + depravation of + Manufacture, influence of, on a community + Margarita. <i>See</i> Margherita, Francesca de l'Epine + Margherita, Francesca de l'Epine + Marprelate tracts + Marsh, Dr. Narcissus + Marten, John + Martyrdom of Charles I., + its lessons + the duty of all protestants to keep holy the day of the + Mason, Monck, + his "History of St. Patrick's Cathedral" + his list of tracts on the Test Act controversy + on the date of the "Narrative of the attempts against the Test Act" + on "Roman Catholic reasons for the Repeal of the Test" + McBride, John + M'Carthy, Charles + McCrackan + Midleton, Lord + Milton, John, his work on Divorce + Minutius Felix, Marcus + Miracle, + as much a mystery as the Trinity + positively affirmed by the Gospels + Missionaries and freethinking + Moderation, + a clerical cry + in politics, true and false + Modus, a + petition against + Molesworth, Robert, Viscount + Molloy, Neale + Monarchy, + absolute, doctrine of + hereditary, to be preferred to elective + the hereditary right to be sacred, if not dangerous to the + constitution + King <i>de facto</i>, and King <i>de jutre</i> + succession discussed + Monasteries, their scandals + Money, history of its values + Montaigne, citation from + Moore, Bishop, of Norwich + Moral honesty, in place of conscience + Morality, + classical <i>versus</i> scriptural + without religion is a half virtue + Morals, schemes for the improvement of + More, Dr. Henry + More, Sir Thomas + Mortmain, statute of + Motives, the best ground for judgments + Mystery, + to declare against, is to declare against scripture + conditions when it may be suspicious + faith, necessary for a belief in + nature full of + not contrary to reason + + "Narrative of what passed in London" + National debt, proposal for a fund for + Nayler + Neighbour, our duty to + Nelson, Mr. + Nichols's "Speculum Sarisburianum" + Non-residence + Non-resistance + + Oath of abjuration + Oath of supremacy. + Obedience, + St. Peter's directions for + St. Paul's directions for + avoid running into extremes on the question of + "Observator, The" + Occasional conformity + Office, qualifications for, as they are generally accepted + "Old and New Lights" + Oldisworth, Mr. + O'Neill, Owen Roe + O'Neill, Philip Roe McHugh + O'Neill, Sir Phelim + Opinion, + difference in, not a matter for quarrel + compared with fashions + its power + difficulty of changing in + Orange, William of + Oratory + Origen + Ormonde, Marquis of + Oxford, Earl of + Oxford University, its revenues + + Papists + in Ireland, their reduced condition + loyalty to King George + no cause for fear from the + Parishes, their union under one incumbent + Parliaments, annual + Parties, our attitude to + Party Government, + tends to enslave senates + tends to misunderstanding of personal character + establishes an incorrect standard for character + Passive obedience + Peace, the last legacy of Christ + Pedantry, the fear of + Pembroke, Lord + Penn, William + Penny, Rev. John + Peter the Cruel + Philip II. of Spain + Philips, Ambrose + Philosophy, classical + unrevealed, imperfect + fails to explain the Deity + its failure to inculcate the doctrine of Providence + defective in its moral teachings + contrasted by personal examples with Christian + disputes amongst the teachers of + Christian, its perfection + teaches reliance on God + teaches courtesy and kindness + is "without partiality" + is without hypocrisy + contrasted by personal examples with unrevealed + Pilkington, M., reference to sermon on "Doing Good" + Plato, his maxim on worship + his divine precept + his doctrine of happiness + Platonic philosophy, its relation to the early church + Plays, their bad influence on morals + Pluralities + Plutarch + Politics, dangerous to upright men + Poor, the, are not the object of envy + less subject to temptations than the rich + the blessings they enjoy + their power for doing good to others + have a greater share of happiness than the rich + Poor Laws, Irish + Pope, the supremacy of + his power in France + Popery, Burnet's arguments against, + its dangers + national leaning to + the most absurd system of Christianity + its merits + Protestants must not be charged with its errors and corruptions + its increase + penal laws against should be abrogated + its priests should be settled by law in Ireland + its priests should be entitled to tithe + the results of this + proposal for effectually preventing its growth + Popes, their seizure of power + Potter, Dr. John, biographical sketch of + Power, absolute, belief in, dangerous to any state + legislate + not pleaded for by Swift + Prasini + Pratt, Dr., Dean of Down + Prayer, an evening + Preaching, value of practice in + simplicity in, a prime requisite + the popular manner the best + styles to be avoided in + the moving manner + jesting in + plain reasoning in + pathetic <i>versus</i> rational + two principal branches of + quotations in + uselessness of taking the mysteries of Christian religion for + subjects for + not to perplex with doubts in + one of the disadvantages it labours under + its great neglect + its neglect attended by the misbehaviour of worshippers + objections against, and the unreasonableness of these + causes for the neglect and scorn of + neglect of, due to ignorance of religious principles + neglect of, due to an evil conscience + neglect of, due to the heart being set upon worldly things, + neglect of, due to the habit of decrying religion, + neglect of, remedies against, + good preaching, not so essential as right dispositions, + Predestination, + Preferment, qualifications necessary for, + given for zeal and not capacity, + Presbyterianism, possibility of its becoming the National Church, + consequences from its establishment as the national religion, + Presbyterians, + in Ireland, persecuted for their religion, + their complaint against persecution, + their "Plea of Merit," + "Plea of Merit," discussion as to date of its first edition, + differences between, and Independents, + against the execution of King Charles I, + and King James II., + and the Pretender, + their loyalty and religious principles, + their plea of merit absurd, + their great position in Ireland, + their loyalty to King George, + will join the army but not the militia, + their case to defend the country against the Pretender, + must not be reformed, + their church government independent of the state, + their opinion of Episcopacy, + Presbytery, + Press, legislation for its limitation, + its restraint a badge of popery, + Pretender, the, his cause, + not supported by the Irish dissenters, + Priests, cannot be relied on for anything relating to religion, + hired to lead men into mischief, + Princes, influence of their bad example, + their duties for good, + their influence on a nation, + should be careful in choosing advisers, + Prophets, the, were freethinkers, + Proselytism, consequences of, + dangerous in a state, + Prostitution, condemned by the priests, + Protestantism and Catholicism, differences between, + Publicans, suggestion for their prosecution if they serve drink to + drunken persons, + Public spirit, a blessing, + Punishment, eternal, doctrine of, + Puppet-shows, + Puritanism, + Puritans, the, + destroyers of the Reformation, + their attitude to the state in the time of Charles I, + their murderous parliament, + they corrupted the old virtues of the English nation, + how they injured the country, + + Quakers, the, + Quarrels, religious, + Queen, the, her power for good, + her power over the stage, + Quotations, value of their sparing use, + + Reason, particular, fallible, + Rebellion of 1648, + objections against, + of 1642, + the of 1688 + contrary to the teaching of Christ + "Reconciler, The" + Reeves, Rev. Mr., Swift's letters to Dr. King + Reformation, its establishment + censure of the clergy on its methods + "Rehearsal, The" + Religion, schemes for the improvement of + its negligence by the people + suggestion for it being necessary to any preferment + should be made fashionable + necessity for union in + impossible to remove opinions in its fundamentals + thoughts on + further thoughts on + national, legal to change + necessary for the well-governing of mankind + its denial often the spring of sin + to raise difficulties against, not conducive to virtuous living + conducive to brotherly love + Republics + Resolutions, easily broken + Restitution, impossible to make, when the injury is to a state + Resurrection, doctrine of + Revolution, considerations for, + Reward, an incentive to good conduct + Rich, the, more subject to diseases + often have little appetites + subjected to worry + their wants are more numerous than those of the poor + are more prone to melancholy + often grow so, by unjust means + their only advantage that of the power they possess to be good to + others + Richards, Col. + Richard III. + Riches, may be blessings + attainment of, does not necessitate the possession of noble + qualities not conducive either to ease of body or quiet of mind + Riddell + "Rights of the Christian Church," Tindal's book examined + its notoriety due to its critics + Rome, decline in the spirit of liberty there + Rooke, Mr. George, linen-draper and Quaker + Rumours, false, the spreading of, a means for injuring a community + Rump parliament + + Sacheverell, Dr. Henry + Sacrament, the + Its mercenary use + Presbyterian objection to prostituting the service of + our falsification of the + Sacrilege + Sancroft, Archbishop + Satan, his depths + St. Patrick's, liberty of, petition of to Swift + St. Paul, on obedience + on mutual service + his opinion of philosophy + St. Peter, on obedience + Schism, its danger and spiritual evil + Schoolmen, the + Scotch, the + characteristics of + Scott, Sir W., his opinion on Swift's tract on Collins + his criticism on Swift for writing his tracts against the bishops + his criticism on Swift's tracts against the bishops + his suggestion on Swift's Test tracts + Scriptures, various, + Christian + various readings in + Christian, different opinions about, among Christians themselves + the, abounding in expressions setting forth the depravity of man + Sects, the reason for their toleration in a state + their position in a state + the power they should have + various + Sedition, caution for its prevention + Self-knowledge, the want of, common + man himself most ignorant in + reasons for the ignorance of + self-communion conducive to + business interferes with the time for + fear of discovering vices interferes with + inclination often a hindrance to + advantages of + humility the outcome of + a security from flattery + its value in time of adversity + its charity + Self-love not a fault + Senates, their disregard of outside proposals + Seneca + Sermons, the reading of + Sermons, Swift's, on Mutual Subjection + on the Testimony of Conscience + on the Trinity + on Brotherly Love + on the Difficulty of Knowing One's Self + on False Witness + on the Wisdom of this World + on Doing Good + on the Martyrdom of King Charles I + on the Poor Man's Contentment + on the Wretched Condition of Ireland + on Sleeping in Church + Servants, Irish, fraud of + Service, mutual + Sharp, Dr. John, Archbishop of York + Shaster, the + Sheridan, Dr. T. + Shrewsbury, Duke of + Sin, original, doctrine of + Slang + Sleep, often a poor man's privilege + Sleeping in church, sermon on + Smallridge, Dr. + Smoking, habit bad among the youth + Society for propagating Free-thinking + Socinus, Leelius + his teachings on worship + the greatest of the heathen philosophers + Diogenes' opinion of + Solemn league and covenant + Solomon, + on wisdom + Solon, his confession of weakness, against death + Somers, Lord + South, Dr. Robert + Spinke, J. + Spinoza, Baruch + Stage, the, the necessity for its reformation + Stanhope, Dormer, Earl of Chesterfield + State, the, ruined by corruption of manners + States-General, the + Stearne, Dr. John, Bishop of Clogher + Steele, Sir R. his opinions of the "Project," in the "Tatler" + his opinion of Swift in the "Apology" + the "Guardian" + "Englishman" + Stephen, Leslie, "History of English Thought in Eighteenth Century" + Stillingfleet, Edward, Bishop of Worcester + Stratford, Earl of + Style, faults to be avoided in + Suarez, Francis + Subjection, mutual, sermon on + its practice extinguishes pride + its practice contributes to the general happiness + brings about contentment + Succession, can the people of England alter the + instances in Greek and Roman history where it was altered + Sunday, the difference between, and weekdays + Swan, Captain + Sweet singers + Swift, his attitude towards the Church of England, + his position as a religious thinker + his High Church leanings made evident + his relation to the Whigs considered + as a party man + his letter to Pope + his championship of the Church of England + his sentiments with regard to it + no bigot either in religion or politics + his friendship with men of both parties + "the Importance of the 'Guardian' considered" + his letter to Stella on Collins's tract + his belief in the dignity of the Church. + his disinterested use of the Deanery lands + his disinterestedness in his remarks on the bishops + his opinion on his office of a clergyman + loss of favour with the Whigs for writing his "Letter on the + Sacramental Test" + his rencontre with Serjeant Bettesworth + his sermons + criticisms on + reference to his sermon on "Doing Good" + controversy with Serjeant Bettesworth + his letter to the Earl of Dorset + his reply to the address of the inhabitants of the Liberty of St. + Patrick's + his poem on "Brother Protestants and Fellow Christians" + his epigram to Serjeant Kite + Swift, Thomas + Synesius of Gyrene + + Tackers + Talapoins + "Tale of a Tub" + Taxation, unequal + Taylor, Dr., Jeremy + Technical language, bad for style + Temple, Sir W. + Tenison, Dr. Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury + Test Act + letter on + reasons for repealing it combated + alteration in religion, if it be repealed + the consequences of its repeal on the offices of the Crown + likelihood of the success of the agitation for repeal of + attitude of the clergy to + arguments for its repeal combated + Churchman's argument against, combated + Swift's tracts against + Swift's successful agitation for + to be repealed in Ireland first + Presbyterians' attitude towards the + vindication of + attempts made by Dissenters for the repeal of + Dissenters. efforts for its repeal + address of Dissenters against + criticism on the pamphlet on "The Nature and Consequences of the + Sacramental Test" + queries relating to + criticism on the advantages proposed by its repeal + to write impartially on, one must be indifferent to particular + systems + of Christianity + consequences of its repeal to the clergy + its repeal will remedy the disadvantages the Dissenters lie under + reasons offered for its repeal in favour of Catholics + King Charles Second's + arguments for its repeal affecting Dissenters and Roman Catholics + equally ostensible commendation of a criticism on "The Presbyterians + Plea of Merit" + some few thoughts on + ten reasons for repealing it + Thales, his dictum for bearing ill-fortune + Thermometer, the church + Throckmorton, Job + Tiberius, his saying about the offences against the gods + Tidcomb, Colonel + Tillotson, Archbishop + Tindal, Dr. Matthew, biographical sketch of + considerations as to his fitness for writing on Christianity + Swift's criticism on the style of his book + his disregard for truth and justice + his motives for writing his book + his vanity + published his book in hopes of being bribed to silence + nature and tendency of his work + his ridicule of Christianity + his work "a twig for sinking libertines to catch at" + Tisdal, Dr., his tract on "The Sacramental Test" + Tithes + their application to the maintenance of monasteries, a scandal + Tofts, Mrs. Catherine + Toland, John + Tom's coffee-house + Toricellius Evangelista + Tories, their aims + their aversion for sects which once destroyed the constitution + their veneration for monarchical government + and Whigs, their common agreements + their differences + contrasted + Tradesmen, power they have for public weal or woe + Trimmers, the + Trinity, doctrine of + sermon on + defence of, by the learned, a mistake + our ignorance or incapacity no test of its fallacy + its affirmation, opinion, and distinction, a mystery + to declare against mystery is to declare against Scripture + faith necessary for a belief in + probably we could not understand it, if it were explained + fallacy of the infidel's arguments against + Tutchin, John + + Universities, the want of discipline there + + Valentini + Varro, Marcus Terentius + Veniti + Vicar, condition of a + Vicar general + Victorious, Fabius Marius + + Wallis, Dr. John + Walls, Archdeacon + Warreng, Mr., letter from + Washington's "Observations on the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the + Kings of England + Waterford, Swift and the vacancy of its see + Wharton, Henry, biographical sketch of, + Emmet's character of + Whig and Tory contrasted + attitude to each other + their common agreements + their differences + Whigs, their want of zeal against Popery + definition of + their encouragement of intemperate language + their Jacobitism + their scandalous reflections on the universities + Whiston, Dr. W. + biographical sketch of + his prophecy + Whitefriars + White's coffee-house + Williams, Dr. Daniel + Wisdom, sorrow in much + heathen, high opinion of + bad opinion of + Witness, faithful, duty to bear + false, how a man may be justly so-called + how to defend against + Women of the day, their low standard of morality + Wood's project, sermon on + Woollen manufacture + Woolston, Thomas + World, the wisdom of the, sermon on + Worrall, Rev. John + Worship, Plato's maxim on + Socrates on + the established, any separation from, dangerous to the public peace + Wotton, Dr. W. + + "Yahoo's Overthrow, The" + York, Duke of, Popish plot against + + Zeal, in politics, dangerous in a state + violent, a synonym for pride + Zendavesta, the + Zeno, makes vice indifferent +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Prose Works of Jonathan +Swift, D.D., Volume IV: Swift's Writings on Religion and the Church, +Volume II, by Jonathan Swift + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS JONATHAN SWIFT *** + +***** This file should be named 12746-h.htm or 12746-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/7/4/12746/ + +Etext produced by Terry Gilliland and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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