The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 428 pages of information about The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09.

The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 428 pages of information about The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09.

[Footnote 10:  In his “Journal to Stella” Swift writes, under date December 13th, 1710:  “You hear the havoc making in the army:  Meredyth, Macartney, and Col.  Honeywood, are obliged to sell their commands at half value, and leave the army, for drinking destruction to the present ministry,” etc. (see vol. ii., p. 71, of present edition). [T.S.]]

[Footnote 11:  “Dialogues of the Dead.  X. Charon, Hermes, and a number of Ghosts.”  Hermes required Lampichus to leave behind him his pride, folly, insolence, etc. [T.S.]]

[Footnote 12:  Of this paper “The Medley,” No. 14 (January 1st, 1710 [sic]), says:  “He not only writes whatever he believes or knows to be false, but plainly shows ’tis his business and duty to do so, and that this alone is the merit of his service.” [T.S.]]

NUMB. 22.[1]

FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 1710.[2]

Nam et, majorum instituta tueri sacris, ceremoniisque retinendis,
  sapientis est. 
                —­Ruituraque semper
                Stat (mirum!) moles—­
[3]

Whoever is a true lover of our constitution, must needs be pleased to see what successful endeavours are daily made to restore it in every branch to its ancient form, from the languishing condition it hath long lain in, and with such deadly symptoms.

I have already handled some abuses during the late management, and shall in convenient time go on with the rest.  Hitherto I have confined myself to those of the State; but with the good leave of those who think it a matter of small moment, I shall now take liberty to say something of the Church.[4]

For several years past, there hath not I think in Europe, been any society of men upon so unhappy a foot, as the clergy of England, nor more hardly treated, by those very persons from whom they deserved much better quarter, and in whose power they chiefly had put it to use them so ill.  I would not willingly misrepresent facts; but I think it generally allowed by enemies and friends, that the bold and brave defences made before the Revolution against those many invasions of our rights, proceeded principally from the clergy; who are likewise known to have rejected all advances made them to close with the measures at that time concerting; while the Dissenters, to gratify their ambition and revenge, fell into the basest compliances with the court, approved of all proceedings by their numerous and fulsome addresses, and took employments and commissions by virtue of the dispensing power, against the direct laws of the land.[5] All this is so true, that if ever the Pretender comes in, they will, next to those of his own religion, have the fairest claim and pretensions to his favour, from their merit and eminent services to his supposed father, who, without such encouragement, would probably never have been misled to go the lengths he did.  It should

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The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.