Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 16.djvu/223

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REMARKS UPON A BOOK, &C.
215

is really meant by giving the Holy Ghost, like a king empowering an ambassador[1].

Page 79. "The popish clergy make very bold with the Three Persons of the Trinity." Why then, don't mix them; but we see whom this glances on most. As to the Congé d' élire, and Nolo episcopari, not so absurd; and if omitted, why changed.

Page 78. "But not to digress" — Pray does he call scurrility upon the clergy, a digression? The apology needless, &c.

Ibid. "A clergyman, it is said, is God's ambassador." But you know an ambassador may have a secretary, &c.

Ibid. "Call their pulpit speeches the word of God." That is a mistake.

Page 79. "Such persons to represent him." Are not they that own his power, fitter to represent him than others? Would the author be a fitter person?

Ibid, "Puffed up with intolerable pride and insolence." Not at all; for where is the pride to be employed by a prince, whom so few own, and whose being is disputed by such as this author?

Ibid. "Perhaps from a poor servitor, &c. to be a prime minister in God's kingdom." That is right. God takes notice of the difference between poor servitors, &c. Extremely foolish — show it. The argument lies strongly against the apostles, poor fishermen; and St. Paul, a tent maker. So gross and idle!

Page 80. "The formality of laying hand over head on a man." A pun; but an old one. I remember, when Swan made that pun first, he was severely checked for it.

  1. See Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, Book v, §. 77.
P 4
Ibid.