eft importance; that I think this becomes my Character as a Lover and a Preacher of Truth. That the Conviction of my own mind, fupported by the happy Liberty of my Country, authorises me to do fo. That I appear in this Cause not only for Myself, but in the behalf of Millions, who call aloud for a Reformation in the things which I have mentioned: and that as I am perfuaded fuch Alterations would tend to promote the happiness of my Country and all Mankind, I think it my Duty to propose them, to his Majefty, the Reft of the Legislature, to all my Fellow Subjects, and to all Mankind. I hope this will be accepted as a fufficient Apology for troubling the world with my thoughts on this occafion. I mean Nothing but their happiness. I cannot expect that my Propofal will tend to my own private emolument; for Mankind are generally fo attached to one party or other, that they neglect, to fay no worse, all who are not on their fide. I have already

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loft confiderable Preferments by refufing to Subscribe the 39 Articles again, to qualify myself for great things which a most powerful and generous Patron offered to me. And to whom now can I fly! I do hereby declare that I will not attach myself to any party or faction in Religion, unless that may be called a party which is truly Catholic, by declaring a Love to All. The Honeftum is my Philofophy: And Love to God and Man is my Religion. I know that I am looked upon, by People who profef fed a friendship for me; and even by Many of great Station in the world, who think as I do in Religious Affairs, as very imprudent for carrying things fo far. God knoweth who are prudent or imprudent in this cafe. If facrificing all worldly confiderations for acting according to my inward perfuafion is a proof of Impru dence, I am indeed chargeable with it. But if thinking men were so prudent as to be always filent on these occafions, there never would be any Reformation brought

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about in them. Thousands are defirous that Some should speak, yet almost every Particular, frighted at the danger that must attend himself, most carefully avoids it. Who am I then, that I should offer to ftand out in this Caufe! I, that am the leaft in the House of God! He knoweth that I prefume not on my own strength or abilities, but rely intirely upon Him who is the Common Father of all Mankind, and who is therefore defirous to promote the happiness of All these his intelligent Creatures. And to his Will I defire to dedicate All my Thoughts, Words, and Actions now and for ever. Amen.

QUOTATION S.

D

QUOTATIONS.

R. GARNET Bishop of Clogher in Ireland, in the Dedication of his Book on Job to the Duke of Newcastle, fays, How confiderably the Public Interest has been advanced, both in Church and State, under the comfortable Doctrine of Free Enquiry, let the Advancement of True Learning and Religion in these Kingdoms fince the Reformation fpeak. Who were the Persons that brought about this glorious Revolution in both, let our own Annals testify. They were all along the friends of Liberty; and in that character the friends of Mankind. And in proportion as fuch friendship shall be cultivated, we may fairly promise ourselves to fee the great Truths of our Religion maintained with equal fortitude and literature: and,

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what is more, with zeal tempered by Charity. This, My Lord, were a State of the world devoutly to be wifhed. For fure I am, Whatever the Points in debate amongst Chriftians are, there is no Truth fo certain, and I conceive there are few Truths fo important as this one, That the Love of our Fellow Creatures and Goodwill to All Mankind are the very Soul and Spirit of Christianity.

SIR RICHARD BLACKMORE, in the Preface to his fine Poem on the Creation, fays, Whoever fhall fet about to mend the World, and Reform Mens Notions, as well as their Manners, will certainly be the Mark of much Scandal and Reproach; and will effectually be convinced, that it is poffible, that the greatest Lovers and. Benefactors of Mankind may be reprefented by the Multitude, whose Opinions they contradict, as the Worst of Men. The hardy Undertakers who express their zeal to rectify the Sentiments of a pre

judiced