A LETTER, &c. THIS excellent treatise, well worthy of the study of all who take orders, seems to claim precedence, in point of general importance, over those pieces which relate more immediately to church politics. The cynic philosophy of Swift, his detestation of the times in which he lived, and his ideas of the unduly degraded state of the clergy, are strangely contrasted with his sound good sense, extensive knowledge of the world, principles of practical morality, and high feeling, not only of the importance of his order, but of the talents and virtues requisite to its dignity. The Dean's very peculiar vein of humour, which seldom forsook him, even upon the most serious subjects, glances forth from time to time through his graver precepts. The Essays upon the Fates of Clergymen, and the Hatred to the Clergy, seem a proper sequel to the Letter. A LETTER, &c. THIS excellent treatise, well worthy of the study of all who take orders, seems to claim precedence, in point of general importance, over those pieces which relate more immediately to church politics. The cynic philosophy of Swift, his detestation of the times in which he lived, and his ideas of the unduly degraded state of the clergy, are strangely contrasted with his sound good sense, extensive knowledge of the world, principles of practical morality, and high feeling, not only of the importance of his order, but of the talents and virtues requisite to its dignity. The Dean's very peculiar vein of humour, which seldom forsook him, even upon the most serious subjects, glances forth from time to time through his graver precepts. The Essays upon the Fates of Clergymen, and the Hatred to the Clergy, seem a proper sequel to the Letter. |