but were rendered abortive by the subject degenerating into a defence of particular sentiments, instead of introducing nothing but what tended to a life of holiness. 1 Modern preachers too little regard scripture example, and lean too much to their own understanding to do good. Instead of being of any great service to religion, they spend their strength for nought, and fight as one that beats the air, by making things of no moment the pillar and ground of truth. The interest of Christ receives but small benefit from their labours, however they may succeed in promoting parties, or striving about words. Their zeal is wasted in externals, or doctrines not essential, whilst the weightier matters of the law are passed over, as if God dwelling in us3 were the least that concerned us, and sanctification unto obedience, no part of the faith once delivered to the saints." 6 1 Is. xlix. 4. 21 Cor. ix. 26. PULPIT. Your humble servant, Mr. Reading Desk, I hope I see you well, sir. I intend you a morning visit. DESK. Good company, sir, is always to be valued. But I fear it is over with me: I have laboured under a long, painful and dangerous disorder, brought upon me by grief; and it is a miracle I am alive. P. I am sorry to find so dear a friend and companion not enjoying every comfort of body and mind, which might render his valuable life still more serviceable. As to myself, I give praise, I am in perfect health; but it cuts me to the heart to see you so infirm and sickly. What shall I do to relieve so worthy a friend! How is it possible that a relation so near and dear to me, can have lingered under a long and grievous affliction, and I be an utter stranger to it? D. I design to let you into the cause of my disorder; and when I have opened my mind, I hope to find myself better. P. Sir, you please me extremely; and as it is an important subject, pray begin, and unbosom yourself to your dear companion and fellow labourer; and whatever service I can be of, you may safely depend on my fidelity. D. I readily embrace the occasion that offers; and your importunity will embolden me to speak without reserve. But I must be honest and plain with you: I would have you understand that I am all of a piece, and detest the being otherwise before a man's face that I am behind his back. I cannot play the hypocrite, and turn with the times; and though my free and artless deportment displeases some, in this dark and degenerate age: nevertheless, consult the Bible, and you will find this good old method pleasing to God, and approved of by all good men. You must, of consequence, own that for me to hear myself contradicted just over my head, made a liar, and false witness, as soon as I have exercised my office, and declared those truths which public authority enjoin me, must be very trying to my constitution.* P. Truly, sir, you surprise me! Am I this person? Am I the cause of your disorder? Can you possibly think I am a hypocrite, backbiter, and time-server? That I do not take the Bible for my rule, as well as you? But speak not so warmly; if the congregation hear us contending, who should speak the same thing, and find that we, who are at the head of ecclesiastical affairs, * Whatever is said, throughout the whole of this Dialogue, is designed for those pulpits only, that contradict and depart from their Common Prayer Book. think thus of each other, our precepts will make but little impression; they will be ready to say, "physician heal thyself;" and bid us first pull the beam out of our own eye. Example goes farther than precept. D. For my own part, I care not who hears us, for you have made all the world to know of the quarrel. P. Mr. Reading Desk, I insist on it that you explain yourself. It cuts me to the quick to hear this from you, who have been hitherto my good friend, and now, to turn your back upon me!-I cannot bear it. If it had been some sectary I should not have taken this notice; but you that are as my own self! Surely some cruel enemy hath raised groundless stories, which have exasperated you: or is it not your years and dotage? For without dispute, to arrive at two hundred years, or upwards, and to be compos mentis, is a miracle. Old people love not to be contradicted; they will have their own way: we had better leave cavilling, and be friends. Therefore, sir, your most obedient. D. Hold, sir, stop a little, I have not done. You seemed at first, overjoyed at the opportunity; and what, will you hear no more? This shows you are guilty, and that your conscience condemns you. For my part, I regard no man, and if you put off till midnight, I am resolved to tell you my mind; and if you will not hear me now, I will publish it to all the world, and let them see that you are no more a friend to religion than Demas, Simon Magus, or Judas. You are pleased to insinuate, that I am in my I dotage; but I will prove that my senses are as clear, and my memory as sound, as yours. allow you to object, and take the same liberty with me, that I take with you; and wherein I speak or act not agreeable to scripture and reason, reprove me; I assure you I will not spare to tell you the whole truth. P. Please to make good what you lay to my charge. You have already said enough to make a stone speak; and I am now determined to dispute it out, for I will not be run down and trampled upon so unjustly. Some of the congregation have certainly heard what has passed; and if they believe you, I shall be little esteemed for the future. D. Then I will prove my assertion. But I scarce no where to begin; for you not only contradict me, but preach a new doctrine of your own, and have introduced a system entirely unknown to our reformers. There is scarce a fundamental truth but you subvert, or a dangerous error you do not teach. I am really concerned for you; and would not willingly expose you, or open the mouths of gainsayers, though your offence is so capital. But whether it was your own ignorance, or the sin of your parents that mnade you offer yourself to the ministry for gain, or an easy life, or that the Bishop was imposed on at your ordination, when you solemnly declared you were "inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you that office," though at the same time you were wholly unacquainted with the Spirit of God, I will not hastily determine: however, immortal souls are at stake; and if |