Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 4.djvu/418

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
410
A PREFACE TO THE BISHOP

as my lord expresses it; but seek out for some better livelihood. His lordship is of a nation very much distinguished for that quality of cunning, (although they have a great many better) and I think he was never accused for wanting his share. However, upon a trial of skill, I would venture to lay six to four on the devil's side, who must be allowed to be at least the older practitioner. Telling truth shames him, and resistance makes him fly; but to attempt outwitting him, is to fight him at his own weapon, and consequently no cunning at all. Another thing I would observe is, that a man may be in the depths of Satan, without knowing them all; and such a man may be so far in Satan's depths, as to be out of his own. One of the depths of Satan is, to counterfeit an angel of light. Another, I believe, is, to stir up the people against their governors by false suggestions of danger. A third is, to be a prompter to false brethren, and to send wolves about in sheep's clothing. Sometimes he sends jesuits about England in the habit and cant of fanaticks; at other times, he has fanatick missionaries in the habits of ———. I shall mention but one more of Satan's depths; for I confess I know not the hundredth part of them; and that is, to employ his emissaries in crying out against remote imaginary dangers, by which we may be taken off from defending ourselves against those, which are really just at our elbows.

But his lordship draws toward a conclusion, and bids us look about, to consider the danger we are in before it is too late; for he assures us, we are already going into some of the worst parts of popery; like the man, who was so much in haste for his new coat, that he put it on the wrong side out. Auricular

fession,