Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/481

Rh we consider this exquisite piece of raillery as a test of truth, we shall find it impotent and vain. For the question still recurs, whether Martin be a just emblem of the English nation, Jack of the Scotch, or Peter of the Roman church. All the points in debate between the several parties are taken for granted in the representation: and we must have recourse to argument, and that alone, ere we can determine the merits of the question.

"If we next consider this masterpiece of wit as a mode of eloquence; we shall find it indeed of great efficacy in confirming every member of the church of England in his own communion, and in giving him a thorough distaste of those of Scotland and Rome. And so far as this may be regarded as a matter of pubiick utility, so far the ridicule may be laudable.

"But if we extend our views so as to comprehend a larger plan of moral use; we shall find this method is such as charity can hardly approve of: for by representing the one of these churches under the character of craft and knavery, the other under that of incurable madness, it must needs tend to inspire every member of the English church who believes the representation, with such hatred of the one, and contempt of the other, as to prevent all friendly debate, and rational remonstrance.

"Its effect on those who hold the doctrines of " vin