Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 2.djvu/433

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( 381 )

AN ARGUMENT


TO PROVE THAT THE ABOLISHING OF


CHRISTIANITY IN ENGLAND


MAY, AS THINGS NOW STAND,

BE ATTENDED WITH SOME INCONVENIENCIES,

AND PERHAPS NOT PRODUCE THOSE MANY

GOOD EFFECTS PROPOSED THEREBY.


Written in the Year 1708.





I AM very sensible, what a weakness and presumption it is, to reason against the general humour and disposition of the world. I remember it was, with great justice, and due regard to the freedom both of the publick and the press, forbidden, upon several penalties, to write, or discourse, or lay wagers against the union, even before it was confirmed by parliament; because that was looked upon as a design to oppose the current of the people, which, beside the folly of it, is a manifest breach of the fundamental law, that makes this majority of opinion the voice of God. In like manner, and for the very same reasons, it may perhaps be neither safe nor prudent, to argue against the abolishing of

christianity,